In today’s interconnected world, having skills in foreign languages isn’t just a nice bonus; it’s become a necessity. Whether it’s for studying, your career, or even traveling, communicating in another language is a game-changer. The good news is that there are tons of online learning platforms out there now, making it easy to learn from your phone or laptop. One platform that’s super practical and fun to check out is Duolingo. What’s also interesting is that they offer the Duolingo English Test, which is recognized by thousands of institutions around the globe!
Get to Know Duolingo
Duolingo is a popular language learning platform that offers courses in over 40 languages, including English, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
What sets Duolingo apart is its research-driven approach blended with engaging and bite-sized content. Each lesson targets essential language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is divided into short units and includes a variety of exercises, such as translations, listening tasks, sentence building, and speaking challenges.
The learning process is wrapped up in an experience that feels more like playing a game than sitting in a classroom. You’ll take on daily missions, earn points, and level up. Plus, you can track your progress and compete with friends on the leaderboard.
Today, Duolingo boasts over 500 million registered users and 37 million monthly active users, showing how many people enjoy learning with this platform.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider Duolingo for learning a new language:
- Gamified learning experience: It feels more like playing a game than studying.
- Repetition method: Using spaced repetition, the app helps you retain vocabulary and grammar more effectively.
- Flexible and accessible: Learn anytime, anywhere via mobile or the Duolingo web.
- Personalized path: The content adapts to your current skill level, helping you learn quickly.
- English proficiency test option: You can test your English skills through the Duolingo English Test.
What is the Duolingo English Test?
Besides language courses, Duolingo also offers the Duolingo English Test (DET), a flexible and budget-friendly option for those who need an English proficiency certificate for university applications.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency assessment that evaluates all four core language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It offers a more affordable alternative to other standardized tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.
Currently, DET is accepted by over 5,000 institutions in more than 110 countries, including major universities in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia.
Here are some key advantages of the Duolingo English Test:
- Flexible: You can take the DET from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and a quiet room.
- Budget-friendly: Compared to other English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS, the DET is significantly more affordable, making it a great option for students or professionals on a budget. Plus, you can send your scores to multiple universities without extra cost.
- Quick result: Test results are typically available within 48 hours, much faster than most traditional tests, which can take a week or more.
- Valid for two years: Your certificate is valid for two years, and it comes with a video interview and your writing sample, giving universities a fuller view of your skills.
Getting started on the Duolingo English Test is simple. Sign up on their official site, purchase the test, and complete the payment. Once the payment is processed, you’ll have up to 21 days to start your test, giving you plenty of time to prepare and feel confident before taking it.
Duolingo Offers More Than Just Language Learning
Duolingo has expanded its offerings to support learners of all ages and needs. Here’s what else you’ll find:
Duolingo for Schools
Duolingo for Schools is a dedicated platform designed specifically for teachers. It allows educators to track student progress, assign lessons, and create a more personalized learning experience.
Duolingo for Business
For companies looking to enhance their employees’ language skills, Duolingo for Business offers an engaging and effective solution. The platform uses Duolingo’s signature gamified approach to turn language learning into a fun, motivating experience, far from the traditional, often dull, methods
Duolingo ABC
Duolingo ABC is designed for young learners aged 3 to 8, helping them build early reading and writing skills in English. Children can learn in an engaging, playful way through interactive stories and fun phonics lessons. Best of all, it is completely free and ad-free, providing a safe, distraction-free environment for kids.
Duolingo Math
Duolingo Math offers a fun and accessible way to learn math, suitable for both children and adults. The platform covers various topics, including multiplication, division, fractions, area, perimeter, and more. Lessons are short, interactive, and easy to follow, perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their math skills more enjoyably.
Duolingo Music
Duolingo Music offers a fun and accessible way to learn the fundamentals of music. You can explore how to read sheet music, understand musical symbols, and develop a sense of rhythm, pitch, harmony, and beat. The platform also includes ear training exercises to help recognize different notes and interactive activities like playing a virtual piano.
Is Duolingo Free?
Yes, Duolingo is completely free to use! You can access all lessons, exercises, and quizzes at no cost, making it a perfect choice for anyone starting a new language journey. However, the free version does include ads, which can sometimes interrupt your study flow.
If you want a more seamless learning experience, no ads, and offline lessons, you might consider Super Duolingo. The subscription costs around $12.99/month for individual users. If you want to share it with family or friends, there’s also a Super Family Plan for up to six people, costing about $9.99/month, billed annually.
Save Even More at Super Duolingo with Toolabs!
Want to enjoy Super Duolingo at a lower price? Try subscribing through Toolabs!
Toolabs is a subscription hub that gives you access to over 50 premium tools with just one payment. Along with Super Duolingo, you also get access to platforms like Skillshare (to learn new skills), DeepL (for advanced translation), Grammarly (for grammar checks), and even streaming services like Netflix, Viu, and Prime Video, ideal for both learning and unwinding.
Upgrade your study experience with Toolabs today and make learning more exciting and affordable!