How I test and score
I sift through the plethora of language apps, delivering reviews based on deep expertise in language learning and teaching.
My review process starts with an initial walk-through, using the app for at least 15 minutes to capture first impressions and usability.
I then conduct a criteria-based evaluation focusing on key features like spaced repetition, user customization, and the balance between educational content and gamification.
My reviews are thorough, with a scoring system that emphasizes course quality (70%) over user experience (20%) and price (10%).
Importantly, I do not receive payment for these reviews.
Learn more on my review policy and process page.
Summary
Course quality
User experience
Pricing
Pros
- Clean, user-friendly interface
- Focuses on speaking and repetition
- Covers a wide range of proficiency levels
Cons
- No pronunciation feedback
- Lacks interactive elements
- Lack tools to practice conversational skills
Best suited for
Learners looking for a straightforward, repetition-based approach to language learning.
At a glance
App name
Glossika
Made by
Glossika
User base
Sentiment
- Frequent Bugs and Glitches: Many users mention the app is buggy, particularly the Android version, with issues like crashes, unsynced translations, and problems with background playback.
- Effective Repetition-Based Learning: Users appreciate the spaced repetition method, finding it effective for improving listening and speaking skills.
- Lack of Interactive Elements: Several reviews point out that the app is repetitive and can be boring, with a need for more engaging and interactive features like quizzes or feedback mechanisms.
- Wide Range of Languages: Glossika offers numerous languages, including less commonly taught ones, which users find valuable for learning niche or endangered languages.
- App Usability Issues: A common complaint is that the app does not function well with the screen locked or in the background, making it inconvenient for hands-free use and continuous learning.
Concept
Glossika offers a simple and straight-forward approach to language learning, although it lacks tools to practice the material learned.
Available on
Web, iOS, Android
Levels covered
(A0) Total beginner, (A1) Beginner, (A2) Elementary, (B1) Intermediate, (B2) Upper-intermediate, (C1) Advanced
60 languages taught
Arabic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Bengali, Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kazakh, Korean, Kurdish, Lithuanian, Mongolian, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Uzbek, Vietnamese
Pricing, free trial, refunds
Pricing
Free trial
Refunds
First-hand review
Walk-through
First Impressions
At first glance, the website\’s clean and organized layout left me impressed. Glossika is purely focused on learning, devoid of distracting games or unnecessary elements. This approach appeals to me as it aligns closely with serious language learning.
Glossika is well-known for using AI to personalize the review process, making sure users are repeatedly exposed to the specific terms and vocabulary they need most. However, the app does not leverage AI to provide a convenient way for users to practice what they have learned interactively. This may leave learners without immediate feedback or engaging practice tools.
Main Page Overview
The main page provides all the necessary information. The dashboard is particularly useful, allowing users to track their progress thoroughly. There is also a library where users can review learned words, categorize words as favorites, and access recordings. It’s a neat setup that simplifies navigating your language learning journey.
Lesson Format
I decided to dive into a lesson to understand the process better. The lessons consist of 25 questions. You have two main options: listening only—which involves repeating and recording words—or a full experience that includes typing along with listening and speaking.
During the lesson I tried, sentences like Non oggi(Not today), Usciamo(Shall we go out?) and Balliamo (Let\’s dance), are repeated in loops to reinforce learning. However, one noticeable drawback is the lack of feedback on pronunciation or correctness, making it crucial that users self-verify their answers.
Achievements and Progress Tracking
Glossika covers language levels from A1 to C1 and allows users to see their progress over time. Standard statistics like repetitions, hours, and sentences learned are readily visible. 
This setup gives a clear visual representation of accomplishments but might feel basic compared to more interactive language apps.
Approach and Suggestions
Glossika’s method is refreshingly different from apps like Duolingo and Busuu. It doesn’t feature gamified elements and characters but focuses on sentence repetition.
However, the lack of other interactive tools feels like a missed opportunity. Many modern language apps incorporate AI chatbots to enhance practice; integrating this feature could significantly improve Glossika’s engagement and effectiveness.
Extra Resources
Glossika comes equipped with additional learning resources, such as blogs and general language tips. While these are useful, they didn\’t seem tailored to the specific lessons I was trying, thus feeling somewhat generic.
Conclusion
Overall, I like Glossika’s clean design and easy navigation. However, integrating more interactive and personalized tools, particularly utilizing AI for spoken feedback, would enrich the learning experience substantially. This app’s straightforward approach to language learning is commendable, but with a few changes, it could become even more effective and engaging for users.
Features
Spaced repetition
Does the app offer plenty of repetition to acquire vocab and grammar naturally?
Customization
Can users customize settings, interface, content, etc.?
Focus on learning
Is the interface and content focused on the course content instead of fluff and gamification?
Personalization
Are the materials automatically tailored to the user’s profile?
Sentence accuracy
Are sentences free from typos, grammar errors? Do they sound natural?
Sentence relevance
Are sentences realistic and useful?
Variety and depth
Is there enough variety of materials in terms of topics, formats and levels?
Audio quality
Are audio materials easy to listen to in terms of recording quality and speech rate?
Speaker's quality
Do speakers speak correctly, clearly and naturally?
Speaking practice
Does the app offer plenty of speaking practice?
Ease of use
Is the app easy to set up, use and navigate?
Interface and design
Is the user interface neat and visually appealing?
Performance
Does the app load fast? Is it free from glitches and crashes?
Grammar notes
Do the courses come with grammar notes?
Learning path
Do the courses follow a well defined path?
Speech recognition
Does the app recognize user speech?
User-generated courses
Can users actively generate materials from their interests?
Offline access
Are the courses available offline?
Conclusions
Would I take these courses?
I would use it for its focus on speaking and repetition, but the lack of feedback and interactive elements might limit long-term engagement.
How to get the most out of the app
Combine Glossika with practical speaking opportunities and additional resources for a well-rounded learning experience.
Alternatives
Think In Italian is better than Glossika to master Italian
Think In Italian is the only app that gets your to speak Italian all the time. It comes with hundreds of grammar lessons and readings to listen and repeat, plus an AI tutor to review the courses and practice conversation. See the full review.
FAQs
Does Glossika offer a free trial?
Yes, a freemium version is available.
What levels does Glossika Italian cover?
Levels A1 to C1.
Does Glossika provide pronunciation feedback?
No, there is no pronunciation feedback.
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Rave Reviews
★★★★★
Rated 4.9/5 based on 170+ reviews
