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Are you struggling to converse in French because you keep fumbling for the right words? Or maybe it’s the other way around and you’re reading a French novel and you don’t understand the words half the time.
I know, I’ve been there. Lucky for you, I also know just what you need: French vocabulary apps.
Why is learning French vocabulary important and why learn with apps?
Vocabulary is an essential component of language learning. It is the foundation of all language and the raw building blocks that we can use to express our thoughts and ideas and communicate with others.
Even if you barely know French and have zero grasp of grammar, you can still communicate using vocabulary alone. Sure, bonjour and Excusez-moi may not sound much but they’re among the most essential French vocabulary that you can actually use to strike up a conversation. Now, imagine if you knew more of these words.
A rich vocabulary also helps you develop your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Vocabulary knowledge is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to reading comprehension, both for native and non-native speakers.
Like I said above, if you sit down to read a book and you don’t know the vocabulary used, you’ll struggle to understand the meaning of the text.
All to say, working on vocabulary is just as important, if not more important than working on grammar when it comes to success in learning French or any foreign language. And while you certainly can use French learning books to boost your vocabulary, apps are the most convenient way to do so.
Feel like learning new French words while commuting or waiting in line? You can do that with French vocabulary apps. They’re also quite fun and motivating because many apps use gamification techniques. Not to mention that many apps these days use AI to adapt to your learning style!
Top picks
French is one of the most popular languages among language learners. This means there are lots of French vocabulary apps that you can explore.
You don’t have to try them all though. I recommend choosing one based on your goals and preferences. Here are my favorites:
- Babbel, Mondly, and Ling are ideal for game-like lessons.
- Pimsleur and Rocket French are audio courses that help you learn practical French vocabulary and pronunciation.
- Memrise and Glossika are great for learning French vocabulary in context.
- Lingopie lets you learn French phrases from movies and TV shows.
- Linguee and French Translator Dictionary + are reliable dictionary apps.
Ready to dig in? Allons-y, Alonso!
Top French vocabulary apps for language learners
1. Babbel
For engaging lessons relevant to real-life conversations and cultural context, I recommend Babbel. This app has a total of 70 courses catering to all levels and various goals.
A separate unit called “Words and Sentences” tackles French vocabulary but many of Babbel’s French courses are designed to help you master words, expressions, and phrases in real-life contexts. You won’t learn unnecessary lingo, just terms that you can actually use when speaking to other French speakers.
Even better, Babbel has a strong speech recognition system that drills down your pronunciation and speaking skills. So, you’re learning the words and how to say them. The app also has fun features like flashcards, quizzes, and games, to help you practice and improve your French vocabulary skills.
Key features:
- Learn real-life words from work-, travel-, and culture-focused courses
- Dialogue trainers to help you apply what you learned
- Speech recognition technology and effective review methods
Pricing: Introductory lessons are free. After that, a subscription costs $13.95/month or $6.95/month on the 12-month plan. Snatch the latest Babbel deal here.
Devices: iOS and Android
2. Rocket French
Learn French with Rocket Languages
Another comprehensive audio-based course that can help improve your vocabulary is Rocket French. This platform offers a total of 86 audio lessons plus extra language lessons and culture lessons for a holistic learning journey.
Rocket French is designed to take you to the heart of the French language and culture, so you can understand the language like a local. This means you’ll learn the essentials plus relevant topics such as food, survival phrases, local customs, shopping, and more.
What’s more, Rocket has practice conversations and a state-of-the-art voice recognition system that helps you perfect your pronunciation!
Key features:
- A well-rounded approach to learning French
- Learn vocabulary and grammar in context
- Practice conversations and speech recognition system
Pricing: $75/month on the 6-month plan and $149.95/level for one-time payment. Check out the latest sale here.
Devices: iOS and Android
3. Mondly
Mondly is a great choice for anyone looking for a vocab boost. The platform features short but fun daily lessons that focus on vocabulary and pronunciation.
