Although language apps like Babbel and Rosetta Stone often receive more press, upstart video-based apps like Lingopie have been making waves in the industry lately with their unique approach to learning.
Lingopie
- Multiple Subscription Options
- Free 7-Day Trial
Pros
- Subscription plans as low as $6/mo (cheaper than most competitors)
- Fun and enteratining way to learn German through watching tv shows and movies
- Frequent quizzes boost material retention
- Grammar Coach tool provides helpful explanations and insights
- Interactive flashcards automictically generated to review regularly
Cons
- Subtitles are incorrect at times
- Not an ideal German app for newcomers
How The Lingopie German Program Works
In essence, Lingopie is a video-on-demand platform that uses real TV shows and movies to aid in learning German. Their approach emphasizes immersion and contextual-based learning, departing from traditional classroom-style instruction or repetitive flashcard lessons found in other German language apps.
Put another way, Lingopie exposes learners to authentic, real-world content to simulate the way native speakers learn German – by immersing them in genuine conversations, cultural nuances, and everyday language.
By watching and listening to these shows and movies with subtitles and using Lingopie’s other interactive features, users can improve their listening comprehension, vocabulary, and understanding of grammar in a more engaging and natural way.
Moreover, by blending binge-watching with learning, you’re likely to remain engaged longer than with other German language programs since you’re enjoying yourself and engaging in something genuinely entertaining.
Pros Explained
Now that you understand how Lingopie works, let’s dive into the pros and cons of using their platform to learn German. With that said, let’s start with the pros.
Entertaining Way To Learn German
The first advantage of using Lingopie is pretty straightforward – it’s a genuinely fun and entertaining way to learn German.
It’s far more engaging and enjoyable than traditional German apps like Pimsleur or Memrise, for example. There are two main reasons for this.
First, most people prefer watching a TV show or movie over reading a textbook or going through flashcard-style lessons.
Second, Lingopie’s video library is exceptional, offering premium TV shows and movies that you’d probably want to watch anyway. Titles like Freud and Biohackers are available, which are also found on Netflix.
Needless to say, if you’re a visual learner or simply prefer watching TV shows and movies over more conventional German lessons, then Lingopie is an ideal choice for your learning style.
Lingopie German Is Affordable
The second advantage in favor of Lingopie is its pricing. I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable Lingopie’s subscription options are, considering the premium content in their video library.
The company offers three different plans: a three-month option for $36, an annual option for $144, and a lifetime subscription for $199.
It’s worth noting that these prices are just the MSRPs though, and Lingopie often runs special deals and promotions. For instance, the annual plan is usually discounted to $72, which is a remarkable deal.
For $6 per month, Lingopie is cheaper than the likes of Rosetta Stone and Rocket German, so it’s hard to find fault with the pricing.
Helpful Learning Tools
Lingopie offers several useful and functional features on its platform that enhance the learning experience beyond just the subtitles.
First, there’s a loop setting that allows you to repeat a scene until you grasp the dialogue, which is particularly helpful during fast-paced segments.
Additionally, Lingopie provides control over the playback speed, which is extremely beneficial, especially for beginners. Lastly, you can pause the show or movie you are watching at any time to participate by repeating what the characters said last. Plus, what’s great is that Lingopie utilizes speech recognition software to analyze and rate your German pronunciation.
This allows you to hone your speaking alongside listening and reading, enhancing your overall German language skills.
German Grammar Instruction
I believe that grammar is one of Lingopie’s strengths for several reasons. First, Lingopie color-codes subtitles, making it easier to identify and understand the role of each word in a sentence.
Second, by clicking on any word within the subtitle, Lingopie displays its definition, and what function it serves, which is helpful when encountering unfamiliar words.
Lastly, and most importantly in my opinion, is Lingopie’s grammar coach tool. Clicking on the light bulb icon below the video screen provides a detailed explanation of why a character said a particular word and the grammar rules behind the statement.
