What's your biggest pain point or frustration with current language-learning apps?
Hello Everyone! 👋
We're building a personalized language-learning app inspired by our own experiences and frustrations with the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional apps. Our goal is to offer customized and adaptive learning paths, powered by user data and tailored to individual interests, goals, and motivations.
I won’t go into full pitch mode just yet, but we’d love to start a discussion around this question:
What’s your biggest pain point or frustration with current language-learning apps?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts—feel free to reach out to us directly!
Replies
Most language-learning apps feel too repetitive and focus on memorization rather than real-life usage. They also assume you need to know how to read first, which can be frustrating for beginners who just want to focus on speaking and listening. For example, i've tried to study Hebrew in Duolingo and it teaches by showing words in the Hebrew alphabet right away without offering transliteration, making it difficult for those who don’t know the script but want to learn how the language sounds first. On top of that, many apps don’t adapt to individual learning speeds—they follow the same rigid program for everyone, forcing users to repeat things they already know instead of letting them progress faster where they excel. That was my case with Duolingo again when i was studying French, i've studied it before and wanted to refresh my memory, so it took me ages to get to the level when it was really interesting to me
@willemvdeijkel, many apps lack contextual learning, making it hard to apply new languages in real-life situations. An adaptive approach that tailors content to individual interests could bridge this gap and enhance engagement.
@bradharrs Thanks for your reaction Brad! I agree with you. We have analysed a lot of language learning apps and we have reached a similar conclusion. In the app that we are building right now, we include an onboarding survey where people share their practical learning goals (which are real-life situations) and their interests.
Just out of curiosity, could you give me an example of your definition of real-life situations?
@willemvdeijkel of course. I mean, I could probably go on, but here's some thoughts:
How can an app seamlessly support me in a real-life conversation without getting in the way of the conversation? Never seen it done comfortably, but the way I always want to practice is by talking with native speakers.
Augmented reality for signage in public places (particularly when travelling). Generally I try learn the language of the country/city I'm travelling to, at least conversationally. But even when I've tried to do so via an app beforehand, arriving and seeing all the foreign signage is overwhelming. Using augmented reality to translate signs in a learning environment could be interesting (i.e. if the learner pronounces the native word correctly, it will display the translation in their own language).
@bradharrs Thanks Brad! This is very helpful! I really like your second point, I think there is a lot of potential in providing people with a tool that helps breaking down this barrier between virtual world and the real world. Could also be interesting if people could use there camera to start "collecting" real-life words (e.g., signage) and that you will be able to save this in your app.
Immediately a nice accomplishment to be able to say: on this trip to Spain I have learned X words from scanning texts or signs.
@willemvdeijkel Meanwhile, if your first language is procrastination, I just launched an app that speaks it fluently—and then forces you to write anyway. It's called Raven - check it out.
@willemvdeijkel @bradharrs why would you need 'augmented' reality for this?
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DuoLingo is not bad for drilling/review, and according to them, I'm close to B2 in French, but I find myself wondering if what I'm learning is particularly relevant to how real people communicate. Like, one of the hardest parts of mastering the language is keeping up with native speakers, who break rules, speak fast, and use slang, and while I genuinely feel DL helped me master, say, the subjunctive, it doesn't much help with listening since they always perfectly enunciate.
That said, the gamification means that I actually do it every day.
@ken_miller4 here's an idea for you - watch an English language show you're familiar with dubbed in French. Or to podcasts in French on the topic you're an expert in.
nothing beats being immersed in a language. if you can't move to a French speaking country, intermittent language immersion is the best next thing. speaking from experience.
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@taniabell I'm at the point where I can watch Call My Agent, with the French subtitles on, and get 80-90%. That actually does help because they speak really fast on that show!
@ken_miller4 dubbed shows are the next level. good luck with it, mate
I love Duolingo but I miss being able to practice (Spanish) with someone. You can't practice with other users on the app.
@jodylgonsalves With cool AI stuff like @ElevenLabs it doesn't seem that hard to build something where you can really practice the language with your voice. This is a cool idea!
Is there something out there that does this?
@willemvdeijkel thanks!
@steveb Hi Steve, nice to e-meet you! I think Duolingo does it with their Max plan but I have never tried it. But it doesn't allow you to practice with other users on the app.