One of the standout features of Mondly is its focus on practical topics including common French nouns, adjectives, and greetings, which means you’re learning words and phrases that can be applied to daily conversations. There are units called “vocabulary builders” as well as conversation drills.
Despite the emphasis on vocabulary, grammar isn’t left out. You’ll get conjugation tables (which actually add more words to your collection) plus useful grammar tips. And you can strengthen your learning with the quizzes and exercises.
Learn more about Mondly with this detailed review.
Key features:
- Short and fun lessons focusing on helpful phrases
- Smart vocabulary builders to help you remember new words faster than ever
- Speaking practice with a chatbot
Pricing: One free lesson per day. Unlock more lessons and features for as low as $9.99/month. Check the latest offers here.
Devices: iOS and Android
4. Ling App
If your idea of learning French vocabulary involves fun games, Ling is for you. This app offers a gamified approach focusing on essential words and phrases.
What’s great about Ling is that it introduces new vocabulary and relevant grammar tips through games, quizzes, puzzles, and other fun exercises such as matching the photo with the word, sorting the sentence order, or filling in the blanks. This interactive and engaging method of learning helps to reinforce the new vocabulary.
In addition to vocabulary, the Ling app also provides opportunities to practice listening and speaking skills. Users can listen to conversations between two native speakers and then fill in the blanks of their conversation accordingly. Plus, you can practice with a chatbot!
Key features:
- Covers over 1,000 French words and phrases
- Improves conversational skills
- Interactive features such as games, chatbot, flashcards, etc.
Pricing: Limited content for free. Unlock more lessons and features for as low as $14.99/month. Check the latest offers here.
Devices: iOS and Android
5. Pimsleur
Expanding your French vocabulary doesn’t have to be limited to memorizing words and phrases off of flashcards or textbooks. Why not build your vocabulary with a conversational audio course instead?
Pimsleur is the ideal app for those who want to learn essential vocabulary in the context of dialogues, while also learning authentic pronunciation and accent. The app features 30-minute audio lessons where you can learn new words and phrases. The effective Pimsleur Method ensures you repeatedly hear these words at well-timed intervals so you remember them longer.
The app also includes features such as flashcards, quizzes, and games. Plus, it uses voice recognition technology to help you improve your pronunciation.
Check out more features and benefits with this Pimsleur review.
Key features:
- 30-minute audio lessons that teach vocabulary and help improve conversational skills
- Learn relevant French vocabulary from dialogues featuring a native speaker
- Pimsleur Method helps retain new vocabulary and grammar rules
Pricing: Pimsleur subscription is $14.95/month for Audio-Only; $19.95/month for Premium (with Bonus Materials), or $20.95/month for All Access. Start your full access, 7-day trial here.
Devices: iOS and Android
6. Memrise
For a more personalized approach to expanding your French vocabulary, consider Memrise.
Memrise’s French lessons are tailored to your interests and skill level, which means you’ll be learning vocabulary that’s relevant to you. You’ll learn by watching videos of native speakers in their local settings, allowing you to hear the correct pronunciation and accent while getting a glimpse of the local culture.
Memrise also provides unlimited human-like conversation practice through the MemBot to improve your French conversational skills.
Key features:
- Video clips of words and phrases used in real life
- Gamified tests for reviewing
- MemBot, a personalized AI language tutor
Pricing: Limited features for free. To get access to all content, sign up for Memrise Pro, which starts at $7.50/month. Check discounts here.
Devices: iOS and Android
7. French Today
Whether you are a beginner or advanced learner, there’s something for you on French Today. This unique app helps you widen your French vocabulary through audiobooks!
Founded by a French couple, French Today is designed to be a clear, simple, intuitive, and effective course for learners who are tired of upscale vocabulary, overly formal sentence structures, and outdated pronunciation. Here, you’ll learn useful vocabulary and real-life pronunciations.
