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When I first started to learn German in 2010, there were no apps, no online classes, not even YouTube lessons. So I used the old-fashioned approach —I went to a language school! Five days a week. Four hours each day. That was my drill.
Let’s face it, learning German isn’t exactly a walk in the Englischer Garten. Between tricky grammar, tongue-twisting compound words, and trying to remember if a chair is der, die, or das, it can feel like climbing the Alps in flip-flops. Luckily, we now live in an age where you can learn German online, on your sofa, in your pyjamas, with a cuppa in hand.
In fact, learning German from home has never been easier. Or more crowded! Between German vocabulary apps promising fluency by lunchtime and grammar books more confusing than your nan’s directions without a map, the choices can be overwhelming.
So I did some research to find out some of the best ways to find German lessons online, fast! And here’s what I found.
Disclosure: Some of the links, not all, contained in this article are affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission for any sales resulting from these clicks. This has no bearing on the price of the product or service. Thank you for supporting – I appreciate it!
1) German Language Learning Apps
Whether you’re building vocab with flashcards, diving into immersive lessons, or trying to keep your streak alive, there’s a German language app out there to suit your learning style and attention span ;).
With mobile-friendly formats, offline access, and structured lessons, these apps let you squeeze in learning during your lunch break or while pretending to listen in a Zoom call.
1.1) How Do Language Apps Help You Learn German Fast?
German language apps use a variety of techniques: spaced repetition systems (SRS) and grammar-based exercises to interactive videos, and gamified drills, to help you build skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
German learning apps are a low-pressure, affordable way to get your feet wet. Most offer A1-level German lessons and interactive features like audio, multiple choice, and pronunciation tools.
Best of all? They fit in your pocket, meaning your commute can become primetime to learn German on the go.
1.2) Who Are The German Language Learning Apps For?
- Complete beginners who are just starting out and wondering whether Bratwurst is a verb (it’s not!).
- Busy professionals who have about 10 spare minutes between emails and business meetings to learn German online.
- Students preparing for the Goethe-Zertifikat or brushing up for a German school exam or university entrance.
- Travellers & expats who just moved to Berlin or are planning a trip to Munich? Apps can help you pick up day-to-day German phrases like ordering food, navigating transport, or politely asking where the loo is.
- Visual & auditory learners who just don’t click with textbooks. If you prefer to watch, listen, and repeat, German language learning apps use immersive video, dialogues, and images to make learning more engaging.
1.3) A Comparison Of The Best German Learning Apps
| Feature | MosaLingua | Rosetta Stone | Babbel | LinguaTV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lesson Style | SRS flashcards | Image‑based immersion | Grammar‑structured | Video‑based lessons + quizzes |
| Live tutors/coaching | ❌ None | ✅ Live Coaching (premium) | ✅ Small group only | ✅ Optional coaching / virtual class |
| Speaking Practice | AI chatbot only | Limited | Basic speech tasks | ❌ No speaking feedback |
| Grammar instruction | Minimal | Very light | ✅ Strong | ✅ Explained via video tutorials |
| Vocabulary trainer (SRS) | ✅ SRS | ❌ None | ❌ Limited | ❌ Minimal |
| Interactivity | Low | Moderate | High (exercises + live classes) | ✅ Quizzes + interactive games |
| Suitable Learner Level | Beginner / Intermediate | Beginner | Beginner to lower‑intermediate | Beginner to B2 |
| Content Format | Text/audio | Audio/image | Structured lessons | Videos + transcripts + grammar |
| Price Range | ~$10–$60/year | ~$12–20/mo depending on plan | ~$7–14/mo (+ extras) | €19.99/mo (or ~€29.90 for shorter plans) |
1. MosaLingua
MosaLingua is a self-paced German language learning app based on the Spaced Repetition System (SRS) to help learners retain vocabulary efficiently. It focuses on high-frequency words, real-world phrases, and listening comprehension. Recently, they’ve added AI conversation tools and browser extensions.
✅ Pros:
- Excellent for vocabulary retention using SRS.
- Covers useful real-world phrases with audio by native German speakers.
- Offline use and high customisation (e.g create your own flashcards).
- Tools like MosaDiscovery and MosaChat-AI expand learning options.