There is a totally different app called Tandem (tandem.net) that allows you to meet real people to practice.
One of the biggest pain point I found is the functions in most of language-learning apps are not centralized; most language-learning apps tend to focus on vocabulary and grammar learning, while features like article reading and conversation listening are relative scarce. Therefore, I have to downloaded different kinds of apps on my phone to satisfy my learning needs.
I‘m now studying Japanese. There are all 3 apps I used: Moji vocabulary app just for Japanese vocabulary learning, the Moji reading app for reading articles, the Moji test app for practice. It's really inconvenient to use separate apps to learn a language.
For practicing reading, I believe that original reading materials (e.g., local news reports) and providing corresponding annotations are helpful.
minimalist phone: creating folders
I would like to share what I found frustrating using DuoLingo:
– it doesn't support Slovak language when I learn French and Spanish (so I need to have English – French or English – Spanish version) – I am okay with that but imagine someone who doesn't have proficient English. In that sense he/she cannot learn French or Spanish and learning is less accessible. I understand that DuoLingo is primarily for EN speaking markets but they have big enough to expand to other languages too.
It would be great if I could have simulation conversations with AI based on specific scenarios, I could suggest a topic, and AI could randomly recommend three options each day for me to choose from.
I have been looking for a good language learning app. But currently, most language learning apps don’t provide users with a scenario learning. Even after learning vocabulary and grammar for a period of time, I still find it difficult to speak a complete sentence casually.
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@willemvdeijkel I echo similar sentiments to what others have mentioned around popular tools focusing more on memorization vs contextualized learning. I love your approach. I agree that the biggest challenge is that these existing solutions aren't able to tailor each individual’s learning pathway based on their goals and learning style and preferences (which for people like me, differ for each language I'm learning). There are a couple different buckets I see:
1. Tourist / Casual Beginner – Someone with little to no long-term goal of fluency, just interested in basic communication and cultural understanding where the focus is learning the most common words and phrases and pronunciation to navigate basic interactions.
2. Beginner Learner – Ranges from a complete novice (never has learned another language before) to someone who already speaks multiple languages and can pick up patterns quickly but is committed to learning the language quickly. I think this is the hardest group to get right because their needs vary based on their prior language learning experience, capabilities, and preferred learning style.
3. Intermediate to Advanced Learner – Already comfortable with day-to-day conversations but ready and committed to deepen fluency and engage in more nuanced discussions (or even gain official certification to teach or for other professional settings). For this group, if someone's goal is mastery or fluency in a language, there really isn't a replacement for immersion/conversing with a native speaker.
Personalized classes are more expensive but more effective IMO and it wasn't until@ISSENlaunched last month, that I considered trying out a language learning app for languages where I've moved beyond the basics. I am still finishing up some credits on iTalki with my current teacher before buying Issen but my family and I have tried all the apps including Rosetta Stone, DuoLingo and Babbel and nothing really replicates the experience of practicing with a native speaker 1:1.
I'd be interested to see what you're working on and happy to act as a beta tester!
So many things to learn and digest, but so little chance to actually speaking the language IRL.
Speech to Note
Personalization is definitely a key gap in most language-learning apps. While many claim to be adaptive, they often rely on rigid structures that don’t truly cater to individual learning styles, pacing, or real-world application. The biggest frustration? Contextual learning is often missing apps focus on vocabulary drills but rarely help users navigate actual conversations with cultural nuances.
Would be interesting to see how your app tackles this challenge! Are you thinking about incorporating real-life dialogue simulations or dynamic feedback loops based on user behavior?
I always try to learn the basics of the local language before heading to a new country. It’s about knowing enough to get by if I end up in a tight spot. That’s the real reason I'd use a language learning app. I started using Duolingo during a
K-drama phase to learn Korean. It was fun, but for travel prep, it's not my go-to.
For quick learning before a trip, I prefer YouTube videos that target essential language needs. They’re straightforward and fit better into my busy itinerary planning. Why spend 45 days learning when I'm only there for four? I just need the basics, and I find that local content creators offer the most practical insights.
I wish there was a language learning app tailored to different learning purposes—especially for travelers like me who need to learn fast. An app that adapts its lessons to fit whether you're traveling, doing business, or just enjoying foreign media would be ideal.
not enough speaking practice