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Learning Hebrew can be intimidating at first. The alphabet looks foreign and the letters are written from right to left. But fret not; Hebrew’s actually not that difficult – especially when you’re equipped with some fun apps to learn Hebrew.
Don’t know where to start? Here are some apps that will make learning Hebrew a breeze for beginners. And psst… we’re not just talking about Duolingo!
Top picks
Before you get lost in the options, here’s a summary of my top recommendations:
- Use Mondly or Ling App for interactive lessons
- Build your Hebrew vocabulary and listening skills with Glossika
- Build conversational skills quickly with Pimsleur
- Find affordable Hebrew tutors on Preply or italki
There’s no harm in trying, so download these apps to see which ones suit you best.
Interactive apps to learn Hebrew
For a Hebrew learning app to be effective, it should be interactive. This makes lessons fun and keeps boredom at bay! The famous Babbel app does not offer a Hebrew course, but here are your alternatives.
1. Mondly
With Mondly, it’s easy to incorporate mini-Hebrew lessons into your daily routine.
It starts off simple enough for beginners, yet continues growing as you progress through the lessons. This means that there are always more Hebrew words and phrases being added to each level, so you never get bored learning basic vocabulary over and over again!
You will also find interactive games inside Mondly which help make learning fun while reinforcing what you have learned in previous lessons.
Why learn Hebrew with Mondly:
- Conversation-based words and phrases
- Hebrew grammar lessons included
- Clear audio by professional voice actors
- Suitable for kids and adults alike
Pricing: With the free version, you get new lessons every day. However, it’s worth upgrading to Mondly premium for all lessons and conversations. Here’s the latest Mondly promo!
Devices: iOS and Android
2. Ling App
Download Ling App today to start learning Hebrew. Ling has a library of Hebrew lessons that helps you master this beautiful language through mini-games and quizzes.
You get access to extensive grammar tips and you can even practice your speaking skills with a chatbot. You’ll be surprised how quickly you pick up the basics of Hebrew with Ling’s intuitive flashcards system.
For such a highly-rated app to learn Hebrew, Ling’s pretty underrated.
Why learn Hebrew with Ling:
- Flashcards, mini-games and word quizzes
- Chatbot option for conversations
- Mix of vocabulary and grammar content
- Courses for all fluency levels
Pricing: Ling App has a free version. To get more lessons and content, upgrade to the Pro version which costs $14.99/month. A pretty good deal!
Devices: iOS and Android
3. Duolingo
Duolingo hardly needs an introduction. Heck, you might have it on your phone already!
Duolingo makes learning Hebrew fun and easy by gamifying the experience with streaks, points and rewards. The app teaches you real-world skills like reading, listening and writing.
Some people swear by Duolingo, but the Duolingo Hebrew course does come with some criticisms. Overall, it’s still a fantastic app to learn Hebrew for free… if you don’t mind the ads.
Why learn Hebrew with Duolingo:
- Game-like and addictive lessons
- Playful rewards and achievements
- Long-term language retention
Pricing: Duolingo is free with ads and limited hearts. Duolingo Plus starts from $6.99/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
Best apps to learn how to speak Hebrew
If your goal is to learn how to speak Hebrew so you can communicate with people as soon as possible, there are audio-based apps just that.
4. Pimsleur Hebrew
Pimsleur uses a method that has been proven effective for decades by millions of people around the world. This audio course is tailored for English speakers learning Hebrew.
Pimsleur Level 1 comprises 15 hours of audio lessons, split into 30-minute daily sessions. The Premium version is complemented by digital flashcards and interactive phrase games.
With Pimsleur’s easy-to-remember structure for learning languages, you can speak Hebrew from day one – and keep speaking right through to fluency.
Here’s an offer for you: Try the full Pimsleur Hebrew course free for seven days!
Why learn Hebrew with Pimsleur:
- Needs just 30 minutes a day
- Audio lessons that can be played hands-free
- Based on the proven Pimsleur Method
- Flash cards and games for review
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.
Devices: iOS and Android
Apps to find Hebrew tutors
Apart from enhancing your grammar and vocabulary, getting a Hebrew tutor can help develop your conversation skills—and there are certainly enough apps to help you do so!
With these learning platforms, you’ll be able to conduct 1-on-1 sessions with certified instructors, giving you the chance to practice your speech, diction, and dialogue. You’ll also be able to ask questions as you go!
