What a Learn Catalan App Should Do
A strong Catalan app helps a beginner move confidently from zero to A1–A2. It should teach high-frequency words, short dialogues, and essential grammar with plenty of listening and speaking.
Look for lessons that mirror real life—introductions, directions, cafés—plus spaced repetition so new language sticks. Many apps have free tiers, so you can start online and upgrade only if you need extras.
- Guide you through practical topics: greetings, cafés, transport, small talk.
- Train your ear with clear native audio and slow playback.
- Build core verbs (to be, to have, to go) before rarer vocabulary.
- Track progress toward CEFR A1–A2 milestones and celebrate wins.
Start from English: Quick Wins for Beginners
As an English speaker, you’ll spot international words fast: problema, hotel, música. Use these to gain momentum. Your learn Catalan app should highlight such cognates and false friends so beginners avoid mix-ups.
Catalan has gender (el/la) and simple present forms that are friendly to a beginner. Your app can explain patterns in plain English and give you short, online drills that reinforce them.
- Helpful cognates: informació, important, turista, hospital.
- Watch false friends: embarassada means pregnant (not embarrassed).
- Articles: el/la (singular), els/les (plural); practice with nouns you know.
- Keep sentences short early on: Jo sóc Alex. Visc a Barcelona.
Features to Look For (and How to Use Them)
The best Catalan apps for beginners balance speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You’ll learn faster if the app nudges you to say words out loud and gives instant feedback.
Duolingo is a popular option; note that Catalan is taught via Spanish there, so it’s great if you know some Spanish. Otherwise, choose a learn Catalan app that teaches directly from English.
- Native audio + slow mode: shadow sentences to improve rhythm.
- Speech practice: quick pronunciation checks to reduce anxiety early.
- Spaced repetition: automatic reviews before you forget.
- Grammar pop-ups: one-sentence tips, not long lectures.
- Offline mode: download a unit so you can study on the go, free from distractions.
A 15-minute Daily Plan You Can Keep
Consistency beats marathon sessions. Use this short plan to build an A1 base in weeks. Keep it light, fun, and repeatable—online when you can, offline when you must.
- Minutes 0–3: Quick review with spaced repetition (yesterday’s words).
- Minutes 3–8: One new micro-lesson (dialogue + 6–8 words).
- Minutes 8–11: Speak aloud—shadow the dialogue twice.
- Minutes 11–13: Mini drill on one grammar point (ser/estar, articles).
- Minutes 13–15: Save 2 phrases to favorites; try them in a note or message.
Pronunciation and Phrases to Sound Natural
Catalan pronunciation is clear once you learn a few anchors: final consonants are often pronounced, l·l is a crisp sound, and open vs. closed e/o matter. Let your app’s slow audio guide your mouth shape, then speed up.
- Hola! Com et dius? (Hi! What’s your name?)
- Soc de Londres. I tu? (I’m from London. And you?)
- On és el metro? (Where is the metro?)
- Un cafè amb llet, si us plau. (A coffee with milk, please.)
- Quant costa? (How much is it?)
- No ho entenc, ho pots repetir? (I don’t understand, can you repeat?)
FAQ
- Can I learn Catalan for free online?
- Yes. Many apps offer free lessons, plus YouTube channels and community decks. Start free, then upgrade only if you want offline or extra features.
- Is Catalan hard for English beginners?
- It’s manageable. Clear pronunciation and many international words help. With daily 15-minute sessions, most beginners progress quickly to basic conversations.
- Is Duolingo enough to learn Catalan from English?
- Duolingo teaches Catalan via Spanish. If you don’t speak Spanish, pair it with an app that teaches from English for clearer explanations and faster progress.
- How long to reach A2 level?
- With 15 minutes a day, expect roughly 2–3 months to A1 and 4–6 months to A2. Your pace depends on speaking practice and consistent review.
- What’s different between Catalan and Spanish?
- They’re related but distinct. Catalan has unique sounds (like l·l), vocabulary, and some grammar differences. Many words overlap, but don’t assume 1:1 translations.