Learn French faster with DuoCards

Unless you’re new to my blog, you’re probably aware that I’m a big fan of flashcards as a tool for language learning. As a French teacher, I can teach you everything I know about the French language…but you’ll never reach proficiency without revision and independent study. When it comes to learning on your own, flashcards give you the guidance and structure you need in lieu of a teacher like me.

Which is why every French learner should try out DuoCards. DuoCards is a flashcard app which makes learning grammar rules and vocabulary highly intuitive and endlessly engaging. I believe learning French should be as fun as possible, but DuoCards takes it to the next level. With its unique progression system and level-based lessons, it feels more like playing a game than studying.

That isn’t to say that DuoCards isn’t a formidable language resource. The app uses a special algorithm based on spaced repetition, varying the order in which you learn words, and introducing new ones into the mix in order to help you remember what you learn, in a way that is neither tedious nor overwhelming. Contextual clues such as pictures and example sentences really make the experience immersive, and the audio accompaniment is top-notch, helping refine your pronunciation and familiarise you with the French accent.

But my favourite thing is the sense of community. Over 1.5 million people use the app, and as well as connecting with friends and comparing your progress, you can use cards that other users have uploaded. You can upload and share your own cards, too, and DuoCards will instantly translate each new word or phrase using its integrated translator, making it an indispensable resource for teachers to use. To say this app is a time-saver would be an understatement.

The app is free, but the premium version removes the daily cap and allows you to sort cards into different files and filter them – a very useful function! DuoCards is available on both GooglePlay and the Apple Store, as well as a browser extension for Google Chrome.

It’s fair to say DuoCards has my seal of approval - but you can use it to learn more than just French, as the app currently supports over a hundred different languages! Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m going to go and practise my Gujarati…