Learning a new language is one of the most valuable skills a teenager can develop today. Luckily, there are many great free language websites and apps!
Being able to speak, read, and write in more than one language opens up all kinds of opportunities in education, travel and future careers.
Intrigued? Well, there’s more! Building your language skills can actually sharpen your memory, boost your brainpower, and improve your ability to absorb knowledge across other subjects, too.
So, how can you fit new language learning into your already busy daily life?
Luckily, it’s never been easier—or more fun. There are loads of free websites out there offering courses, lessons, and activities to help you learn languages at your own pace, no matter your level.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner, looking to build your basic language skills, or a confident speaker aiming to enhance your pronunciation, listening, or writing, there’s something for everyone.
Here are 10 of the best free language websites for students who want to learn a new language from scratch—or improve the language skills they already have.
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Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the most popular free apps for language learning. Its courses are specifically designed to be short and snappy, helping you build key vocabulary and grammar in just a few minutes each day.
The platform uses a game-like system to make language learning exciting, with experience points, streaks and levels. It’s perfect for learning basic phrases, especially if you’re just starting out with a new tongue like the French language, Spanish, Italian, or even modern Greek or Portuguese.
You can also explore less common languages, including Latin and even fictional ones like Klingon. It’s an ideal way to build confidence, improve your listening skills, and speak in the language in everyday situations.
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Memrise
Memrise helps you learn languages by focusing on remembering words and useful phrases for real life through spaced repetition—an approach based on how memory works.
It uses short videos featuring native speakers, so you hear how the language sounds in real conversations. This helps you improve your comprehension, pronunciation, and get used to natural accents. Some courses also explore culture, which gives extra context to what you’re learning, like Italian culture, Russian culture, or Japanese customs (thanks to content from the Japan Foundation).
Memrise is an effective method of language learning, enhancing your speaking skills with native speakers while still mastering the basics.
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Busuu
Busuu blends structured language courses with the social side of learning. One of its best features is the chance to receive instant feedback from native speakers. You can submit writing or voice tasks and get corrections from real people—something textbooks can’t offer.
Each course follows the same process used in schools across Europe, based on the CEFR framework. That means you can track your progress accurately and work through levels from beginner to advanced.
Whether you’re learning the English language, French, Spanish, or Chinese, Busuu supports learners with personalised suggestions and instant feedback to target their weaker areas.
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Tandem
Tandem is a free language exchange app that connects you with people across the globe who speak your target language and want to learn yours.
You can practice speaking, ask questions, or just chat about daily life. Because you’re learning directly from a native speaker, you’ll pick up real-life expressions, slang, and pronunciation tips that apps and courses often skip.
It’s also a great way to connect with others and learn about culture, something that’s especially helpful when exploring the history or customs of a place.
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HelloTalk
HelloTalk offers a very similar experience to Tandem but with some clever built-in tools. You can send messages by text, voice, or video, and get instant feedback from artificial intelligence with features like auto-correction and translations.
It helps build confidence for those still getting used to the sounds and structure of their new language.
Great for beginners, it lets you focus on both listening and speaking with a supportive community of fellow learners.
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Open Culture
Open Culture is a brilliant resource offering free courses from top universities and public-domain archives. You’ll find a wide range of materials from grammar guides and podcasts to films and textbooks.
It’s especially useful if you’re looking to explore the culture, history, and background of a language, not just the words.
Languages on offer include French, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, and more. There’s even content about Ancient Greek and Russian culture, giving you insight into the context of the language you’re learning.
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TheMixxer
The Mixxer is a free platform that helps language learners find native speakers to chat with over Skype. You can practice conversation, get used to hearing natural pronunciation, and improve your fluency through regular speaking practice.
There are also grammar resources and writing exercises to help you prepare. It’s a straightforward way to build confidence in real-life conversations and to get helpful corrections on the spot.
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BBC Languages
BBC Languages might not be updated anymore, but it still has one of the best free libraries of language learning resources.
You’ll find detailed lessons, grammar guides, pronunciation help and videos for over 30 languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, and even Modern Greek and Portuguese. It’s especially useful for students who like traditional explanations and structured courses when learning languages.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re learning the French language to travel, studying Chinese for school, or just curious about Italian culture, the internet has made it easier than ever to become a confident language learner.
The key is to find a free website or app that suits your style—whether that’s fun games, conversation with real people, or reading authentic texts.
With these tools, you can develop your listening, speaking, writing, and grammar skills, all while exploring new cultures and connecting with people from around the world.
So go ahead—pick your first (or next!) language learning website, and start your journey today.
