Introduction:

Being able to use your language learning app in offline mode is a whole level of convenience. First off, you don’t need to worry about connection strength or internet subscription to learn a language. However, keep in mind that using an app in offline mode might mean downloading data packs, which can be data-intensive. After the initial download, you can enjoy the app for as long as you want. It is not a paper sale that you’d need to search more and more.

How Serious Learning Can Happen Offline:

It wouldn’t be a bad idea for us all to try going offline once in a while. Studies actually show that some offline time is a healthy thing for everyone.

The good news continues because offline time is perfect to power up language learning. With no distractions—Facebook, Twitter or any of the other internet time-sucking spots—it’s easy to stick to your language learning program.

First, you should prepare by scheduling offline language study time into your day. Many of us already follow a language learning schedule so this might be a simple tweak for you—stick to your schedule, even if your learning resources will change without Wi-Fi.

• FluentU

FluentU is one of the most innovative options on this list, bringing you authentic language practice wherever you go.

FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

Each video and audio clip comes with interactive subtitles. Click any word you don’t recognize for an instant definition and native pronunciation. FluentU also creates flashcards and exercises based on what you’ve watched so you don’t forget all those new words! It’s a fun way to actively build your vocabulary while naturally absorbing the language as native speakers really use it.

• 50LANGUAGES

50LANGUAGES is a free app for iOS and Android that offers both online and offline resources. It’s geared toward beginners—even those with absolutely no experience—as well as anyone who wants to polish up their language skills. As the name suggests, they cover more than 50 languages.

If basic communication skills are what you’re going for, this is certainly a good choice. You’ll follow audio lessons, which are available to download for offline listening. Other learning materials include language tests and flashcards.If you want to take your studies pre-internet, print books are available to purchase to supplement the programs.

• Google Translate

Google Translate is a workhorse for language learners. It’s available for iOS and Android users.Personally, I use it all the time. It provides a quick text translation, customizable phrasebook and even translates conversations in an instant.

One of its best features is the ability to get the meaning of a sign, menu or even billboard with the camera translation. Never get lost again—just point at a street sign and wait for the translation. This app is great for travelers!

What you may not realize is Google Translate delivers for offline learning, too. It’s possible to download languages onto your device so they’re available for use even when the device is not connected to the internet. Google Translate’s language packs are available in more than 50 languages.

• Naver Papago Translate

Naver Papago Translate is a text, voice, conversation and image translation app for iOS and Android users. It’s available for 11 languages, including French, Japanese, Russian, Vietnamese and more.For offline learning, there’s a phrasebook containing basic expressions. It’s a fun, fast way to boost your communication abilities whenever you’ve got some downtime.

When you get back on the grid, Naver Papago offers a full dictionary as well as real-time translations. You can even enable location services and Naver Papago will suggest languages for translation depending on where you are!In case you’re wondering, papago means “parrot” in Esperanto. It’s a bird with language abilities, so it does seem to be a fitting name for such a useful app!

• Memrise

Memrise is designed to make language education catchy and fun, while comprehensive. Both iOS and Android users will benefit from this download. It provides an offline mode so you can easily continue your practice anywhere.

With Memrise, you follow themed courses (e.g. foundational vocabulary, common expressions, conjugation rules etc.) to learn your language in a logical way. It’s a unique approach to language study but it still packs all of the components we expect from a language program.

• Duolingo

Duolingo is a familiar language-learning program. You may already recognize their fun, green owl mascot Duo, who accompanies learners on their journey from beginner to advanced levels. Available for about 30 languages, this app teaches in small, manageable lessons on both iOS and Android devices.

There’s the voice recognition segment that pulls no punches—when you’ve mispronounced a word or phrase, you’ll be prompted to try again. Have practice conversations with chatbots or join a club with other learners.Duolingo’s offline mode includes an abridged number of its lessons. When you’re offline, the progress tracking features will be turned off.

• Busuu

The Busuu app is an excellent choice, since all its lessons are available offline!It teaches 12 languages at all levels on iOS and Android platforms. If you’re not sure where you fall on the learning scale, don’t worry! Busuu will give you a placement test to determine the perfect starting point for your language-learning journey.

Busuu’s program is designed to teach you a language through brief but consistent study—just 10 minutes a day. It covers key vocabulary, conversational phrases, grammar skills and even allows for real practice with native speakers.