7 Best Swedish Apps, Courses & Resources [Ranked & Reviewed]
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1. Swedish Uncovered
Best and most thorough Swedish course for absolute beginners
2. Langua
The most personalized way to learn Swedish through groundbreaking AI features
3. LanguaTalk
Best online platform for 1-on-1 lessons
4. LingQ
The ultimate app to learn Swedish through content you love
5. Swedish Pod 101
Largest library of beginner Swedish lessons
6. Glossika
Most effective app to internalize Swedish grammar patterns
7. Pimsleur
Most convenient beginner’s course for busy people
Eager to learn the beautiful Swedish language and wondering what the best approach is?
Here’s a list of what I consider the best of the best apps, courses & resources to learn this beautiful language (being a native Swede, I’m biased).
Swedish has relatively fewer resources compared to languages like Spanish, French, or even Japanese, especially good ones.
In this list, you won’t find gimmicky apps (that teach you words without context and takes you nowhere), but tools that actually give you results in learning Swedish.
Some will let you learn Swedish through your favorite books, some use a rep-based gym approach, while others provide a human-sounding AI teacher available anytime for speaking practice.
You’ll get a list of key features, pros and cons, pricing, recommended levels, and a summary of each resource.
Nr 1, 5 & 7 are geared towards beginners, while nr 2, 3, 4 & 6 are generally better suited once you have the foundations in place.
They are ranked in order starting with the best (although it’s definitely a tight race and will depend on your current level).
Which one will fit you best will depend on your preference, personality, and current level.
Whichever option(s) you pick from this list, you’ll surely find the tools needed to take your Swedish from zero to fluency.
1. Swedish Uncovered
A clear, systematic way to learn Swedish through story, with an expert tutor breaking down various aspects of the language.
Best suited for levels:
Complete beginners (A1)
Best for: A clearly guided, step-by-step approach to learn Swedish from zero.
Pricing: $297 one-time payment (with a 365-day double money-back guarantee)
Free trial: 7-day free trial of the entire course (you’re only charged on day 8 and can cancel anytime before that).
Key Features
Guided A-Z course
Learn Swedish by immersing in a story
Tutorials on “how to learn a language”
Vocabulary lessons
Grammar lessons
Pronunciation practice
Story comprehension quizzes
Downloadable audio and transcripts
Cultural lessons
Speaking activities
Private community
Pros & cons of Swedish Uncovered
Pros
Comprehensive (a one-stop-shop with everything you need as a beginner)
Well-suited for those new to language learning
Effective and fun approach to learning Swedish
Well-made course throughout
Crystal-clear guidance (no need to get stuck at any point)
The story is thoroughly unpacked
Private community is great for those who thrive in a group environment
Excellent support
365-day double money-back guarantee (making it a no-brainer to try)
Cons
A lot of explanations might not suit everyone
May give an “illusion of learning” if course advice isn’t followed
Summary
Swedish Uncovered is a step-by-step course that guides you in learning Swedish through story.
You learn by immersing in this story through listening and reading, chapter by chapter.
Each chapter is then broken down into lessons covering cognates, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation by a skilled tutor.
There are also comprehension checks, suggestions for speaking activities, and short lessons on Swedish culture.
Everything in the course is explained very clearly, which is suitable for learners who like to understand what’s going on at all times.
It’s especially ideal for those new to language learning, as it offers both materials and guidance on how to learn a language effectively.
One pitfall with Uncovered is that learners might be tempted to spend most of the time on the lessons. This can create an “illusion of learning” when you’re listening to lessons in English (rather than your target language).
The core of the course lies in the story and is where learners should focus most of their time (something that is repeated throughout the course). If you’re just aware of this, you’ll be fine.
Learning Swedish through story is not only a more engaging learning approach, but it also teaches you how to immerse from day 1 (which is the key to reaching fluency).
It eases you into immersion learning in a smart way, since the initial ambiguity of the new language is soon cleared up through the various lessons.
StoryLearning offers a 365-day double money-back guarantee on Swedish Uncovered. If you complete the course within a year and are not satisfied, they will not only refund the entire amount but also provide up to $300 toward any other Swedish course of your choice (click the link below and see for yourself if you don’t believe me!).
