Language Drops, a gamified vocabulary-learning app
Autonomous learningGame apps
Description: Language Drops is a gamified language-learning app that helps users learn vocabulary in different languages. Users can select a language they want to learn from the available options. Language Drops then presents users with visual flashcards featuring words and phrases in their target language, along with accompanying images and audio pronunciations. Users can then practice through interactive activities, such as matching games, word associations, and spelling exercises. Drops can be used to learn many languages, among them Igbo, Tagalog, Swahili, and Hawaiian as well as Arabic, German, Spanish or Ukrainian, for example. It can be used in its browser version and as an app. Language Drops offers a limited free verison, but requires users to sign up for an account. Language Drops is owned by Kahoot!.
Evaluation: Language Drops is a valuable tool that helps users start learning or improve their vocabulary knowledge. Its interface is modern, intuitive and pleasant to use, and its gamified learning mechanism is designed to stimulate users’ motivation to memorise words. The platform focuses on vocabulary and short phrases and is thus valuable as a complement to materials or courses that focus on other aspects of language learning. It is somewhat similar to other language-learning gamified apps such as Duolingo. Push notifications can be turned off. A disadvantage is that the free version is rather limited.
Cost: Free limited version + paid plans available.
Usability and tech notes ▼
Time efficiency 
Time needed to learn how to use a tool and its time-saving potential: High.
Interface language(s) The number of languages in which the tool is currently available/adaptable to: Over 30 languages and dialects.
Respect for privacy What data does the tool collect and why? What security measures are there? GDPR compliant? : Medium. Language Drops collects personal data and extensive cookies for different purposes, among which the marketing of its services. However, it does this data with third parties only for functional reasons. Language Drops employs reasonable technical and organisational measures to guarantee data security. It also mentions user rights such as the right to access, rectify or erase user data. Also, it states specific policy measures for children. Language Drops’ privacy policy does not explicitly mention compliance with the GDPR. See more here.
Saving work for future use Can work be saved for future use?: Yes, users with an account can save their progress.
Any other relevant information:
- Installation required?: Yes, the app requires installation, although no installation is required for the browser version.
- Compatibility/ Operating System: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android.