Do you know how to say “I would like a coffee please” or “I like the architecture in Paris” in French? When you are trying to improve your language skills, some of the best tools are apps for iPhones and iPads. They are fun to use and efficient for learning.

Technological advances mean that there are now hundreds of French learning apps out there, for newbie Francophiles to more advanced learners. But how do you know which one will work best for you? Some apps specialize in vocabulary, others specialize in grammar and speaking, and others focus on listening aspects. Sometimes it is useful to use a mixture of apps.

Today I’m sharing 10 best French apps that allow you to easily integrate language learning into your daily routine.

1 - VidaLingua : French Translator Dictionary+

f you've embarked on a journey to learn French, there are a few study tools you'll find very useful. A French Translator can be helpful to translate phrases on the go. But to really take a deep dive into the language, a comprehensive dictionary is critical to staying on your learning path. Luckily, French Translator Dictionary + combines both and has become my favorite app for teaching French.

The translator provides accurate phrase translations, but as any language teacher knows, translators aren't perfect. The dictionary includes multiple translations for most head words, noun genders and lots of usage examples. In addition to classic French words, you'll find lots of slang and words from regional dialects such as Canadian French. Users can extend the dictionary by attaching notes, pictures and audio to words, making it ideal for students and travelers alike.

In addition to a translator and dictionary, this free app includes other important reference tools such as a phrasebook and verb conjugator. The verb Conjugator is one of the most popular features and includes over 9.000 French and English verbs. Exercises like vocabulary quizzes and flashcards make learning fun for students of all ages.

To hear words, phrases and verb conjugations spoken, simply tap on them. You can choose the speed and accent to hear pronunciations.

French Translator Dictionary + is an effective reference tool for students and an engaging travel companion to use on your next trip to Paris!

Available on App Store for iPhone and iPad.

2 - Learn French +

f you want to become conversational in French fast, Learn French + is an excellent choice. This app will help you feel much more comfortable speaking and understanding French because if focuses on real life situations you would encounter when talking to a French person. While the app contains many interactive exercises, the emphasis is on learning to hold a conversation instead of simply playing word games.
Learn French + has useful lessons about taking Taxis, Buses and the Subway but it throws in a lesson on Limousines to make it entertaining. The app has lessons about Hotels but also about Youth Hostels and staying at an Airbnb or a Campground. It also includes several amusing lessons about Romance, Flirting, Pick-up Lines and Rejections to keep you coming back while learning the essentials.

The app includes over 4,000 interactive exercises. One of the most popular uses advanced speech recognition to test users' pronunciation.

Learn French + is a great app for travelers or students who want to master conversing in French in a fun and efficient manner.

- Learn French + is available for iPhone and iPad.

3 - Brainscape French

According to Brainscape, students waste their time learning French with outdated and inefficient methods. That is why Brainscape developed a technique called Intelligent Cumulative Exposure (ICE).

Over 10,000 audio flashcards teach you the most common French words, phrases, and sentence constructions in an efficient and engaging manner. Statistics and visualization tools to help you track your progress. Using its custom adaptive learning technology, Brainscape will drill you on thousands of French vocab words, pronunciations, and grammatical concepts, such that you spend more time on words you don’t get and less on those you have already mastered.

The key to retention is effective repetition, and Brainscape is an app on the market that uses the custom algorithm.

Brainscape is best for students who want to learn conversational French fast and appreciate flashcard based learning.

-Free on your iPhone or Android. Download free in the App Store.

4 - Français Authentique

For intermediate to more advanced learners I would highly recommend the Français Authentique app. There is absolutely no English in this app so I would stay away from it if I were a beginner. The app was created by Johan, who also has a big YouTube account.

This app contains audio and video content for learners to practice listening to French (a bit like Podcasts). The French is pronounced in a slow and clear manner. You also have the option to download the PDF version of the audios so you can follow along with the words.

Johan has a wide variety of topics on his app: some are grammar related (eg. When to use the subjunctive), some focus on popular French idioms and what they mean, but some of the audios are a bit more “personal” (eg. Tips Johan uses to stay happy every day). So, you do get a bit of everything!

I believe this is the best app out there for intermediate to advanced French learners.

5 - VaTeFaireConjuguer by Gymglish

6 - HelloTalk

HelloTalk is more of a messaging app rather than a learning platform. It works like a language exchange app (Tandem). When you sign up, you fill in your profile (with your native and target language). Then, you will be connected with people who speak your target language (in this case French) and you will be able to communicate with them.

So, you will be learning French, whilst they will be learning your native language. You are basically teaching one another! Lots of people love this app because it is quite informal (there’s no pressure for you to get everything correct). This app is a good way of connecting with new people and building confidence speaking in French.

One of the most important elements of learning a new language is getting social and putting yourself out there, and HelloTalk is a good option for this!

7 - Lingopie

The Lingopie app offers movies, TV shows and documentaries to teach you French. So if you like learning by watching things this is a good option for you. The app is highly interactive, with subtitles to help you follow along with the audio. If there is a word you are uncertain of, all you have to do is click on it and its translation will appear. There are also quizzes and comprehension exercises to test your understanding along the way.

To help practice your speaking, there is a microphone tool where you can repeat what is being said and the app will test your pronunciation accuracy. I believe Lingopie is one of the most interactive language apps out there.

8 - Memrise

Memrise is one of the most popular French learning apps out there, and for good reason. I would say this app is best for beginners. It uses flashcards and educational videos of actual French speakers to teach you French. This is really important because it means you will be listening to real French and real dialects. The flashcards will test your understanding.

Memrise is wonderful for learning new vocabulary and some conversational phrases, but doesn’t touch much upon French conjugations, hence why it is mainly suitable for beginners.

9 - Busuu

Busuu is an app that has gained immense popularity over the past few years. It is often compared to Duolingo. Busuu is great for beginner to upper intermediate French learners. One of the reasons the app is so popular is that it has a community feature to it. You can write a text in French and then receive feedback from actual native French speakers. This makes the language learning feel a bit more sociable (which is what language learning is all about).

Busuu is made up of mini French lessons, including listening practice, mini stories, grammar exercises and vocabulary learning. It also has a ‘set your goal’ section which motivates you to keep up with your French practice daily.

10 - LingQ

LingQ is an interesting app as it teaches language in context through texts, podcasts, websites and stories. There are a huge variety of topics available. Every lesson on LingQ contains a listening and reading element to it. Whenever you are uncertain of a word, you can click on it and its definition will pop up, as well as its audio equivalen. To test your understanding, there are flashcards, multiple choice quizzes, dictations etc.

LingQ also features spaced repetition which has been proven to be the most effective way to learn vocabulary. I would say this app is suitable for all levels of French learners.

Learn French with French à La Carte

If, in addition of learning French with an app you would like to practise with a French tutor, we can help you with private personalized lessons online or in person in Paris.

French à La Carte is specialized in one on one lessons in Paris and online.

We offer personalized lessons with highly qualified native French tutors.

If you are looking for :

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10 Best Apps to Learn French in 2024