❌ Cons:
- No real German tutors or live conversation practice.
- Interface feels outdated compared to competitors.
- Minimal grammar explanation.
- Lacks structured lessons or guided learning paths.
2. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone uses an immersion-based method to teach German online through images, audio, and context. It’s known for its clean design and rigid lesson structure. Some plans include Live Coaching with native German speakers in small groups or 1-on-1.
✅ Pros:
- An immersive approach helps train thinking in the German language.
- Very consistent structure: great for habit-building.
- Clean interface and excellent audio quality.
- Optional Live Coaching sessions with native German tutors in higher-tier plans.
❌ Cons:
- Progress can feel slow or repetitive for some learners.
- Not ideal for grammar-heavy learners or those who like explanations.
- Live Coaching availability is limited and may require a premium plan.
- Less useful for intermediate/advanced learners.
3. Babbel
Babbel offers structured, grammar-focused online German lessons tailored to native English speakers. Lessons include speaking, writing, listening, and grammar. Babbel also offers Babbel Live, which adds small-group live classes for an extra fee.
✅ Pros:
- Strong grammar explanations.
- Lessons are short and manageable (~10–15 min).
- Good cultural and conversation-focused content.
- Available offline and syncs across devices.
❌ Cons:
- Limited to beginner and lower-intermediate levels (B1–B2 max).
- Voice recognition is basic.
- Babbel Live (group tutoring) is extra, and no 1-on-1 online German tutor option.
- Some learners find it too “academic”.
4. LinguaTV
LinguaTV is a video-first online German learning platform that emphasises authentic audio‑visual input through short, professionally produced video lessons, interactive exercises, and grammar tutorials. It’s ideal for learners who prefer watching and listening as their main learning mode. Are you a busy professional? Great! LinguaTV’s business-themed German content (e.g. presenting, negotiating, videoconferencing) is its strength. It also offers virtual classrooms and 1-on-1 German coaching as optional add-ons for a blended learning experience.
✅ Pros
- Professionally produced videos depicting real-life dialogues and cultural context, helping build listening comprehension and vocabulary in context.
- Interactive quizzes and games reinforce German learning and grammar comprehension.
- Progress tracking and placement tests give insight into learner level and recommendations.
- Optional coaching or virtual classroom sessions, especially for corporations or goal‑oriented learners.
- Well-suited to audiovisual learners and beginners or intermediate learners up to B2 (German goes to B2).
❌ Cons
- No German conversation practice with pronunciation feedback or voice recognition; users must self-practice dialogues.
- No vocabulary SRS trainer or spaced repetition scheduling: repetition is manual and less targeted.
- Lacks free-form writing or conversational exchange; community or peer support is absent.
- Relatively slower pace: each German lesson module can take 3–4 hours to complete, making it time-intensive.
- Limited advanced-level content: the highest German level is around B2, may not suit advanced learners
FAZIT:
MosaLingua: Best for German learners who want to boost vocabulary and listening with scientifically optimised flashcards, especially at the beginner to intermediate levels.
Rosetta Stone: Best for beginners who like structured, immersive learning and don’t mind repetition.
Babbel: Best for structured learners who want a grammar-rich curriculum and prefer short, textbook-style lessons.
Duolingo: Best for casual learners who want to build a habit or supplement other study methods with a daily gamified review.
LinguaTV: Best for learners who prefer video-based contextual learning and want a structured audio-visual pathway supported by grammar explanations.
2) Online German Tutor Marketplaces
One option often overlooked by beginners is the online German tutor marketplaces: a flexible, personalised, and very human way to endlich master the language of Goethe, grammar, and giant compound words.
In a nutshell, these are platforms like italki, Preply, and Verbling where you can connect with real, live, human German tutors. No AIs, parrots, or dancing owls (looking at you, Duolingo!). You browse a list of tutors, check out their videos, read student reviews, and book 1-on-1 German lessons online, often via video chat.
This isn’t a cookie-cutter “learn German fast” experience. These platforms offer tailored learning based on your goals — whether it’s nailing that A1 German exam, surviving a business meeting in Munich, or charming your brand new Vereine mates.
2.1) How Do They Actually Help You Learn German Online?
