I Tried Busuu for 1 Year | Language Learning App Review

Today, we are going to see how Busuu can be a valuable part of your language learning, but also why it shouldn’t be the major part of your learning.

After my language learning routine already consisted of learning daily with drops to increase my vocabulary and Lingq to get my comprehensible input in order to prime myself into the language, I’ve also added Busuu.

In this video I will explain first what role Busuu plays in my language learning stack based on scientific research. Then we will have a look at the app and how it works. After that we will review the pro’s and con’s as well as the costs and of course in the end I will conclude things.

▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Start
00:25 - Intro
01:03 - The Science - Noticing Hypothesis
04:09 - Busuu App Review
18:13 - Pros and Cons
20:00 - Pricing
20:59 - Conclusion

▬ Resources mentioned ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Busuu

Lingq

The Noticing Hypothesis

Baader-Meinhof phenomenon or frequency bias

Articles/Papers about the Comprehensible Input Theory by Stephen Krashen

Great Presentation by Stephen Krashen (Videoquality is bad but content is King)

[DustinSchermaul]

Have you already tried Busuu? Or do you use a "similarish" app like Babbel for example? And how do you like them?
Thanks again for watching!

[tn]

I like that he did this routine for a year. Most reviews of any app is for 7-30days max. I feel like doing it for a meaningful period of time actually gives a better perspective on the product

[MichaelPhillipsatGreyOwlStudio]

Thanks for doing this video. I had signed up for Busuu last year and took the Italian course through A2, but then I decided I really just liked reading and watching videos better. Now, I'm at a point where I need to really push through and learn more grammar and get a little more technical at the B1-B2 level. So you've encouraged me to go back and look at Busuu again before my subscription expires. I want to start French as soon as I finish Italian.

[josephnour]

I found this helpful because the institutions is so expensive to learn the language, thank you for your help

[robertknull]

I think Busuu is a good software learning platform, ( even if it has a limited time use like most apps). I use it in addition to LingQ. LingQ will always be my go to learning app, but no matter how good it is, I find that having one other additional learning app, helps to keep me fresh in both. ( eventually I will drop BUSUU and look for another app to use with LingQ ). The 1st time I finished BUSUU I went over it a second time and was surprised how much I missed the 1st time! I was able to "NOTICE" certain grammar details that I overlooked or just did not input enough! I have given BUSUU a break for now but I intend on going over it again. What other recommendations do you have other than BUSUU and LingQ! Looking for something simular to BUSUU, thx for the vids!!

[NewportSolar]

Thank you for a GREAT review. I have a question.

I am currently using Pimsleur, Roseta Stone, and Mondly to study Spanish and Farsi/Persian.

I use each in different ways, but I’ve come to realize the best thing I can do in addition to this is start watching TV and movies in those languages.

I’ve seen many videos with Steve from LingQ. He’s great, but I tried using his app for Farsi (not Spanish yet) and it just seemed like a confusing mess.

I have used many language learning apps. I have studied 3 languages for 8 years in school. I’m not a newbie, but I couldn’t figure out what to do with LingQ.

Also, in Farsi, playing with it, I would click on something and it would speak it in a VERY bad, awkward robotic voice.

I’m genuinely confused what people love about it so much. I’ll admit, I gave up after not that much time. I felt like even if I took the time to figure it out, it was so awkward, I didn’t think I’d enjoy using it.

What do you like about it?

Also, if it is based on comprehensible input, why not just read books, watch tv/movies, and listen to music?

What purpose does LingQ serve?

Thanks 🙏

[jm]

I was unsure about Busuu until I saw your review. Thank you.

[womblero]

Vielen, vielen Dank für das Review. Very helpful. Ich habe heute mich angemeldet.

[aubriewest]

Your explanation of the concept of noticing in language learning really cleared many things for me. I've never heard it before like that.

[TitaTx]

I like the busuu set up and the features however I like lingvist a bit better due to the word list, words known and the home set up . I go back and forth between the two.

[BumbleBauz]

Thanks for the great Video:) I have a question. How do you repeat your busuu lessons content? Do you use their "spaced repetition system"? Are you using an external one? Do you just repeat the lessons time by time? Or are you doing something completely else? :) need some inspiration

[Songbirdstress]

I just plumped for Busuu, mainly for the native speaker videos. I like Duolingo, but its characters aren't native, just generic international. Also it uses male characters for female voices etc which is confusing. I'm learning to meet the culture, not just consume the country on a trip. I also find the peer feedback surprisingly fun.

Also, Windows does speech recognition, so not sure it matters that much it's not in the app.

[QUINTUSMAXIMUS]

I finished the A1 and A2 levels in Spanish way back. Now, I'm redoing them and will advance half way into B1 and then review again. It doesn't seem to show the time anymore. I also Memrise, but it doesn't have explanations like Buusu.

[naser.bafekr]

Thanks for this video. i have a question. busuu's accent is British or American English?

[maikolsoro]

For example, did you finish French and can you speak well?

[mdnawajish]

I purchased Busuu app but I couldn't get acess I paid 2750 INR

[olafharoldsonnii]

Only problem with Busuu is that they lack Scandinavian languange

[dylannelson]

Hey Dustin! I'm working on a course project on Busuu. I need to do user research and I am looking for long term Busuu learners. Let me know if interested, it would be a really big help! Thank you :)

[andreehobrak]

Be careful. When you sign up and later you cancel your subscription they will keep charging you.

[TheSirSpence]

Don't suppose you have any advice for someone trying to be an IT Project Manager in Germany (near Dusseldorf) whilst just starting to learn the language?