Learn German with AI: the best AI German learning apps, tested & reviewed

As a German teacher, I'm always searching for resources to help my students practice between our sessions. I've spent significant time testing AI apps that claim to help with German conversation, and I've found that quality varies dramatically across platforms.

AI technology is going to change how we learn languages. But with so many choices available, it can be overwhelming for learners trying to decide.

In this article, I'll share my top recommendations for German conversation practice using AI, based on what I've seen actually helps students improve. I'll focus on the essentials: pros, cons, and costs.

The Best Tools for AI German Conversation Practice

#1: Langua

Best for: Motivated Learners of German

Langua is a powerful AI platform built for learners who want to take their German conversation skills to the next level, while also offering ways to learn through listening, reading, and flashcards.

Advantages:

• Offers a wide range of conversation options designed for language learning: practical roleplays, thought-provoking debates, discussions about your interests, and more.
• Unlike other apps, you'll feel like you're talking with a real person rather than a robot. This takes some getting used to! Many of the voices are cloned from language learning YouTubers that Langua has partnered with.
• Get instant corrections with detailed explanations, giving you deeper insight into your mistakes. You can access a comprehensive feedback report after each conversation.
• Choose your preferred German dialect (Swiss, Austrian, etc.) based on what you want to learn.
• Speak in your native language when you're stuck - the AI will usually still understand you (especially helpful for A1-A2 German learners).
• Available on any device - desktop via website or tablet/mobile through apps: iOS (Apple) | Android (Google Play)
• Also features podcasts and videos with AI-generated interactive transcripts. These highlight each word as it's spoken, making content easier to understand. Then you can translate words and sentences with one click and learn them via spaced repetition flashcards. You can even generate AI stories that use your saved vocabulary.

Disadvantages:

• The AI occasionally misses errors - this is a common limitation I've seen across all AI models, not just Langua.
• Sometimes your speech gets corrected when transcribed, which prevents you from getting feedback on the actual mistake. This is an issue with all AI models, though Langua lets you switch between the best available ones.
• Can be tricky if you're a complete beginner (Langua has tools and a custom course for beginners, but conversations are always challenging when you're just starting).
• Currently available in 23 languages (more are being added every month, so this may have changed by the time you read this).

Pricing: $12 to $29/month (depending on your subscription type). Offers a multi-day free trial so you can test the website and/or app.

You can create a free account on Langua and explore it here.

#2: ChatGPT

Best for: Folks Who Want to Learn for Free

You've probably heard of ChatGPT since it's the most well-known AI tool. While it's impressive technology that can work as an AI German tutor, it's not specifically designed for language learning. I've tested ChatGPT extensively for German practice and found both strengths and significant limitations.

Advantages:

• Free version available for everyone
• You can ask it to help you practice conversation or request grammar corrections
• Audio mode feels very real and lets you interrupt the AI

Disadvantages:

• It's not built for language learning - I had to keep asking for corrections instead of getting automatic feedback. There's no translation button either.
• Recording often cuts off during natural pauses, since the voice detection isn't designed for learners who need time to form sentences.
• No dialect selection available (Swiss, Austrian, etc.), so voices sound pretty generic.
• No suggested conversation topics for learning German. I had to come up with all the ideas, and the AI kept recommending the same themes - food and music. It gets repetitive quickly.
• You can't read while listening (unlike Langua). When you turn on audio mode, you can't see the text, which makes it harder to follow along.
• The free version limits your usage quite a bit.

Pricing: $20/month for premium access, free (limited) version available.

#3: Univerbal

Best for: Folks Who Want a Structured and Gamified App

Univerbal is a Swiss AI language learning app (previously called Quazel) that focuses on conversation practice through structured scenarios.

Advantages:

• Mobile app makes it convenient to practice German on the go.
• Wide variety of roleplay scenarios covering real-life situations (travel, work, daily life).
• Progression system that adapts as you improve your skills.
• Personalized curriculum based on your interests and goals.

