Learning a language without taking a class can be hard. There are a lot of apps that are supposed to help you do that, but Busuu is absolutely the best one I’ve tried.

1. The lessons are short, manageable, not overwhelming, and kind of addictive (in a good way). Each lesson has important information so finishing even only one is still helpful. But, because you can finish them so quickly and they’re actually fun, it’s easy to want to go on to the next lesson, too.
2. You get access to so much without paying for anything. If you don’t mind watching a 15-second ad before each lesson, you can go through the lessons without having to buy the paid version. Apps that only let you try the first 3 levels before they lock you out and make you pay are very annoying, and this app doesn’t do that.
3. I’ve tried different apps that try to teach you a language by teaching you to memorize pictures and whole phrases, which is only somewhat helpful in my opinion. You kind of know what you’re saying, but not really, and you definitely don’t know how or why what you’re saying means what it means. Busuu actually teaches and explains grammar.

If you want to learn or practice a language without making a big commitment with your time (or money), Busuu is a great way to do that.