Learning German can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s not for everybody. Rosetta Stone might seem like an ideal solution for those who are not natural learners or simply don’t have the time to commit to learning another language.
Rosetta Stone German alternatives
After all, its advertisements promise that you will speak another language fluently after only 20 hours of using the software.
However, many Rosetta Stone German alternatives are available that won’t cost you nearly as much and may even be more effective.
This article looks at what makes Rosetta Stone unique and why it isn’t the best option if you want to learn another language fast and effectively.
What is Rosetta Stone?
First, it’s important to understand what Rosetta Stone is and how it works. Rosetta Stone is an online language learning platform that was originally created for the US military to help soldiers transition to different languages.
It provides users with lessons and activities designed to build fluency in a language from the ground up. This can include vocabulary and grammar exercises, audio and video content, and more.
When you first start using Rosetta Stone, you’ll start with the basics. You might be asked to identify objects in photos or listen to a recording and match it to a written word. This is designed to get you familiar with basic vocabulary and the way that native speakers of that language pronounce things.
From there, you’ll move on to more complex lessons that challenge you with vocabulary and grammar in a variety of ways.
So, why isn’t Rosetta Stone the best solution?
When it comes to Rosetta Stone, you’ll notice that there are a variety of different subscription plans available. While some are reasonably priced and offer a modest discount, others are outrageously expensive.
Some plans can cost up to $1,000 per year, which is utterly ludicrous for a language learning solution. Since Rosetta Stone is an online solution, it’s only really suited to people who are able to dedicate a significant amount of time to language learning.
As mentioned above, you’ll be expected to spend around 20 hours per week working through the program. That’s a huge commitment and makes Rosetta Stone an unreasonable choice for many aspiring language learners.
20 hours of Rosetta Stone equals what level of fluency?
Rosetta Stone claims that after around 20 hours of using their platform, you’ll be able to achieve “intermediate fluency” in a language, but this is a misleading claim.
German Fluency is a very subjective term; it means different things to different people. Rosetta Stone claims that after 20 hours of using their software, you’ll be able to understand 80% of native speakers at a casual level.
Okay, but what does that mean in real terms? While Rosetta Stone might be a useful tool for travelers who want to learn enough of the language to get around, it’s not enough to truly master a language.
Fluency is about more than just being able to communicate basic information. It also involves having a strong understanding of how a language works.
Alternative to Rosetta Stone German: Pronunciation Trainer
If you want to learn to speak German, you’ll want to use a tool designed to help you improve your pronunciation. Pronunciation Trainer is just such a solution and is a Rosetta Stone alternative worth considering.
This tool offers users a large selection of exercises designed to help them improve their accents. You’ll be able to select individual words or phrases to practice and then follow along with the audio until you’ve perfected your pronunciation.
You can also create custom German lessons based on your specific needs and practice them as much as you need to. Pronunciation Trainer is useful for anybody serious about improving their pronunciation and ensuring that people understand what they are saying.
Alternative to Rosetta Stone: Live Conversation Practice
Another useful Rosetta Stone alternative designed to help you practice speaking a language is Live Conversation Practice.
This tool allows you to connect with native speakers of the language you’re learning and have real-time conversations with them. You can also select from various topics to discuss and select how much time you want to devote to the conversation.
Live Conversation Practice is a great way to force yourself to speak the language you’re learning and get comfortable doing it. Plus, it’s also a great way to get inspiration for new ways to practice vocabulary.
After your conversation, you’ll be able to review the transcript and see what mistakes you might have made. This tool is a fantastic way to take your language learning to the next level without spending a fortune on a Rosetta Stone plan.
Alternative to Rosetta Stone: language partner
If you want to learn to speak another language, you’ll also want to learn to write it. Language Partner is a Rosetta Stone alternative that can help you do this.
This tool allows you to connect with native speakers of the language you’re learning and become someone else’s language partner.
There are a variety of different topics to choose from, and you can select whichever one you want to write about. You can also select how often you want to exchange messages with your partner.
This is a great way to practice writing the language that you’re learning and get feedback from another person on what you’re doing right or wrong. Language Partner is a fantastic tool for anybody who wants to learn to write and speak another language.
Alternative to Rosetta Stone: virtual language meetup
If you’re looking for a Rosetta Stone alternative that can help you practice speaking in a stress-free environment, then Virtual Language Meetup is worth considering.
This tool allows you to connect with other people who are learning the same language as you and create groups that meet regularly. You can select how often you want to meet and for how long.
Virtual Language Meetup is a fantastic way to connect with other language learners and practice speaking the language that you’re learning. You can also share articles and other resources with your group and get feedback on what you’re doing right and wrong.
Virtual Language Meetup is a great option for anybody who wants to practice speaking German and make new friends.
Conclusion
Rosetta Stone is a compelling solution, but it’s not for everyone. It’s an expensive solution that requires a significant time investment, and not everybody has the time and energy to put it towards that.
Fortunately, Rosetta Stone alternatives are available that are less expensive and may even be more effective, thanks to their focus on pronunciation and conversation practice.
If you’re serious about learning a new language, you must choose the right tool for the job. Rosetta Stone is a powerful solution that can help you make significant progress, but it’s not right for everybody.