You’ve come to learn more about Duolingo, the well-known app for learning English that has become popular thanks to its short, tool-packed lessons. In this guide, we’ll explain what it is, how it works, and whether it truly delivers effective, comprehensive teaching—or if it’s better used as a supplement compared to more complete options like Papora.
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What is the Duolingo app and what is it for?
Duolingo is a free online language learning app that uses a self-guided approach. It offers level-based lessons designed to help students build vocabulary and strengthen their communication skills.
Duolingo was founded by Guatemalan professor Luis von Ahn—well known for selling several companies to Google—together with Severin Hacker, then a graduate student. Their goal was to create courses that are both intuitive and educational.
Besides its desktop version, Duolingo is also available as an app for iOS, Android, and even Windows Phone, making it accessible across a wide range of devices.
One of its most distinctive features is the Language Incubator, which allows community members to contribute to the creation of new courses. To participate, you simply need to be bilingual, choose the language you want to develop, and define the target group of native speakers
What's Duolingo's method?
The Duolingo method is simple.
- You progress through the lessons step by step, learning grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation mainly by translating sentences and practicing repetition.
- After completing a lesson, you earn points or gems that can be used to unlock new units or extra features. However, making mistakes can cost you some of these rewards.
- The course is divided into modules by topic, with exercises designed to check your understanding, and your progress in each unit is shown in a graph.
Duolingo works as an additional resource for practicing the language you want to master, however, it is much better to enroll in a comprehensive course that teaches you with confidence and guarantees real-life practice.
How many languages does Duolingo teach?
Duolingo is one of the most downloaded educational apps worldwide due to the variety of languages it teaches, with more than 100 courses in over 40 languages.
Fifty-three percent of users study English, mainly in Latin America and the Middle East. Seventeen percent opt for Spanish, especially in countries such as Norway and the United States. Eleven percent choose French, particularly in Africa and Nigeria.
Discover why Duolingo has a 1.6 rating on Trustpilot and Papora has a 4.4 rating.
The Papora method is comprehensive, and the figures speak for themselves.
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How does Duolingo work?
- The first thing you need to do is download the app, register, and log in. You will be asked for some personal details and information, such as your name and email address.
- You choose the language you want to learn and your native language. You will also have to take a test to assess your level of English and choose a daily study goal. Duolingo lessons are like a game where you advance through levels.
How much does Duolingo cost?
Super Duolingo is the premium version of the app, available for around $12.99 per month, though the exact price may vary by country. For those looking to save, there are also annual and family plans that lower the overall cost.
Advantages and disadvantages of Duolingo
| Advantages of Duolingo | Disadvantages of Duolingo |
|---|---|
| ✅ Access from anywhere: Learn anytime thanks to its easy-to-use system | ❌ Repetitive exercises: The constant repetition of activities can quickly bore the user. |
| ✅ Fun methodology: It uses a dynamic approach that emphasizes building vocabulary and improving pronunciation | ❌ Lack of personalized attention: There are no teachers available to answer your questions in real time |
| ✅ Free basic features: You can use the app without paying for its essential features | ❌ Unlimited live classes not included: It does not offer classes where you can practice everyday situations |
A better option: Papora
Papora is the smart way to learn English—fun, flexible, and effective.
With unlimited live classes led by native-level teachers, you’ll gain the confidence to speak from day one. Learn anytime, anywhere, 24/7, at your own pace.
Earn certification up to level C1 and stand out in your career—all while enjoying a dynamic, game-like experience.
Another big advantage is that you can repeat lessons as often as you like—whether to practice or clear up doubts. Once you complete the course, you’ll also receive a certificate to officially validate your English level worldwide.
The all-in-one English course designed to take you to expert level.
Just a click away, with the best content and certified native-level teachers.
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Frequently asked questions about Duolingo:
Duolingo can help you learn some English, but progress is often slow and limited to basic skills. It works better as a practice tool rather than a main resource. For faster and more complete learning, a comprehensive course like Papora is a much better choice.
Super Duolingo is an add-on for Duolingo that provides an ad-free experience with unlimited lives. You can also study lessons anytime without an internet connection and access progress tests.