5. Preply
For those who take time on decisions, this app’s got your back. If you’re not satisfied with your first lesson, Preply offers a free tutor replacement until you’ve found your preferred Hebrew teacher. Isn’t that neat?
Apart from sending requests to your tutor, this platform also comes with an instant booking feature that lets you schedule and reserve a 1-on-1 session immediately!
However, the catch is that you’d have to purchase lessons upfront (at 6, 12, or 20 hours) as a booking requirement. If you’d like to arrange shorter classes, you’d have to email Preply support.
Why learn Hebrew with Preply:
- Multiple tutors and rates to choose from
- Free tutor replacement guarantee
- Preply Virtual Classroom feature, equipped with speaking, writing, and drawing tools
- Instant booking option based on your preferred time slot
Pricing: Preply rates start at $1/hour, provided that you’ve booked 6, 12, or 20-hour packages. There are bulk discounts and student discounts that can lighten the load!
Devices: iOS and Android
6. italki
For a personalized learning experience, italki features a wide array of Hebrew instructors you can connect with.
Through their app and platform, you can easily view profiles, reviews, and introduction videos, to find the right tutor for you! As a registered learner, you can choose between community instructors and professional teachers, booking as many classes as you wish.
Should you want to meet with your instructor, the italki Classroom also provides a great online platform to hold synchronous sessions.
Why learn Hebrew with italki:
- Multiple instructor profiles to review and choose from
- Book as many lessons as you want
- Safety guarantee for every lesson
- Italki Classroom feature for 1-on-1 online learning
Pricing: italki lessons start from $4/hour. On top of that, new users can avail discounted trial lessons!
Devices: iOS and Android
Best apps to build Hebrew vocabulary
There are a few Hebrew learning apps that specifically target your vocabulary bank. This is an essential component of your learning journey. You can complement the apps below with Anki for even faster progress.
7. Glossika
Glossika’s unique method of teaching Hebrew vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation skills helps you learn as naturally as possible. How, you ask? Through thousands of Hebrew sentences.
Instead of random individual words and short phrases, Glossika exposes you to full sentences to give you the context you need to fully grasp the language. And with the help of spaced repetition, you retain the information longer.
Another great thing about Glossika is its hands-free listening-only mode that allows you to learn even while commuting, driving, or exercising. How cool is that?
Why learn Hebrew with Glossika:
- Focus on full sentences for contextual learning
- Effective SRS method
- Comprehensible input challenges without overwhelming you
- Option to do intensive practice or listening-only mode
Pricing: Starts at $16.99/month but you can try it for free first. 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
8. Drops
Drops helps you learn 2,000+ Hebrew words with playful lessons that are just five minutes long.
It uses visual associations to help you remember vocabulary in a unique way. You can choose which words you need to review and skip those you’ve memorized. Drops’ sleek and aesthetic user interface is a joy for users.
Of course, take note that Drops lack the grammar component so it should be used as a supplement to other Hebrew learning apps or resources.
Why learn Hebrew with Drops:
- Deep focus on words
- Words come with crisp audio
- Curated word list on diverse topics
- Beautiful illustrations
- Quick learning sessions
Pricing: It’s free for five minutes a day. For unlimited playtime, upgrade to the Pro version. Here’s the latest Drops offer.
Devices: iOS and Android
9. FREE Hebrew by Nemo
Want to jump into learning a list of essential Hebrew words and phrases? Enter Nemo.
By using Nemo as an introduction to Hebrew, you’ll immediately grow your Hebrew vocabulary. Every word on this app is useful for day-to-day conversation with friends and family when traveling or living abroad.
The content comes with audio by a native speaker. This audio can be downloaded so you can use it offline or while flying internationally.
Why learn Hebrew with Nemo:
- Essential vocabulary for travel
- Customized flashcards
- Record your voice and play it back
- Audio can be downloaded for offline use
Pricing: The free version comes with the most essential Hebrew phrases. An upgrade to the full version costs $9.99.
Devices: iOS and Android
Best programs to learn Hebrew
10. Rosetta Stone
Learn Hebrew with Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone is built for “bite-sized learning”, with lessons only lasting for 5-10 minutes!
Centered on conversation skills, the platform integrates TruAccent speech recognition technology to help monitor and improve your pronunciation of Hebrew texts.