1. You get German conversation practice online
No app can replicate the awkward magic of a real conversation. Speaking with a native German tutor gives you instant feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and those tiny nuances you won’t catch in a self-study app. It’s like having your own personal German language course, without the lecture hall.
2. You get customised online German classes
Platforms like Preply and italki let you choose from certified German tutors or community teachers. Want to focus on business German vocabulary? Preparing for the Goethe-Zertifikat? Or just need someone to help you stop mixing up der, die, and das? Your tutor can shape each lesson around you — not a generic syllabus.
3. Motivation and Structure with affordable online German tutors
Having a regular online German tutor means someone’s holding you accountable (kindly, of course — they’re not school prefects). You’re more likely to stick to your online German course when there’s someone expecting you to show up and speak up.
2.2) Who Are These Online German Classes For?
Online German tutor marketplaces are perfect for:
- Self-directed learners who are tired of using apps like Babbel, Rosetta Stone, or Duolingo.
- Learners looking for 1-on-1 online German lessons that target specific goals.
- Intermediate students who want to move past flashcards and into fluent conversations.
- Busy adults who prefer to schedule lessons around their lifestyle (say, between tea and telly).
- They’re less ideal for absolute beginners who want a fully structured path with hand-holding every step of the way.
2.3) A Comparison of Online German Tutor Marketplaces
| Feature | Lingoda | italki | Preply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lesson Type | 1-on-1 + small group classes | 1-on-1 only | 1-on-1 only |
| Focus | Structured CEFR-aligned curriculum | Fully personalised, informal to exam prep |
Fully personalised, casual to advanced |
| Tutors | Certified teachers only | Professional + community tutors | Professional + community tutors |
| Trial Lesson | Yes (often discounted) | Yes (usually low-cost) | Yes (free or low-cost, varies) |
| Pricing | Subscription model (starts ~€8–€12/class) | Tutor sets rate (~$8–$35/hour) | Tutor sets rate (~$10–$40/hour) |
| Flexibility | Medium (scheduled in advance) | High (pay per lesson) | High (pay per lesson or package) |
| Curriculum | Provided by platform | Tutor-created | Tutor-created |
| Extra Features | Language Sprint™, placement tests | Community Q&A, writing corrections | Progress tracker, tutor switching |
| Platform Quality | High (robust classroom environment) | Good (uses Zoom/italki Classroom) | Good (uses Preply Classroom) |
| App Support | Yes (mobile/web) | Yes | Yes |
| Languages Offered | 5–6 major ones | 150+ | 100+ |
1. Lingoda
Lingoda is a professional, curriculum-driven language learning platform offering live classes with certified German language teachers. It specialises in both 1-on-1 and small group sessions, structured around CEFR levels (A1–C1). It’s known for its Language Sprint™, a challenge-based model to encourage consistency.
✅ Pros:
- Structured CEFR-aligned curriculum: Ideal for German learners seeking clear progression.
- Certified native-level German teachers only.
- Language Sprint offers refunds for consistent attendance — a strong motivator.
- High-quality virtual classroom experience with interactive materials.
- Option to switch between group and private classes.
❌ Cons:
- Subscription-based, so less flexible than pay-as-you-go.
- Fixed class times require commitment and planning.
- Fewer German tutors to choose from (no personalisation like italki/Preply).
- Limited to major languages (German, English, French, Spanish, etc.).
2. italki
italki is a global tutoring marketplace with thousands of independent German tutors offering 1-on-1 lessons. You choose a tutor based on availability, pricing, specialisation, and teaching style. There’s no fixed curriculum. It’s highly customisable!
✅ Pros:
- Huge variety of online German tutors (from €8/hour to €35+).
- Fully personalised lessons: conversation, grammar, test prep, etc.
- Flexible scheduling — book lessons whenever you want.
- Strong community features (writing corrections, language exchange partners).
- Pay-per-lesson model (no subscription lock-in).
❌ Cons:
- No platform-wide curriculum, so lesson quality depends on the tutor.
- Some German tutors are informal and non-native (Community Tutors), so teaching quality can vary.
- The interface for tracking long-term progress is minimal.
- Booking the same tutor at high-demand times can be tricky.
