It’s been years since Duolingo became a household name. For many, it is still the first app to come to mind when someone mentions that they want to learn a new language, such as Swedish. However, if you’re thinking about picking up the language of lagom, many Duolingo alternatives for Swedish learning might suit you even better.
Language learning apps offer various advantages. If you have decided to learn Swedish, using apps is a flexible and convenient option. Using Swedish learning apps means that you can access lessons whenever it’s convenient for you. Apps are often designed to be engaging and immersive, motivating you further to stick to your language learning.
Duolingo is far from the only effective app for learning a foreign tongue. In this article, we’ll cover why someone might want to look at other options, and go through a list of Duolingo alternatives for Swedish language learning.
Why Look for Duolingo Alternatives for Swedish?
Don’t get us wrong. Duolingo is not a bad Swedish learning app. First of all, you can use it for free. It integrates listening, reading, and speaking skills. It also ensures you’re working both from Swedish to English and from English to Swedish. The gamification angle motivates you to stick to short daily lessons, which is key, as it encourages consistency.
Why, then, would you need or want Duolingo alternatives for Swedish?
All that said, each Swedish learner’s needs and circumstances differ. Some users of Duolingo find it tedious and repetitive. Others dislike that it is designed to look infantile, arguing that language learning for adults should not be “dumbed down”. Some have also experienced that while it can feel productive, their actual learning results lack substance.
Other Duolingo users are happy with their results, but simply want more apps to supplement their Swedish learning. The truth is, even if you are using and enjoying Duolingo, you can still benefit from combining it with other apps. Adding one or several other Swedish learning apps to your study routine can complement your Duolingo studies.
No app has everything you need to know. Each app has its strengths and weaknesses. Using more than one app allows you to fill in the gaps and build a comprehensive foundation of Swedish.
Let’s look at various alternatives to learning Swedish on Duolingo.
Duolingo Alternatives for Swedish: 8 Resources
Babbel: Developed by linguists
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Babbel is a reputable language learning app focusing on reading and listening skills. When new words are introduced, you always hear them pronounced. The audio is recorded by native Swedish speakers, which is a breath of fresh air considering the robotic voices we’re used to nowadays.
A more obvious downside to Babbel compared with Duolingo is that it is not free. If you subscribe, you can have one beginner lesson for free or access a free 7-day trial.
Some view Babbel as less “fun” but more professional than Duolingo. Babbel has fewer languages than its competitor, but is claimed to put more effort into each language. The program was developed by linguists, and some view their lessons as more well-crafted.
Pros:
- Good tool for reading and listening
- Words put into dialogue context
- Audio with native speakers
- Developed by linguists
Cons:
- No free version
Clozemaster: Fun context-based learning
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Clozemaster focuses on context-based learning with fill-in-the-blank exercises. It uses gamified cloze tests—sentences and phrases where you have to fill in the missing words.
The tool doesn’t provide detailed grammar explanations of why you say something in a specific way. Instead, it provides contextual examples, allowing you to learn new Swedish words in context. This makes it an excellent tool for advanced beginners and intermediate learners.
Learning how to use vocabulary in different situations is one of those subtle difficulties of learning a language. Clozemaster zeroes in on this skill, helping you sound like a native speaker who uses words in the right context.
Pros:
- Context-based learning
- Free version available
- Focus on everyday vocabulary
- Audio with native speakers
Cons:
- Lacks grammar explanations
SwedishPod101: Podcasts for Listening Comprehension
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SwedishPod101 by Innovative Language is a great tool for learning Swedish with a focus on listening comprehension. The courses on the platform are based on audio lessons similar to podcasts.
Apart from listening skills, you’ll also learn essential vocabulary and grammar. You also get cultural explanations in the lessons.
There are various starting levels: from absolute beginner to advanced. However, the beginner level has the widest range of content choices. This makes SwedishPod101 a good option for learners on a beginner or intermediate level.
Pros:
- Good for listening comprehension
- Free version available
- Absolute beginner to advanced levels
- Constantly expanding material
Cons:
- Less content for advanced levels
Mondly: Comprehensive and well-designed
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Like Duolingo and Babbel, Mondly is quite a comprehensive language learning app with fun and interactive lessons. It has a beautifully designed app, making it enjoyable to use.
Something that users appreciate is that the app tracks your progress. This means you can get an overview of your learning statistics and see your progress.
Mondly is a good beginner learning tool for Swedish. However, it is less helpful for Swedish learners at an intermediate or advanced level.
