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Duo the Duolingo Owl May Be Dead, But These 5 Language-Learning Apps Aren’t (& They’re on Major Sale RN!)

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The language-learning app Duolingo announced on Feb 11 that its make-believe mascot, Duo the Owl, mysteriously died; and the internet has been trying to figure it out.

That day, a Duolingo spokesperson said in a statement on Instagram, saying: “It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mascot, Duo the Owl. For years, he tirelessly reminded millions to do their language lessons − sometimes with gentle nudges, sometimes with sheer, unhinged persistence. But even the most relentless of birds can only take so much.”

They then left a few jokes underneath, but the announcement has everyone wondering: What is going on with Duolingo? This news comes after they laid off around 10 percent of its contract workers amid the AI-based layout change, per CNN. So, after that, everyone is wondering about the world of language-learning apps.

Trust us, there are a lot more language-learning apps out there than you may think, and we rounded up the top five.

Keep in mind that all of these have a free version or free trial, but many of them have major sales going on for the monthly, quarterly, and lifetime options.

See our top five language-learning apps below:

Babbel

Babbel is a user-friendly language-learning app that helps users learn a language fast and comprehensively. While there are only a little over a dozen languages available to learn, you can learn them so fully, thanks to the lessons that work for all types of learners! Plus, you can get a look into the country’s culture and popular slang.
For a very limited time, you can get up to 60 percent off for their Valentine’s Day sale.

Drops

With over 50 languages available, Drops is a colorful, easy-to-learn language app that lays it all out for you. If you’re a visual learner, this is the perfect app for you since it’s image-based. It’s a great app to keep you focused, especially with the vocabulary builder and repetitive lessons.
Until Friday, you can get up to 50 percent off on all plans.

Busuu

If you’re all about the goals, then Busuu is for you. With an array of languages to learn, ranging from French to Polish, you can set so many goals along the way to make the best language-learning experience for you. It helps you determine how advanced you are with the language you choose, why you want to learn it, and how advanced you want to become. Plus, it’s filled with helpful vocabulary tips.

Mondly

Mondly is essential for trying to understand all there is to a language, specifically understanding slang and phrases to a tee. With 41 languages available, it’ll teach you the language you want with regular quizzes and challenges. However, if you’re a stickler for grammar, this one glosses over a bit of it.
For the next 12 hours, you can get the lifetime access for 65 percent off.

Rocket Languages

With over two million members, Rocket Languages has so many ways to practice the new language you’re learning. It’s perfect for those who want to learn visually, audibly, and more. You can have lifetime access to your course, and with all the modules, you’ll learn a new language in no time!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

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