How to learn a language on your own for free. 5 simple tips.

Is learning a foreign language easy?

Every person on Earth starts learning a language from scratch and, within a few years, reaches native level.

Yes. In theory. After all, every (!) person on Earth starts learning a language from scratch and, within a few years, reaches native level without really “studying”. The catch is that they have to: in a language environment, you need to communicate.

Adults pick up a new language more slowly, of course. But once they land in another country, they start talking too. If you live where the language is spoken, just go to a shop or a café and start speaking. About 500 words and a few grammar patterns are enough to get going.

Practice is your best ally. Your worst enemy is fear—the fear of looking awkward. Don’t be afraid to look awkward :)

The key to learning a language

No blogger is going to nag you: “Time to do your lessons!”

So we can see that the key to learning a language is communication.

Fine. But what if you can’t talk to native speakers? Then there are people around you who know the language better than you do — teachers and tutors. Except… for many of us, that isn’t an option. School feels like a chore and a tutor is expensive. Or there’s no time, too much to do, not enough energy…

Ah—but the internet is full of bloggers, channels, and the rest! Great option: free, and whenever it suits you.

Only no blogger is going to nag you: “Time to do your lessons!” So you’ll have to invent your own system…

5 recommendations for learning a language

Here goes.

1. First, beat laziness

You could work with a tutor. Then lazy or not, skipping a lesson… uh, no—you already paid! (Bad advice: pay in advance.)

Or you could lean on gamification the way some apps do—virtual prizes and all that. But are we really going to follow every instinct? Especially into a dopamine habit loop :)

There’s another way: build a habit. Block out a set time. Every day. Set a reminder. If you’re tired or not in the mood, watch a short video or cut the session to 3–5 minutes. Just don’t skip it!

And yes—habit-building still needs a bit of dopamine. Have a piece of chocolate after your session :)

2. Set a goal

You need a clear reason for learning the language.

“I’m learning Portuguese because it’s cool” or “because I felt like it” is a dead end. In a month the motivation is gone and the desire fades.

“I’m learning English so I can read scientific papers”—that’s a strong goal. It gives you motivation and meaning.

“I’m learning Italian so I can listen to Adriano Celentano or Italian opera in the original”—a fantastic goal and a pleasant one too :)

Different people, different goals!

3. Pick any channel or blogger you like

Plenty of options—choose what you enjoy. And it’s all free: the basics, grammar, everyday phrases… For variety, watch cartoons or music videos in the language you’re learning.

4. Put the language into practice

Without practice, there’s little point in studying a language!

Any information left alone gradually fades from memory.

How you practice should follow from the goal you set. Want to read scientific articles or books? Read scientific articles and books. Want to understand Italian opera? Read libretti and listen to Italian opera. If your goal is to converse—you need a conversation partner.

5. Train your vocabulary

You learn grammar once; you learn words — for life.

English, German, Spanish, Italian… My Words is a great helper if you’re learning on your own for free. Translate and save words, phrases, texts, and whole lessons in the My Words app, then review and memorize with our algorithms whenever it suits you. Practice pronunciation and spelling. Your vocabulary stays with you wherever you go!