What’s better for learning German? Lingoda or Deutsch Gym?
With so many language learning apps on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your budget, needs, and preferences.
But there’s no need to scour the internet for individual Lingoda reviews or individual Deutsch Gym reviews!
In this article, we’ve condensed everything you need to know about the two to help you decide what’s better for you.
A Breakdown of Prices and Features
In the table below, we put Lingoda and Deutsch Gym side by side and compare every aspect of their program.
We’ll also include a pros and cons list as well as a Lingoda sprint review.
Lingoda vs Deutsch Gym Comparison
Language Learning Platforms Comparison
| Features |
Lingoda |
Deutsch Gym |
| Format |
Normal Group Lessons |
Group Conversation Lesson |
| Class Description |
Instructors teach formal lessons and provide feedback. Students participate with video on. |
Learners engage in casual conversation based on the theme/topic given that day. Students participate with audio only. |
| Member Count per Class |
Group classes of up to 5 members or private classes |
Group sessions of 3 members |
| Teachers |
Native or native-level speakers |
Native Germans |
| Class Duration |
60 minutes |
60 minutes |
| Schedule |
Students request classes at least a week before their intended schedule. Classes can be requested 24/7. Modules can be taken in any order. |
Classes are held 1–2 times every day at fixed schedules for each CEFR level. Members can join any of them without limit. |
| Platform |
Zoom |
Discord |
| CEFR Levels |
German A1 to C1 |
German A2 to C1 |
| Extra Features |
Lingoda Sprint challenges you to complete either 30 or 60 classes within 60 days. Complete the challenge and receive 50% cashback or credits for purchasing more classes. Free German Ebooks with 100+ conversation topics. |
|
| Prices |
Starts at €9.49 per class (60 mins per class). Buy 4, 8, 16, or 32 classes at a time. |
Starts at €65 per month (Currently on a 70% sale for €32 per month!) Buy 3, 6, or 12 month memberships. *Members can join as many classes as they want during their membership period. |
| Pros |
Offers certificates upon completing 50 classes at a CEFR level. Offers a 7-day free trial. |
Fewer members per class. No session cap – you can even participate in the sessions of lower CEFR levels for additional practice. No video required during classes. |
| Cons |
Does not cover C2. Despite the flexibility, classes need to be requested a week in advance. |
Does not cover A1 and C2. No free trial. Classes are scheduled at CET timezones, potentially making it unsuitable for learners living in other countries. |
| Community |
Loose-knit communities. |
The intimate atmosphere fosters a close-knit community where members often find friends. |
| Customer Support |
Standard customer support. |
Customer support is handled by the owner himself, allowing you to ask for support or give him feedback directly. |
Conclusion: What should you pick?
Lingoda offers a more formal and academic learning experience—think of it as a purely online alternative to traditional German language schools. It covers grammar and vocabulary, as well as speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
Meanwhile, Deutsch Gym is solely focused on speaking. It’s an avenue for German learners to put what they’ve studied into practice. By pushing you to talk about various topics in the German language, you get to apply your language skills in concrete and extensive ways. This builds a lot of confidence, which is invaluable if you want to live in Germany.
Both are solid options; it just depends on what you need or prefer! Here’s a quick guide to recap:
Lingoda vs Deutsch Gym Comparison
Lingoda vs Deutsch Gym Comparison
| Features |
Lingoda |
Deutsch Gym |
| Native Instructors |
✓ |
✓ |
| Academic Focus |
✓ |
X |
| Speaking Focus |
X |
✓ |
| Personalized Customer Support |
X |
✓ |
| Certificate for Completion |
✓ |
X |
| Close-knit Community |
X |
✓ |
| Video + No Video Class Options |
X |
✓ |
| Don't need to book in advance |
X |
✓ |
| Unlimited Classes |
X |
✓ |
This review is part of our deep-dive series on the most popular German learning platforms. Check out our full overview of the best apps to learn German, or read our individual reviews of Babbel, italki, and Preply to find the right fit for you.