Only someone who truly believes in their method will offer a crazy guarantee like that.
If I were to start a new language today, I would start with one of StoryLearning’s Uncovered Courses as my first resource.
There’s no other course that offers a clearer approach for beginners of Swedish than Swedish Uncovered.
For more on Uncovered Courses, I made a review of Spanish Uncovered (which follows a similar format to Swedish Uncovered):
2. Langua
An innovative platform using life-like AI conversations and other tools for a highly personalized Swedish learning experience.
Best suited for levels:
Upper beginner (A2) to advanced (C2)
Best for: An interactive, highly personalized learning experience
Pricing: $12,90 - $29,90 per month
Annual discount: $9,90 - $24,90 per month for annual plans
Free trial: No, but there’s a completely free plan (with limited features)
Key Features
AI conversation practice partner
AI Grammar tutor
Customized learning experience
AI-generated stories (that includes specific vocabulary you want to learn)
Videos (with transcripts synced to the audio)
Pop-up dictionary
Learn high-frequency words
Flashcards
Import your own content (YouTube videos and text) and generate transcripts automatically
Pros & cons of Langua
Pros
Jaw-dropping human-like AI conversation feature
Perfect for introverts to practice speaking
AI-generated stories are a fun and engaging way to review vocabulary
Flashcards can both save individual words and whole sentences
The advanced AI tutor can answer any of your Swedish questions 24/7
Limitless resource for learning Swedish
Quickly improving platform with features added based on customer requests
30-day money back guarantee
Cons
Not a lot of content for total beginners yet
Some mispronunciation of words on Flashcards (doesn’t happen with AI tutor though)
No phone app
Summary
Langua is a revolutionary new language learning platform that uses AI in ways that are not only very impressive but also highly useful. It offers a Swedish language learning experience unlike any other resource.
I believe it’s soon going to be one of the most talked about language learning platforms on the market.
With impressively life-like AI conversations, you have a native-sounding Swedish practice partner available around the clock (perfect for introverts who want an effective way to practice speaking without having to talk to anyone!).
This feature is truly a gem, and that never fails to amaze me whenever I use it.
The AI’s Swedish is so good that I would honestly consider it a quality source of listening input.
This AI tutor can also give you feedback, corrections, or explain a grammar point.
Whenever you’re stuck, you can just speak in English, which is handy for when you need to ask:
“How do I say x in Swedish?”
Langua’s AI will then give you a very accurate and helpful answer.
Langua also offers several other features such as:
Learn through videos and podcasts (with transcripts and pop-up dictionary)
Flashcards to review words you’ve saved
AI-generated stories (that use specific vocabulary you want to learn),
Just to name a few.
To give you a better idea of how the AI conversation tool and other features work, here’s a helpful explanation video by Olly Richards (it’s using Spanish as an example but you’ll get the idea):
There is not that much beginner material in Swedish yet, so it might not be ideal for complete beginners.
One thing I noticed also is that words on Flashcards were sometimes mispronounced (something the AI tutor never did).
There’s also currently no app for Langua. However, it’s very much adapted to mobile devices and functions pretty much like an app.
However, Langua is a rapidly improving and growing platform. By the time you read this, new features have likely been added to enhance your Swedish learning experience.
If you want the AI conversation features (which I highly recommend) they are only available on their Communicate and Unlimited plans.
In my opinion, the AI communication function is worth the price alone. It’s like having your own personal Swedish tutor and practice partner available in your pocket 24/7.
Langua might just be one of the most exciting and personalized ways to learn Swedish right now.
Especially for those of you who want to join the cutting-edge of language learning.
3. LanguaTalk
Personalized Swedish tutoring and conversation practice with top-notch online Swedish teachers.
