1. Practice Portuguese
Practice Portuguese is a fantastic app for anyone looking to learn European Portuguese. Created by Joel and Rui, this app is designed to complement their language learning platform at PracticePortuguese.com. The app offers a variety of features that make learning both fun and effective.
One of the standout features is the Smart Review. This feature allows you to create custom audio playlists of words and phrases you want to learn, making your study sessions more personalized and efficient. The app also includes over 55,000 high-quality audio clips recorded by native speakers, which helps you practice listening and speaking skills.
The app’s Learning Studio provides access to interactive lessons that cover essential vocabulary and expressions. You can also find Learning Notes that simplify grammar and pronunciation without getting too technical. These notes come with plenty of audio examples and charts to help you understand better.
For those who want to master verb conjugations, the app includes modules that cover hundreds of the most common Portuguese verbs. You can quiz yourself on different tenses and moods, making it easier to remember and use verbs correctly.
Overall, Practice Portuguese is a comprehensive tool that adapts to your learning style and current level, ensuring you make steady progress in your language learning journey.
2. Pimsleur
Pimsleur is a well-known language learning app that focuses on audio lessons. It is available for both Android and iOS devices, as well as on the web. The app is designed to help you learn Portuguese on the go, making it perfect for busy people who want to practice while commuting or during short breaks.
One of the most useful features of Pimsleur is its audio-based approach. The lessons are structured to help you build a strong foundation in European Portuguese by focusing on essential vocabulary and grammar. This method is more effective than trying to memorize thousands of words without context.
Key Features
- Audio Lessons: The core of Pimsleur’s method, these lessons help you learn pronunciation and conversational skills.
- Quizzes and Flashcards: These tools reinforce what you’ve learned in the audio lessons, making it easier to remember new words and phrases.
- Progress Tracking: The app allows you to track your progress, so you can see how much you’ve improved over time.
- Games: Fun activities that make learning more engaging and help reinforce the material.
Pricing
Pimsleur offers a subscription model at $20.95 per month. You can also sign up for a free trial on their website to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Additional Languages
Besides European Portuguese, Pimsleur also offers courses in Brazilian Portuguese and more than 50 other languages. This makes it a versatile choice if you’re interested in learning multiple languages.
Overall, Pimsleur is a great option for anyone looking to learn European Portuguese, especially if you prefer an audio-based learning method. Its structured approach and additional features like quizzes and progress tracking make it a comprehensive tool for language learners.
3. Michel Thomas Portuguese
The Michel Thomas Portuguese course is a unique way to learn European Portuguese. Unlike many other apps, it is audio-based and focuses on getting you to build sentences from the start. This method is very interactive and helps you to start speaking Portuguese quickly.
The app itself is quite simple. You can only listen to the audio content that you have purchased. There are no flashcards, games, or other interactive features. However, the Michel Thomas method is very popular among learners.
Key Features
- Audio-Based Learning: The course is entirely audio-based, which means you can learn on the go.
- Sentence Building: The method focuses on getting you to build sentences, which helps in practical usage of the language.
- Beginner Friendly: Suitable for beginners, covering A1 and A2 levels, and may even touch on B1.
Availability
The app is available on both Google Play and Apple stores. However, to purchase the Michel Thomas Portuguese course, you need to visit MichelThomas.com.
If you’re just starting your Portuguese learning journey, this is a great course to use. Just don’t expect the app to be anything more than a collection of audio tracks.
4. Linguno
Linguno is a very comprehensive web app that covers both European and Brazilian Portuguese. When you create your profile, you can choose which version you want to study. This app is unique because it doesn’t just focus on one area of language learning. Instead, it offers a variety of exercises to help you improve your vocabulary, verb conjugation, and listening skills.
Key Features
- Listening Games: These games are great for improving your ability to understand spoken Portuguese. It’s hard to find other apps that offer such focused listening exercises.
- Verb Conjugation Games: These are especially useful for mastering Portuguese verbs, which can be tricky.
- Vocabulary Exercises: Build your word bank with fun and interactive activities.
Accessibility
Linguno is available at Linguno.com and works well on mobile devices. This makes it easy to practice wherever you are.
Why Choose Linguno?
Linguno is a very interesting language app that could really help you improve your listening, grammar, and vocab skills. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your Portuguese learning needs, making it a valuable tool for anyone serious about mastering the language.
5. Memrise
Memrise is a popular app for learning European Portuguese. It uses spaced-repetition flashcards to help you remember vocabulary and phrases. You can create your own flashcards or use those made by others. The app offers both European and Brazilian Portuguese flashcards, though the quality can vary.
Features
- Curated flashcard decks: Memrise provides decks created by their team, which are generally high quality.
- Interactive videos: The app includes videos with native speakers to help with pronunciation and listening skills.
- AI-driven conversations: Engage in interactive scenarios to practice real-life conversations.
Pros
- User-friendly interface: Memrise is easy to navigate, making it great for beginners.
- Varied exercises: The app offers a range of activities to keep learning interesting.
- Free content: There is a lot of free material available, though a paid membership unlocks more features.
Cons
- Limited sentence formation: While great for vocabulary, it doesn’t teach you to form sentences.
- Quality variability: User-created flashcards can be hit or miss.
Overall, Memrise is a solid choice for those looking to build their vocabulary and improve their listening skills in European Portuguese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you learn European Portuguese with an app?
Yes, apps can be very useful for learning European Portuguese, especially for practicing vocabulary and listening skills. However, they might not be enough on their own to achieve fluency.
What is the best app to learn European Portuguese?
There are several great apps for learning European Portuguese, including Practice Portuguese, Pimsleur, and Memrise. The best app for you depends on your learning style and goals.
Are there any free apps for learning European Portuguese?
Yes, there are free apps available such as Linguno and Conjuguemos. Some apps offer free versions with basic features and paid upgrades for more advanced content.
How effective is the Pimsleur app for learning European Portuguese?
The Pimsleur app is quite effective for learning European Portuguese. It focuses on audio lessons and includes features like quizzes and flashcards to reinforce learning.
Can I use Brazilian Portuguese apps to learn European Portuguese?
While some apps primarily teach Brazilian Portuguese, such as Duolingo, they can still be helpful. However, there are key differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar between the two dialects.
Is it possible to practice speaking with native speakers using these apps?
Yes, some apps like HelloTalk allow you to practice speaking with native speakers. You can chat via text or audio messages, which helps improve your speaking and listening skills.