Want to learn a language? There is no need to install tons of apps, bookmark hundreds of websites and buy dozens of textbooks. As a minimalist, I prefer to reduce the noise and use a minimum set of high-quality language learning tools. On this page you will find those very selected resources I used and continue to use myself. I update the list as I discover and experiment with new tools, so make sure to bookmark and visit it from time to time.
Most of the resources on this page are completely free to use. Ones that are not may contain affiliate links. If you follow them, I receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you. Remember that this list contains apps, tools and gears that I use, love and find most efficient. There are alternatives – you can always go with what works best for you.
Building vocabulary
Memrise
Memrise is an amazing vocabulary builder app I use for last 3 years. I has courses in more than 70 world languages and this number is keep growing. What I love about Memrise is their devotion to brain science: they give you the opportunity to profit from every single brain trick that exists in the field of language learning: elaborate encoding, core vocabulary, spaced repetition, gamification and the power of community! It's all yours.
Memrise
Anki
Anki is a 100% free software created with the only goal: to help to memorize anything you want faster and more efficiently. With Anki you can create flash cards to learn the exact vocabulary you need, not the one offered by language learning apps. In my opinion, it's the best tool to work on developing specific or technical vocab in your target language.
Anki
Get itMass input: reading and listening
Audible
The only way to learn a language is to listen and read a lot of original content. And guess what? With Audible you do both reading and listening at the same time. Moreover, since Audible has hundreds of thousands of books on any topic, you always find something that you've always wanted to read. Listening to audiobooks in another language can be challenging at first but you'll love it. Follow this link to start a trial and get two free audiobooks.
Audible
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Headphones
I have a very low noise tolerance, so my life as a language learner was miserable without these headphones. This pair helps me to concentrate, maximize my listening time and benefit from every free minute wherever I am. So if you want to drastically increase your productivity on the go by cutting off all distracting sounds, ATH M50xBT is your best choice.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Headphones
Podcast Addict
It's like having a pocket language teacher. With Podcast Addict you can practice your target language for HOURS while commuting, walking your dog, doing your laundry, cooking, etc, etc, etc. Just enter any topic, adjust language filter and listen to thousands of podcasts, radios and audiobooks available in this language.
Podcast Addict
Beelinguapp
With Beelinguapp you are ready to read on your target language from the day one. The app offers hundreds of audio books in 13 languages: all of them perfectly adjusted for language learners. With such amazing features as side-by-side reading and karaoke reading Beelinguapp empowers you to listen, read, translate and repeat at the same time.
Beelinguapp
Kindle App + Kindle Unlimited
Among all reading apps out there, Kindle App remains my favorite, for a simple reason: it supports Immersion Reading. With this app you can simultaneously read and listen to any foreign language book (as long as you've got both Kindle and Audible versions of it on your device). And if you've got Kindle Unlimited you can borrow as many of audiobook+ebook combos as you want. Use the link below to get a free one-month trial.
Kindle App + Kindle Unlimited
Readlang
Readlang is a browser extension that helps you to learn a language by simply reading things you like. It translates any word you don't know, saves them in word lists and then allows you to learn this new vocabulary using spaced repetition method. It also has a huge library of texts for every proficiency level in more than 40 languages.
Readlang
Netflix + LLN extension
As a mere mortal, I must confess I'm addicted to Netflix. However, as a productivity geek, I try to watch it in foreign languages as much as I can. To make it all work and avoid slipping into passive binge-watching mode, I use LLN extension that literally sets learning languages with Netflix on autopilot. Try it out to see what I'm talking about.
Netflix + LLN extension
Kindle Paperwhite
I'm a huge fan of paper books. But, hands down, this Kindle did win over my heart. The 10th generation is surprisingly learner-friendly. Flawless sync with Audible, built-in dictionaries and integrated vocabulary builder technology... For me, this is enough to name Kindle Paperwhite a Language Learner's eReader of the Year. Add here a fast-track access to millions Kindle titles through Amazon or Kindle Unlimited, and you're well set for success.
Kindle Paperwhite
Thrift Books
By default, Thrift Books is considered as a used book webseller. Though, nothing should stop you from using this source for language learning. Reread books you have already read, but this time - in your target language. And there is a lot of options for any language from Spanish, to French, to Chinese, to Russian. No need to say that you'll love the prices.
Follow the link below to get 15% discount coupon.
Thrift Books
Output: speaking and writing
Pimsleur
Pimsleur method is a real shortcut in language learning. 30-min-long audio lessons help you naturally acquire your target language: from its vocabulary, to grammar, to the native-like pronunciation.
For me, it's #1 choice among all paid language learning programs. So if you need to start speaking in 30 days whatever it takes, you're guaranteed the result with Pimsleur. Try a free lesson or use a code SAVENOW to get up to 25% off the full course with the link below.
Pimsleur
Rocketbook Everlast
I used to have dozens language learning notebooks for vocabulary, grammar exercises, language classes, etc. No more. Now, I have one solution for all, and it's Rocketbook Everlast. This is an endlessly reusable digital notebook that looks and feels like paper. Just scan its pages with the Rocketbook App and they automatically appear in your Evernote, Drive or other platform you use. After that, you wipe down your scribbles and it's like new again. A must-have in the XXI century.
Rocketbook Everlast
Polyglot Club
Polyglot Club will help you with the most challenging aspect of language learning: rough and straightforward practice. With this community you'll be able to sharpen your conversation skills, get immediate feedback and ask any language-learning-related question. Check for Polyglot Club events in your own city: real life communication is much more fun!
Polyglot CLub
Grammar and proofreading
Context.Reverso
One of the best translation tools. This website (they also have an amazing mobile app) increases your chances to use a given word correctly by 50%. No kidding. With Context.Reverso you see dozens of examples with your word used in a real context, that allows you to feel the word meaning better. And, guess what, Reverso team offers context databases for 14 languages!
Context.Reverso
Grammarly
English is not my first language. The same is true for over a billion other people around the globe. It's normal to feel anxious when writing in English and make mistakes. That's why I use Grammarly to check every text I've written: from academic assignments to posts in this blog. This is a truly indispensable tool.
Grammarly
DeepL
DeepL is a new AI translation tool that proved to be smarter than Google, Microsoft and Facebook translators combined. It supports translations of documents in .docx and .pptx formats and provides the higher-quality translation in 7 languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Dutch and Polish. With many more to come.