Interestingly, Rosetta Stone has a unique “stories” function which lets you listen to Hebrew from native speakers or practice reading on your own. Along with that, the app contains a phrasebook, audio reading companion, and occasional live sessions for added practice.
Why learn Hebrew with Rosetta Stone:
- TruAccent technology for speaking practice
- Stories function to improve reading and listening
- Access to phrasebook, audio companion, and live sessions.
- Downloadable content for offline use
Pricing: Rosetta Stone subscriptions start from $7.99/month. Here’s the latest Rosetta Stone promo.
Devices: iOS and Android
11. Mango Languages
Learn Hebrew with Mango Languages
Mango Languages offers courses for Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew.
It essentially teaches you Hebrew through conversations. It’ll take your hand through useful Hebrew phrases for travel and everyday situations.
Hebrew lessons on Mango come with helpful tips on grammar to deepen your understanding of Hebrew, as well as culture notes for insights into all things Israel.
Why learn Hebrew with Mango Languages:
- Real-life conversations by native speakers
- Based on a proven linguistic methodology
- Grammar and culture notes included
- Personalized review sessions
Pricing: Mango Languages be available for free with your local library. Otherwise, it costs $7.99/month for a single language.
Devices: iOS and Android
Other basic apps to learn Hebrew
If you’re a casual learner, traveling abroad, or just easing into the language, here are some apps to help you build your Hebrew vocabulary.
12. Simply Learn Hebrew by Simya Solutions
Learn Hebrew with Simply Learn Hebrew
Essentially a “phrasebook”, Simply Learn Hebrew is a simple platform that collates Hebrew words and expressions you can pick up for practical use.
With native speakers involved in its development, the app contains recorded phrases, as well as an adjustable audio speed setting to guide your pronunciation. It also has a Hebrew quiz, flashcards, and English-to-Hebrew/Hebrew-to-English translation features to customize your learning!
Why learn Hebrew with Simply Learn Hebrew:
- 300+ free words and phrases that can be saved and copied
- Track your learning progress with quizzes and flashcards
- Repetition-based learning system
- Audio files recorded by Native speakers from Israel
Pricing: The app is free! To get additional learning material, in-app purchases start at $0.99/item.
Devices: iOS and Android
13. Learn Hebrew Free by InnovationApps
Learn Hebrew with Learn Hebrew Free
Learn Hebrew Free is perfect for travel use, as it provides offline access to its material! Upon installation, you’ll have access to essential Hebrew vocabulary, as well as audio recordings, which can help you through real-life scenarios.
In addition, the app conveniently lets you translate from many, different languages to Hebrew. So, if you find yourself on a distant trip, this app will give you some peace of mind.
Why learn Hebrew with Learn Hebrew Free:
- 9000+ Hebrew words and phrases
- Bookmarking and quick search features
- Translates from 32 languages to Hebrew
- Interactive quiz game
- Available for offline use
Pricing: Learn Hebrew Free is, as you’ve guessed, free on the app store! For added content, prices start at $2.99/item.
Devices: Android
14. Hebrew Locker
Learn Hebrew with Hebrew Locker
Hebrew Locker is an intuitive software that adjusts to your learning pace.
Hebrew phrases are categorized into six levels that integrate themselves into your current skill level. Through its quizzes and flashcards, its repetition system provides great training for your vocabulary, and will always keep you on your toes!
Why learn Hebrew with Hebrew Locker:
- 4000+ Hebrew words and phrases
- Flashcards and quizzes that adjust to your learning pace
- Optimized repetition system
- Free access to all content
Pricing: Though it may contain ads, Hebrew Locker provides free access to all its content!
Devices: Android
Learn Hebrew: FAQ
Is Hebrew easy to learn?
On the surface level, memorizing common Hebrew expressions is easy enough, as long as you’ve practiced your diction.
However, should you wish to fully understand the language, you’ll have to put in some effort. There are slight variations between the traditional, Biblical Hebrew and the more commonly spoken Modern Hebrew, which you’ll need to pay attention to as you study.
But luckily, Hebrew isn’t that complicated, as the language chiefly relies on your pattern recognition. As a Semitic language, most of its terms are derived from three to four-letter root words, which are then modified using vowels, prefixes, and suffixes—so, in short, there aren’t many irregularities.