Disadvantages:

• Voices sound more robotic and less natural compared to Langua's human-cloned voices.
• Transcription can be buggy - during my testing, it sometimes stopped recording mid-sentence.
• Conversations feel more rigid and scenario-based rather than flexible and open-ended.
• Limited ability to have spontaneous discussions outside the preset roleplay topics.
• No clear spaced repetition system for vocabulary retention.

Pricing: $10-20/month

#4: Praktika

Best for: Visual Learners Who Like Structured Paths

Praktika offers well-organized learning paths and animated avatars, but it falls short in some important areas. The lesson paths aren't flexible, feedback is minimal, and there's no system for retaining vocabulary long-term.

Advantages:

• Conversations adapt well to your German level, especially at intermediate stages.
• Clean interface with clearly organized lesson paths.
• Beginner lessons include helpful scaffolding and guided questions.
• Large library of conversation topics available for on-demand practice (around 140 topics).

Disadvantages:

• Learning paths are rigid - if you change your goal, you lose your progress.
• Feedback is limited and easy to miss during conversations.
• Animated avatars can be distracting, with no option to turn off the visuals.
• No long-term vocabulary reinforcement or spaced repetition system.
• Very limited customization options compared to more flexible alternatives like Langua.

Pricing: Requires a 3-month minimum subscription with no monthly option. Pricing varies by country. Single tier includes all features with no add-ons.

Read our full Praktika review here.

#5: Speak

Best for: Beginners Who Like Video Content

Speak offers a more polished experience than many AI German apps, with engaging roleplay scenarios and a tutor feature for grammar questions. It works well for beginners wanting structured practice, though the feedback lacks depth and the subscription tiers can be confusing.

Advantages:

• Clear, natural-sounding German voices with decent speech recognition.
• Engaging roleplay scenarios with cultural context (like ordering at a café or making plans with friends).
• Grammar tutor feature lets you ask specific questions and request custom lessons.
• Polished interface with well-paced beginner content and helpful pronunciation videos.

Disadvantages:

• Feedback is brief and doesn't provide the depth needed for real improvement.
• Limited variety in lesson types - it gets repetitive at higher levels.
• Limited dialect options (not much Swiss German or Austrian German).
• No spaced repetition system for vocabulary retention.
• Subscription tier structure is confusing, with unclear limits on AI lessons.

Pricing: Varies by country. Premium Plus (unlimited custom lessons) costs significantly more than the base tier. The distinction between tiers wasn't clear at signup.

Read our full Speak review here.

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Common Questions Related to Learning German with AI

What are the most effective ways to use AI for learning German?

AI can help with multiple aspects of language learning, including conversation practice, grammar corrections, and vocabulary building. In my experience, AI platforms like Langua and ChatGPT are incredibly valuable for improving German speaking skills through interactive conversations and instant feedback.

How can I integrate AI into my German learning routine alongside other resources?

AI language learning tools work great as part of your German learning toolkit, but they work best when combined with other resources like textbooks, language exchange partners, and human tutors. Use AI for targeted practice like conversation or reading transcripts, while also seeking out real-world language use and feedback from native speakers.

If I can learn German with AI, do I no longer need a tutor?

The short answer is no, relying only on AI German tutors isn't the best strategy. The longer answer... if you can afford it, I recommend combining human tutoring with AI conversation practice. Human tutors offer warmth, accountability, and encouragement that AI can't replicate. They also understand language nuances better and provide personalized feedback. AI, on the other hand, is excellent for quick practice sessions whenever you have time. It also gives you exposure to many different conversation scenarios. The combination of both creates a well-rounded and effective German learning experience.

What should I look for when choosing an AI tool for learning German?

When picking an AI German teacher app, consider factors like voice recognition quality, how natural the speech sounds, the range of conversation topics and exercises, and how well it personalizes to your needs. Look for tools that offer interactive features and provide explanations with examples for grammar and vocabulary. Reading user reviews and trying free trials can help you figure out which AI tool fits your learning style and goals best.

Curious whether you can learn to speak German using AI? I encourage you to check out Langua here and create a free account.

Curious about learning other foreign languages using AI? See more:

Learn English with AI  | Learn Italian with AI | Learn French with AI | Learn Japanese with AI | Learn Chinese with AI | Learn Spanish with AI