You can choose from four levels of audiobooks, access comprehension quizzes, and learn from a bilingual novel. Plus, there are over 600 free lessons fit for various levels and needs.
Key features:
- Learn French vocabulary that’s used in everyday life
- Hear authentic spoken French
- Audiobooks and bilingual novels to learn from
Pricing: Each level audiobook is available for US$99.99. You can purchase them all together to get discounts.
Devices: iOS and Android
8. Clozemaster
Feel like adding 8-bit retro-inspired games to your French learning routine? If you answered yes, I highly recommend Clozemaster.
Clozemaster is specifically designed to help you grow your French vocabulary through cloze tests. Basically, the platform provides a sentence with a missing word, and the challenge is to select or enter the correct word from context.
This app has a collection of over 1,000 of the most common French words, and you can test your skills and learn new French words by playing a selection of sentences with these words. You can also play according to your level.
Key features:
- Mass exposure to French vocabulary in context
- Fun and more challenging exercises
- Native speaker audio clips for listening practice
Pricing: Limited content for free. Clozemaster Pro costs $8/month or $60/year.
Devices: iOS and Android
9. Lingopie
Another great resource for learning French vocabulary is Lingopie. This app offers a wide range of French TV shows and movies that you can watch to improve your French skills and grow your vocabulary.
To start learning, choose from the app’s list of French movies, dramas, comedies, cartoons, and more. Lingopie’s interactive video player lets you click on a word and get instant translations, hear how it’s pronounced, and understand words in real-time, within context.
To get even more immersed, you can also review your French with flashcards, word games, and more with additional language learning features.
Key features:
- A wide range of French content to watch and learn from
- Interactive features like dual subtitles, transcripts, and flashcards
- Entertaining and immersive way to learn real-life French vocabulary
Pricing: $5.99 per month on the yearly plan. But you can try Lingopie for free first.
Devices: iOS and Android
10. Glossika
One of the most unique apps for learning French, Glossika teaches French vocabulary and grammar by exposing you to thousands of full sentences that you’d easily hear in real-life situations and conversations.
Glossika’s French courses cover a range of topics such as predicates, adjectives, nouns, present and past verbs, habitual, continuous, and completed actions. The courses are structured to help you internalize the French language by listening to and repeating sentences spoken by native speakers.
Whether you take an intense training session or a hands-free listening-only session, you’ll soon absorb new phrases and understand how they are used in sentences. It’s a great way to grow your vocabulary naturally and achieve a decent level of fluency in a short amount of time.
Key features:
- Natural vocabulary and grammar acquisition through full sentences
- Choose between intensive learning or listening-only session
- SRS-based review and tailored content
Pricing: Starts at $16.99/month. Try it free for 7 days! If you’d like to support Learn Languages From Home, make sure to complete your purchase through the Glossika website (not the mobile app). You can sign up and use whatever platform you want, but if you make the purchase using the website, I make a small commission. Thanks!
Devices: iOS and Android
11. Rosetta Stone
Learn French with Rosetta Stone
You probably know Rosetta Stone as this tried-and-tested language-learning app but how exactly can it help you boost your French vocabulary?
Rosetta Stone uses a unique method called Dynamic Immersion. With this method, you learn by seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing the language in realistic contexts, with zero translations or explanations. You are immersed in the language from the very beginning, just like a child learning their native tongue.
Sounds challenging? It is, and for many learners, it’s a fun and effective way to remember new words and phrases. The app has different levels and units that cover various topics, such as greetings, family, travel, hobbies, and more. Plus, you get several focused activities that help you practice and reinforce what you learned.
Key features:
- Bite-sized, immersive lessons on French vocabulary and grammar
- Listening and speaking exercises
- Learning from context, not memorization
Pricing: $13.99/month on the 12-month plan. Check out the latest Rosetta Stone sale here.
Devices: iOS and Android
12. Anki
While not exclusive to learning French (or learning languages, for that matter), Anki can be a smart and efficient way to boost your French vocabulary.