Best suited for levels:
All levels
Best for: Conversational practice and personal 1-on-1 guidance
Pricing: $16 - $39 per 1-hour lesson (varies from teacher to teacher)
Free trial: Yes. You can book one 30-minute free trial lesson (which most teachers offer)
Key Features
1-on-1 private online Swedish video call lessons
60-minute lessons
Conversation practice with native speakers
Personalized learning & Swedish support
Flexible scheduling
Pay per lesson or buy lesson packages (at a reduced per-lesson cost)
Pros & cons of LanguaTalk
Pros
Top-notch Swedish teachers (less than 10% of teacher applications are accepted)
Effective and safe environment to practice conversations
User-friendly platform
Get answers to your questions from a skilled Swedish tutor
No commitment required (book as many or as few lessons as you want)
Book lessons at a time that suits you
Great for extroverts who thrive on face-to-face interaction with people
Lessons can be taken in web browser (no need for 3rd party video platforms)
Excellent support
Gives you a 30-minute trial lesson to try it out (which most teachers offer)
Cons
No dedicated phone app
Not ideal as a stand-alone learning method
Summary
Few things are more motivating when learning Swedish than talking to a native Swedish speaker.
LanguaTalk (founded by the same person behind Langua) is the best platform for taking Swedish lessons right now.
Unlike many other language platforms, they carefully select teachers to ensure only the highest quality (less than 10% of teacher applications are accepted).
By meeting with Swedish teachers you’re able to practice conversation, help clearing up your questions, and learn vocabulary relevant to your life.
The great thing is that you can schedule as many or as few lessons as you want without a need to commit to a subscription of any kind.
The platform is highly user-friendly and supports several different video meetings tools (some of them you don’t even need to download an app or program for, but you can use directly in your browser!)
While there is a ton of value in 1-on-1 lessons with native speakers, the downside is that it’s not enough as a standalone resource for learning Swedish (unless you take lessons every single day).
However, a combination of Langua and LanguaTalk, or LingQ and LanguaTalk will for example be a much more complete learning path.
If you're a highly extroverted person or need personal support and guidance, LanguaTalk is the ideal choice for you.
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4. LingQ
An “everything-in-one app” with endless possibilities to learn Swedish from content you love.
Best suited for levels:
Upper beginner (A2) to advanced (C1).
Best for: Learning through your own interests & progress tracking
Pricing: $14.99/month (includes all languages)
Annual discount: Yes - 33%
Lingtuitive discount: Get 37% off total on a 1-year subscription (coupon code automatically applied at checkout using the button below).
Free trial: Yes - 100 free LingQs
(extended free trial through Lingtuitive).
Key Features
Learn Swedish through listening and reading
Detailed progress tracker
Import your own content to learn Swedish from (E-books, YouTube, news, blog posts, Netflix, etc.)
Integrated pop-up dictionary (with the option for AI context-based translations)
An ever-expanding library of Swedish lessons
Recognizes which words you don’t know, are still learning, or already know
Multiple audio playlists
Read and listen (with text synced to audio)
Transcribes any Swedish audio into text (through Whisper integration)
Pros & cons of LingQ
Pros
Absorb Swedish naturally without study
Learn through your own interests
Never run out of content (since you can import your own)
Simplify more challenging content through AI
One of the most long-term language learning tools there is
Gamified learning
Create multiple audio playlists to organize your content
Best tracking system out of any app
Cons
Can be challenging for complete beginners
A bit of a learning curve to get used to how the app works and its features
Not for those who don’t enjoy reading
Summary
LingQs combination of gamifying language learning while being highly effective and engaging is unbeatable.
You can either use the material available in LingQ’s ever-growing library or import any e-book, YouTube video, news article, blog post… you name it, with the click of a button.
It makes you forget you’re even learning a language. The learning just happens naturally by immersing in content that you’re interested in.
LingQ has been my favorite language app for years and it’s the best app for learning Swedish through listening and reading.
(My wife has used it to successfully learn Swedish, reading a lot of Harry Potter books).
With LingQ, you’ll never run out of interesting content to learn from, which is especially important with a language like Swedish.
You can also take any material that you find too difficult and have LingQ create a more simplified version through AI. This is a game changer for language learning as the challenge (at lower levels) is the balance between material at the right level and being interesting.
The LingQ pop-up dictionary makes looking up words a breeze. The AI context-based suggestions are often very accurate.
There is however a bit of a learning curve to get a feel for how it works and its features (there are a lot of them to discover). Some complete beginners might also find it too challenging to start with right away.
