Learning a new language is exciting, until you hit dozens of vocabulary words… and forget them all by next week. If you’ve been lurking on Reddit’s language learning threads, you’ll notice students swear by a few key apps. These apps don’t just teach words—they help you actually remember them. And yes, they make it fun!
TLDR: If you want to memorize vocabulary fast, Reddit students recommend using apps that space out reviews, use flashcards, and make learning addictive. Tools like Anki, Memrise and Duolingo are mega-popular for good reason. You can set up personalized study schedules and review words before they fade from memory. These apps turn cram sessions into smart, long-term learning.
1. Anki – The Flashcard King
Reddit LOVES Anki. It’s free, powerful, and works like flashcard magic. You see a card just before you’re about to forget it — thanks, spaced repetition!
- Great for: Serious learners, medical students, people who love customization.
- Best feature: Spaced repetition system (aka SRS) that boosts long-term memory.
- Reddit tip: Download pre-made decks for your target language, then tweak them.
Anki can feel intimidating at first, but once you get it, it’s like having a super memory partner.
2. Memrise – Learning with Native Speakers
Memrise is the app where you learn real phrases from real people. Redditors love how it shows videos of native speakers so you can hear natural pronunciation and slang.
- Great for: Casual learners who crave useful, real-world phrases.
- Best feature: Native speaker videos + spaced repetition + gamified learning.
- Reddit tip: Use Memrise for phrases, then move serious vocab to Anki for drilling.
It’s the best combo of fun and function. And yes, the memes in their course names are on point.
3. Duolingo – The Addictive Green Owl
This one needs no intro. Even your grandma might be doing her daily Duolingo streak. Redditors like it for keeping motivation high—even when the lessons are super basic.
- Great for: Beginners, kids, bored commuters.
- Best feature: Daily streaks, hearts system, and mini-games.
- Reddit tip: It’s great for grammar and basics, but not enough on its own. Pair with Anki or Clozemaster.
Warning: the owl is watching. Don’t skip a day!
4. Clozemaster – Master of Context
Once you’re past the basics, Clozemaster is your next boss level. Words are taught in full sentences so you learn in context.
- Great for: Intermediate to advanced learners.
- Best feature: Cloze sentences (fill-in-the-blank) + huge database.
- Reddit tip: Do 10-15 minutes daily and bring new words into Anki.
Think Duolingo is too easy? Clozemaster will humble you—but also teach you fast.
5. Quizlet – Flashcards with a Social Twist
Quizlet is like Anki’s relaxed little sibling. You can create vocab sets, use flashcards, and play memory match games. Plus, there are loads of user-shared decks.
- Great for: Students, group study, visual learners.
- Best feature: Study modes like Test and Match, and built-in review.
- Reddit tip: Search for decks by textbooks (great for school courses).
It’s not as powerful for long-term memory as Anki, but it’s super easy to use.
6. Bunpo – Grammar for Japanese (and now more!)
If you’re studying Japanese, Redditors will tell you to try Bunpo. It breaks grammar into digestible parts with explanations, examples, and short quizzes.
- Great for: Japanese learners (also has Korean, Spanish, and more now).
- Best feature: Grammar explanations sorted by JLPT level.
- Reddit tip: Use it as your grammar base, then practice vocab separately with flashcards.
It looks simple, but it’s very effective. A hidden gem if you love structured learning.
7. LingQ – Reading That Teaches Vocabulary
Do you love reading? LingQ lets you read real content (articles, books, podcasts) and tap on unfamiliar words to learn them instantly. It tracks word occurrences and review frequency.
- Great for: Readers, immersion fans, intermediate learners.
- Best feature: Tap-to-learn vocab while reading real material.
- Reddit tip: Import your own text (Reddit threads, books, lyrics) for practice.
Reading is power. LingQ lets you harness that power for language growth.
8. WordBit – Learn on Your Lock Screen
This one’s different. WordBit shows you vocabulary every time you unlock your phone. Sounds sneaky? Yes. But surprisingly effective.
- Great for: People glued to their phones (aka most of us).
- Best feature: Lock screen vocab, daily exposure without effort.
- Reddit tip: Turn on the SRS mode in settings to improve retention.
It’s vocabulary through pure exposure—zero excuses to skip learning!
Reddit Students’ Top Advice on Scheduling
Apps are great, but you need a rhythm. Reddit learners often recommend these simple scheduling tips:
- Use SRS daily. Apps like Anki and Memrise are most effective when used regularly.
- Do short sessions. 10-20 minutes per day works better than cramming one hour weekly.
- Set reminders. Most apps let you set goals—use them to form a habit.
- Mix input and recall. Use both reading-based tools (like LingQ) and recall-based ones (like Anki).
- Weekend reviews. Keep a heavier review session for the weekend to catch missed vocab.
Many use a combo of apps—like Duolingo for basics, Anki for review, and LingQ or Clozemaster for context. The key is consistency.
Final Thoughts
Reddit has spoken: these 8 apps can totally boost your language skills. Whether you’re using Anki to drill vocab or LingQ to read French novels, there’s a tool out there that works for your style. Try a few, mix and match, and find your flow.
Language learning doesn’t have to be slow or boring. With the right app combo—and a little owl pressure—you’ll be chatting away in no time.