For example, clicking the light bulb for a sentence containing the word “denn” explains that it is a modal particle that does not have a direct translation in English, but is used in German to make questions sound more conversational or friendly.
In other words, Lingopie’s grammar coach not only explains German grammar rules and usage, but also demonstrates how grammar rules are applied in real-life situations. Overall, I give Lingopie two big thumbs up for helping you understand German grammar.
Video-Based Flashcards
Lastly, I appreciate that Lingopie generates flashcards for you to review between watching shows and movies.
Here’s how it works: as you watch with subtitles, if you encounter an unfamiliar word or phrase and click for more details, Lingopie automatically creates a flashcard for you to review at a later time.
Plus, I should mention that these flashcards are not your typical ones with just one word on each side (see Pimsleur German); they are interactive, video-based cards that use the exact clip where the word or phrase appeared.
In my opinion, this type of approach towards flashcards significantly aids recall. Associating a particular person or scene with a word or phrase enhances retention, and facilitates using the word in the correct context.
Cons Explained
Now that we’ve discussed the positives around the Lingopie German program, let’s flip the script and talk about some of the negative aspects.
Flawed Subtitles (only sometimes)
Unfortunately, Lingopie’s subtitles are not always accurate. Sometimes, when you click on a word, it displays the literal definition, even if it differs from how the word or phrase was used in the context of the TV show or movie you are watching.
For example, let’s take the word “feet.” Lingopie might define it as the body parts attached to your legs, when in reality, the character was referring to a ship that is over 200 feet long.
These errors are expected occasionally, and they are rare, but when they do occur, they can disrupt the learning process.
Lack Of Lesson Progression
Another downside of using Lingopie to learn German is the absence of a clear study plan or structured lesson progression.
Instead, you’re more on your own, which can be challenging, especially for beginners.
Personally, I believe that a well-defined lesson plan offers a clear framework and sequence for learning (sort of what like Babbel and Pimsleur offer) since it helps you understand what to focus on, and how to progress systematically.
Additionally, it ensures gradual growth by building upon your knowledge and skills before moving on to more advanced concepts. In summary, I wish Lingopie would provide a blueprint for learning German, rather than throwing you into the fire right from the start.
Not A Good Fit For Newcomers
Lastly, I do not consider Lingopie to be the ideal German app for newcomers, especially those who are prone to frustration.
Again, this is because the app lacks a structured, organized curriculum that gradually builds your language skills. While Lingopie does allow you to filter shows and movies by difficulty level and adjust the playback speed, it can still be challenging for beginners.
The dialogue in the content progresses quickly, and the language used by the characters is often sophisticated. Therefore, I would recommend Lingopie for people who have at least a basic foundation or understanding of the German language.
If not, you may want to consider Rocket German, Babbel German, or Rosetta Stone German instead. These programs are more geared towards newcomers.
Verdict: Is LingoPie Effective For Learning German?
After testing and reviewing the program, I believe the answer is yes. While I do have a few complaints, such as the lack of a structured lesson plan or curriculum, I still think the positives far outweigh the negatives.
The Lingopie video library offers a wide range of premium TV shows and movies, and there are numerous supplemental tools like quizzes, a grammar coach, and video-based flashcards to enhance the learning process. Plus, the Lingopie subscription plans are very affordable.
Overall, I think Lingopie is an effective option for learning German, especially if you already have a basic knowledge of the language.
Lingopie offers several different subscription options to choose from. You have your choice between a 3-month plan for $36, a 12-month plan for $72, or a lifetime subscription for around $200.
Lingopie offers hundreds of tv shows to help you learn German. Some of their most popular titles include Kleo, Dogs Of Berlin, and Black Island.
Yes, after testing the program, I can confidently say Lingopie works for learning German. The company offers a plethora of features and tools that boost your understanding of the German language.
Yes, Lingopie is a legit German language app. In fact, over 100,000 people have chosen Lingopie as their preferred language learning app.