Pros:
- Comprehensive learning
- Well-designed app
- Good for beginners
- Tracks your progress
Cons:
- No free version
Rosetta Stone: Fully Immersive Learning
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Rosetta Stone is unique because of its fully immersive approach to learning languages. You won’t learn Swedish from English when you learn Swedish with the app. All the audio and texts are in Swedish.
You don’t learn through English explanations of Swedish grammar. You learn by connecting new words to images and gradually inferring meaning to what you learn. This helps you to start thinking in Swedish rather than translating everything from your mother tongue.
Those unfamiliar with immersive language learning can find the experience slow and frustrating. It is a method that requires patience. However, this immersion approach has had powerful results for many.
Pros:
- Unique immersive learning
- Comprehensive learning
- Less expensive than in the past
- Audio with native speakers
Cons:
- Lacks grammatical explanations
- No free version
Mango: Lexical Chunk Learning
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Mango uses a successful methodology that helps you learn language patterns. Instead of explaining Swedish grammar rules, lexical chunks are highlighted in different colors.
It is conversation-based and offers a variety of exercise types. These exercises gradually help you memorize words, understand language patterns, and apply what you learn in different situations.
The app is a good tool for beginners and learners on an intermediate level. However, a disadvantage is that the program begins on chapter 1 automatically. This means that intermediate-level learners will have to skip ahead to find a suitable level.
Pros:
- Color-coded lexical chunks
- Voice recording feature
- Cultural notes provided
- Suitable for beginner and intermediate levels
Cons:
- Lacks grammatical explanations
- No free version
Pimsleur: Focus on Listening and Speaking
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Pimsleur is based on the solid research of Dr. Paul Pimsleur. The Pimsleur Method is all about listening comprehension—focusing on how children naturally learn their native languages.
It’s a good option for learners who don’t learn well by memorizing words or analyzing grammar rules. It is an effective method to get beginners speaking some basic Swedish.
The core lessons don’t require you to interact with your screen. This means it’s hands-free learning, which you can do while driving or working with your hands. The app does have spaced out reading lessons, but the focus remains on listening and speaking first.
Pros:
- Based on solid research
- Focus on listening and speaking
- Can be used hands-free
- Good for beginners
Cons:
- No free version
- Lacks grammar explanations
Memrise: Addictive Memorization Tool
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Memrise is a great tool that complements rather than directly competes with Duolingo. While it can be used somewhat as a language learning tool, Memrise works more like an interactive flashcard game.
The app is an effective memory tool, helping you memorize phrases and words. It uses spaced repetition algorithms to help expressions “stick”.
Moreover, the gamified flashcard program makes a usually boring experience into an addictive game. As you practice words, you’re watering plants, motivating you to keep your plants alive.
Pros:
- Good for memorizing vocabulary
- Free version available
- Addictive plant-watering game
- Audio and videos with native speakers
Cons:
- Limited speaking
- Lacks detailed grammar explanations
Are There Free Duolingo Alternatives for Swedish?
One important advantage of Duolingo is that it has a decent free version. Are there good Duolingo alternatives for Swedish that are free? Yes, there are.
As we’ve discussed in this article, all the Swedish learning apps have their characteristics and can offer users different approaches to language learning.
There are various free apps for learning Swedish, such as the flashcard-based Memrise, the podcast-based SwedishPod101, or the context-based Clozemaster. All these are great complements or alternatives to Duolingo Swedish learning.
Final Thoughts on Duolingo Alternatives for Swedish
In this article, we’ve mentioned only a few of the options for Duolingo alternatives for Swedish learning. Plenty of apps exist for beginners, intermediate learners, and even for those on an advanced level. There are also options for all budgets, as you can find both paid and free tools out there.
People who are studying the Swedish language can also find a multitude of other Swedish resources. This includes resources to practice grammar and tools to immerse yourself in the language.
Don’t forget—you’re not obliged to pick just one app or method to learn Swedish. Pick and choose the approaches that work well for you. The most comprehensive choice might be to use several apps that complement each other.
Ready to start your Swedish journey?
Clozemaster has been designed to help you learn the language in context by filling in the gaps in authentic sentences. With features such as Grammar Challenges, Cloze-Listening, and Cloze-Reading, the app will let you emphasize all the competencies necessary to become fluent in Swedish.
Take your Swedish to the next level. Click here to start practicing with real Swedish sentences!