Anki is a flashcard app that uses a spaced repetition method to teach you new words and phrases in French. This means you review the flashcards at optimal intervals based on how well you remember them.
The app has different decks and cards that cover various topics, such as basic expressions, numbers, colors, food, and more. Each card has a word or phrase in French on one side, and its meaning, pronunciation, and example sentence on the other side. You can also create your own cards or download shared decks from other users. You can also add audio, images, and videos to your cards to make them more engaging.
Key features:
- Customizable learning decks
- SRS method for recalling what you learned
- Statistics and graphs to motivate you
Pricing: Free for Android, $24.99 for iOS
Devices: iOS and Android
13. Linguee
When it comes to acquiring a rich and varied French vocabulary, you’ll need a reliable dictionary app. Enter Linguee, a dictionary app that provides accurate translations, example sentences, and pronunciation for many languages, including French.
One of the main advantages of Linguee is that it offers translations in context, meaning that you can see how a word or phrase is used in real texts. This can help you understand the meaning, usage, and nuances of the language better than a simple word-for-word translation. You can also compare different translations and choose the one that suits your needs best.
Linguee also allows you to listen to the pronunciation of words and phrases by professional speakers. This can help you improve your listening and speaking skills, as well as your accent and intonation. Plus, it works offline!
Key features:
- Accurate English-French translations for individual texts or text files
- Pronunciation guide with adjustable speed and volume
- Offline access and downloadable editorial dictionaries
Pricing: Free for Android, $24.99 for iOS
Devices: iOS and Android
14. French Translator Dictionary + by VidaLingua
Try French Translator Dictionary +
While learning French vocabulary is an essential part of mastering the language, it can also be a daunting task. With thousands of words to learn, each one has its own meaning, pronunciation, and usage, how can you memorize them all and use them correctly in different contexts? Fortunately, there is an app that can help you with this challenge: French Translator Dictionary +.
French Translator Dictionary + is an app that combines a dictionary, a translator, and a verb conjugator in one. It allows you to look up words and phrases in French and English, and get reliable translations, examples, and audio pronunciations.
You can also use the app to translate texts, photos, and voice from one language to another, and get the best possible translation. The app also provides you with example sentences and phrases to help you learn how to use the words and expressions in real situations. And with over 7,000 French verb conjugations, it’s also a great grammar aid!
Key features:
- Comprehensive text, photo, and voice translations
- Offline access
- Verb conjugator, phrasebook, flashcards, quizzes, and other interactive features
Pricing: Free basic version. Vidalingua Pro French costs $9.99/year.
Devices: iOS and Android
15. Duolingo
Last but not least is the most popular language-learning app today, Duolingo. To be honest, Duolingo’s quality of courses is not the same across all languages. But its French course is one of the most developed and it’s great for absolute beginners.
Duolingo French comes with the standard short, gamified lessons that focus on vocabulary, speaking, and comprehension. Over the years, the app has improved and now you can hear the pronunciation of words and phrases by native speakers. And at least for its French course, you’ll learn useful vocabulary too.
That’s not all. French learners have the advantage of learning from stories, “radio” lessons, and podcasts. These additional lessons and platforms help you acquire more French vocabulary, develop comprehension, and gain cultural insight!
Key features:
- Bite-sized French lessons
- Gamified features that keep you motivated
- Duolingo French podcasts for intermediate and advanced learners
Pricing: Free. For unlimited hearts and ad-free access, get Duolingo Super for $6.99/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
Final thoughts
Learning French vocabulary is an important step to mastering the language and communicating effectively with native speakers. And while it can be challenging and time-consuming, many apps can help you achieve this goal.
That said, if you’re in it for the long haul, I suggest exploring other French learning apps and resources like books, podcasts, online courses, and more. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, you can find tools that suit your needs and preferences. Just remember to have fun while at it!