Learn A Language Online: Lingoda, The “boring But Effective” Method (my Detailed Review)

Focus on ONE priority goal to get results. An idea I learned from the book“The ONE Thing“.

In 2024, it’s German. And I’m in the final stretch of my sprint.

How I went from B.1.2 to B.2.2 (on the way to B.2.3) using Lingoda mostly combined with reading, listening, and writing…

What I learned that could help you in any learning process.

• We always think we’ll go faster.
• Learning a language online, like many subjects, takes time.
• There will always be temptations and new interesting things to do, it’s hard to stay focused on your main goal. (see useful distractions)
• After a certain period, 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, 9 months…You’ll start to get bored and want to move on.
• The longer you hold on, the more you’ll progress.
• I’m in this phase; my goal is to finish the year well before moving on to a new priority goal. (even if I continue German in maintenance mode)

My experience with Lingoda after 200 classes:

How it works

It’s a language course in a language school, except it’s online.

I was in the market to buy a new phone, and while reading IOS vs Android tests, I often heard…

IOS is boring, but solid.

And that’s what Lingoda feels like. Nothing super sexy, no magic app, little AI…

Just one class, with a structured course and a qualified teacher.

From 1 to 5 students in a “Zoom” call. Course material available before and after with teacher’s notes. Exercises to review the course.

Tip: The further in advance you schedule your classes, the more likely you are to be alone with a teacher, especially if you schedule them early in the morning.
Out of more than 200 classes, I must have had an average of 40% of classes where I was alone.

What I liked:

• Qualified teachers: We may like the way the teacher gives their course more or less, but all the teachers I met (over 60) were qualified.
• Course structure: The content is created by a core team at Lingoda. It is well thought-out, with a logical progression and plenty of variety in the themes.
• Price: You get the quality of a language school at a much lower price. The more classes you buy in advance, the lower the price per class. The cost of a class is between 15 and 10 CHF per class.
• Obliged to do it: A bit like a coach with whom you have an appointment. It forces you to do it. I’ve never missed a class even when I didn’t feel like it at all.

What I didn’t like:

• It depends on the teacher’s approach. One of Lingoda’s recommendations is to cover 80% of the slides. Some teachers cling to this rule and lack flexibility.
• To pass an official level, you need to complete 45 of the 50 courses per level. Although the themes are varied, it doesn’t leave you much choice. You’re obliged to do all the topics, and some you won’t like.
  A German course at 6 or 7 in the morning is already a challenge, but a German course on a topic that doesn’t interest you (taxes in Germany) becomes an ordeal.

My next actions

In the last quarter, I want to improve my communication, so I’m going to look for every way to speak more.
And I’ve just found a simple one. I’ve even changed my phone to take advantage of it (my previous one didn’t support the ChatGPT app).
The app lets you have a spoken conversation in the target language on your phone.
You discuss topics that interest you and get corrections if you wish. The chat gives you access to your corrected sentences.

Conclusion

After 200 classes, I can say that I’ve made progress with the language. That I certainly wouldn’t have managed to maintain such regularity without Lingoda.
Now, after 9 months of classes, I need to change my method to find a little more enthusiasm to finish the year.

And you, what will be your priority goal for 2025?

See you soon.
Dror

Related content:
How To Learn A New Language With A Full Time Job?

PS: Whenever you are ready, here are 2 more ways I can help you accelerate your growth through coaching:

• You are an individual: you have a penchant for action. You’ve achieved a lot. And yet you want more. Curious? Let’s connect for a free call and see if we can work together.
• You want to be coached in the workplace: I help successful leaders become even better. And you only pay me if you succeed (yes, I am serious). Curious? Let’s connect for a free call and see if we can work together.