Duolingo

What Is It, In Plain Words?

Duolingo teaches languages with short, game-like lessons of a few minutes each. You match words, type answers and repeat phrases out loud.

It's popular with people learning a few phrases before a holiday or keeping their brain busy. There are over 40 languages, including Spanish, French, Italian and Welsh.

What You Can Use It For

• Before a holiday. Learn basics like ordering food and asking directions.
• A daily habit. Five minutes a day with a reminder.
• Keeping in touch. Learn some of the language your grandchildren speak.

Getting Started Step By Step

On A Phone Or Tablet

1. Open the App Store (iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (Android).
2. Search for Duolingo and check it's made by Duolingo. Copycat apps exist.
3. Tap Get or Install, then open it.

On A Computer

1. Open your web browser and go to duolingo.com. Check the address carefully, because look-alike sites exist.
2. Click Get started.
3. Choose your language and how many minutes a day you'd like to practise.
4. Create a free profile so your progress is saved.
5. Start the first lesson. Tap answers, or type them, and press Check.

Things To Try Typing

Things to try in the app.

What It Costs

Duolingo is free, with adverts. A paid plan called Super removes adverts and adds extras.

We couldn't confirm the price of Duolingo Super on the official site when we checked on 16 October 2026, so we're not printing a figure. Please check the official site for the current price where you live.

Privacy And Safety

• What it keeps. Your progress is saved in your account. Duolingo may send lots of reminder notifications, which you can reduce in its settings.
• Never type passwords, PINs, bank or card numbers, your National Insurance number (UK) or Social Security number (USA).

Good Points And Watch-Outs

Good Points

• Short lessons that don't feel like homework.
• Free to use.
• Spoken words help with listening.

Watch-Outs

• The green owl's reminders can feel nagging. Turn them down in settings.
• It won't make you fluent on its own.
• Adverts and upgrade prompts in the free version.

Similar Tools

• Google Translate: translates words, speech and signs.
• ChatGPT: the best-known chatbot, with a simple app and voice mode.
• Google Lens: point your camera at anything to identify it.

Common Questions

Is Duolingo free?

Yes. The free version has adverts. Duolingo Super removes them.

How long are the lessons?

Most take a few minutes.

Can I turn off the reminders?

Yes. Change notification settings in the app or on your phone.