Your biggest challenge would likely be speaking (“vocalization”), since written Hebrew doesn’t contain vowels, and requires you to memorize certain words. In your studies, you’ll likely encounter the “niqqud”, or vowel symbols, which annotate your pronunciation using dots and dashes.
Simply accustom yourself to the reading system, and you’re well on your way to learning Hebrew.
Also read: How Long Does It Take to Learn Hebrew? The Real Answer
What’s the best app to learn Hebrew?
The answer will depend on your current language goals.
If you intend to pick up key phrases and expressions, Ling is the best application for easy learning. It’s equipped with simple vocabulary and grammar content to ease you into the language, along with several testing components to assess your Hebrew skills as you progress. And did I mention that it’s very affordable?
However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth approach, Pimsleur provides an innovative take Tailor-fit for English speakers, its proven Pimsleur method facilitates a natural understanding of the Hebrew language, and consistently encourages you to practice! Through its 30-minute lessons/day strategy, as well as its audio, flashcard, and quiz features, you’re bound to develop fluency quickly.
Is Hebrew on Duolingo?
Yes, Duolingo offers Hebrew lessons, and you can check out all its features above.
In essence, Duolingo is a highly interactive platform and will keep you entertained throughout its lessons. Using games and quizzes—and, not to mention, its notorious owl alerts—you’ll be motivated enough to learn Hebrew vocabulary, sentence construction, and some key expressions.
But, bear in mind, the platform doesn’t necessarily provide an academic foundation in the language. Lacking the Hebrew keyboard feature, as well as a formal introduction to the aleph-bet and niqqud, it’s generally recommended that you first learn about written Hebrew before using this app.
Is Hebrew on Babbel?
Unfortunately, Hebrew isn’t on Babbel at the moment. But luckily, there are enough alternatives to give you a similar experience.
Apps like Mondly, Ling, or Pimsleur certainly do the trick, as they provide a strong academic backbone to the Hebrew learning process. Like Babbel, they’ve also taken a conversational approach to the language, and have equipped their software with audio, learning material, and testing features for quick memorization.
What’s the best way to learn Hebrew?
Learning Hebrew requires a combination of skills, such as reading, writing, and speaking. Thus, to get a well-rounded understanding of Hebrew, it’s best to consult various sources to help develop your abilities.
Writing the Aleph-Bet
Since Hebrew uses a different script, it’s recommended that you study the writing system as you practice your diction. That way, you’ll be able to associate certain sounds with the characters.
Fortunately, the aleph-bet contains 22 letters, so it’s simple enough to memorize! You can consult Hebrew learning books, such as The Routledge Introductory Course in Modern Hebrew or Teach Yourself to Read Hebrew for a detailed overview of the Hebrew script.
Of course, there’s also no shame in listening to children’s songs, like Sesame Street’s own Shalom Sesame’s “Aleph-Bet Song”, to get you started! You can also enroll in Hebrew courses online.
Listening to Native Speakers
Although mastering the aleph-bet is important, some scholars suggest that you first hear how Hebrew sounds. Instead of getting overwhelmed by academic text, this way, you’ll naturally adapt to the language by picking up key vocabulary, sentence construction, and expressions.
Hebrew podcasts are great platforms that provide audio content that walk through common conversations and real-life scenarios. You can also find Hebrew tutors or enroll in online Hebrew courses.
Reading
To develop your skills, it’s best to start with simple and familiar Hebrew texts.
Hebrew Today provides simple newspapers that you can use to practice reading. In addition, adding subtitles to entertainment media, like TV shows, YouTube videos, movies, or even music can help you get used to the language!
Speaking
Speaking can help you culminate and test your learnings in a real-life scenario, and getting an online tutor can help you ease into this transition. As I’ve mentioned, platforms like Italki and Preply can help you find the right instructor, ranging from community tutors to academic professionals.
Forvo online pronunciation engine is also a quick resource for diction. Furthermore, audio-based apps can likewise help you improve your Hebrew speaking skills, should you be conducting a self-study.
You can also learn Hebrew terms of endearment and proverbs to get a more nuanced sense of the language (and brownie points for your Hebrew SO and friends).
Conclusion
Objectively, there is a lot of work to be done in studying a new language. With due persistence and commitment, you’ll surely get around to learning Hebrew.
Nowadays, just by choosing the app of your liking and combining these with various resources, you can soon achieve your dream of mastering the language!