Find out a tutor to practice German conversations on italki here
3. Preply
Preply is an online German tutor marketplace similar to italki, but with a stronger emphasis on long-term scheduling and structured goals. Many tutors use Preply’s internal curriculum tools or bring their own material. Their online German lessons are 1-on-1, and the platform is highly streamlined.
✅ Pros:
- Thousands of native German tutors to choose from (varied experience and price).
- Easy to schedule recurring lessons with the same tutor.
- Optional online German learning plans and progress tracking tools.
- Tutors can upload materials, homework, or test prep content.
- Slightly more polished interface than italki for some users.
❌ Cons:
- Lessons often require prepaid packages, limiting flexibility.
- No group classes or language exchange options.
- Quality of instruction varies — no standard curriculum.
- Some users report more pressure to commit to tutors or lesson bundles.
Find a perfect online German tutor on Preply
FAZIT:
Lingoda: Best for learners who want structured learning, regular online German classes, and are aiming for CEFR certifications (A1–C1). Great for committed learners.
italki: Best for flexible, personalised learning — from casual German conversations to exam prep. You pick your online German tutor and method. Ideal for independent learners.
Preply: Similar to italki, but with a slightly more streamlined interface and stronger focus on regular scheduling. Great if you want a mix of structure and flexibility while learning German online.
3) Free Resources for Learning German Online
Alright! You’re looking for online German lessons without spending a small fortune on courses, tutors, or coffee-table-sized textbooks? Good news: there’s a surprising wealth of free resources for learning German online. And many of them are actually worth your time (unlike that one YouTube video that taught you how to insult your boss in Bavarian).
Whether you’re looking for free German grammar lessons, interactive vocabulary tools, or full-on German courses online, there’s something for every learner out there that won’t cost you more than a biscuit and your Wi-Fi bill.
3.1) How Can Free Resources Help You Learn German?
Free online German learning resources are incredibly useful for:
- Building vocabulary and pronunciation through apps, podcasts, and YouTube channels.
- Reinforcing grammar rules with downloadable worksheets and open-source platforms.
- Hearing native German through audiobooks, videos, and real-world dialogues.
- Experimenting with different learning styles — audio, visual, reading-based — to see what works best for you.
- While they may not offer a perfectly linear curriculum or 1-on-1 feedback, they’re fantastic for exploration, habit-building, and skill-sharpening.
3.2) Who Are Free German Resources Best Suited For?
- Complete beginners: Low-pressure intro, no commitment. You can dip a toe in before diving into full-on A1 German courses.
- Budget-conscious students: Uni life is pricey enough. Free podcasts and grammar blogs can support formal study.
- Independent learners: Love creating your own learning plan? You’ll thrive with the flexibility these resources offer.
- Busy professionals: Perfect for learning on the go — podcasts during your commute, grammar videos on your lunch break.
- Supplementary learners: Already using a tutor or app like Babbel or italki? Free resources can add depth and variety.
3.3) Best Sources For Learning German Online Free
1. Deutsche Welle (DW Learn German)
What it offers: Full CEFR-aligned courses (A1 to C), news in slow German, interactive videos, and culture-focused lessons.
Why it’s great: Structured, professional, totally free! Nico’s Weg was the biggest reason for my successful B1 exam!
2. Goethe-Institut
What it offers: Free exercises, vocabulary trainers, grammar explanations, and sample exam materials.
Extras: Cultural info and test prep (Goethe Zertifikat).
3. OpenLearn – Free German Courses (The Open University)
What it offers: Short courses (intro to German, beginner grammar) with reading/writing tasks.
4. Free YouTube Channels for Learning German Online
- Learn German with Anja: Fun, high-energy lessons from A1 to B2.
- Deutsch für Euch: Grammar-focused, clear explanations, all in English.
- Easy German: Street interviews and real-world German with subtitles.
- German with Jenny: CEFR-level structured playlists.
5. Free German Podcasts & Audio Resources
- Coffee Break German: Beginner-friendly podcast series with structured episodes.
- Slow German with Annik Rubens: Slow spoken German with clear enunciation.
- Deutsch – warum nicht? (by DW): Classic German podcast series with transcripts.