LingQ is at the cutting edge of language learning and always striving to improve their user experience. New tools are continuously added to make your language learning easier and more enjoyable.
Their detailed progress tracker is the best I have seen. It makes your progress feel concrete and it keeps you motivated long-term in your language learning.
If you’re someone who loves the idea of snuggling up and getting lost in a good book to learn Swedish, LingQ will be the ultimate resource for you.
5. Swedish Pod 101
A diverse range of content, including podcast-style lessons, offers plenty of material for learning Swedish from scratch.
Best suited for levels:
Complete beginners (A1) to lower intermediate (B1).
Best for: Largest library of lessons for beginners
Pricing: $8 - $47 per month (depending on the plan)
Annual discount: 38-44% off
Lingtuitive discount: Yes. Get 30% off any plan (automatically applied when clicking the button below)
Free trial: Free account (with limited resources) plus 7-day free trial of premium subscription
Key Features
Podcast-style 15-minute lessons
Large database of material for beginners
Smart TV app (also available on Apple TV)
Flashcards
Short dialogues
Comment section on each lesson (where learners can comment and get questions answered)
Video lessons
Reading lessons
Grammar points (integrated into the lessons)
Downloadable lessons
3-minute lessons
Pros & cons of Swedish Pod 101
Pros
Tons of different lessons and content
Enjoyable podcast-style format
Easy to do on the go (many lessons are listening-based)
Lots of audio content
Swedish cultural insights integrated into the lessons
A consistently enjoyable atmosphere
Downloadable audio and lesson transcripts
One of the few resources that have a Smart TV app
No credit card is needed to sign up for the free version
60-day full refund policy
Cons
Limited in getting you past the intermediate level
Somewhat outdated-looking phone app
Reading lessons aren’t the most effective way to practice reading
Summary
Swedish Pod 101 is a good way to get started with Swedish as a beginner.
I used the Cantonese version of Pod 101 when I first started learning Cantonese. I really enjoyed it and it gave me a good foundation.
The main lessons are in a scripted podcast style. They all start with a short dialogue which is then broken down and discussed, along with grammar points and cultural insights about Sweden.
What I like about Pod 101 is that it helps you feel immersed in the Swedish by the abundance of content. It makes you feel excited about learning the language and there’s a positive vibe throughout.
For those of you who’d like to customize your learning path, you can pick and choose what content you learn from. You can also select different paths with different lesson bundles for a more streamlined learning experience.
All lessons are downloadable, which is great. You can even choose to download only the dialogues or just a short review audio of the lesson, and then make your own playlists out of them.
Pod 101 sometimes gets criticized for having a lot of English in its podcasts. While this is true I think that’s totally fine for a beginner’s course. The podcast lessons are easy to listen to while doing other things so you’re not necessarily losing precious study time.
You just have to make sure to do other activities such as working with the dialogues, learning new words, doing the listening practice lessons, and so on.
The “reading lessons” are also not the best way to improve reading (nr #4 on this list is by far the superior choice for this) so I would focus on the audio lessons (which is the bulk of lessons anyway).
Swedish Pod 101 has “advanced lessons”, but in my opinion it’s limited in getting you beyond an intermediate level in Swedish. At that point, you need to move on to another resource.
One of my favorite features is the Smart TV app. I wish more language apps and products had this. It makes it very convenient to binge content and learn Swedish from the couch.
Some of the lessons are available with a free account, but most of them require a subscription.
You can however try a premium subscription for 7 days for free. That subscription should give you everything you need. Unless you want more 1-on-1 guidance through the Premium Plus plan.
Get 30% off on any plan through Lingtuitive (discount automatically applied clicking the button below):
6. Glossika
An effective method of using mass sentences to internalize the Swedish language structure and produce it with flow.
Best suited for levels:
Intermediate (B1-B2).
(There is some beginner content, but the majority is at a B1 level.)
Best for: Intuitively internalize the grammar structures of spoken Swedish
Pricing: $16.99 per month (1 language) $30.99 per month (all languages)
Annual discount: Yes, 19% off
Lingtuitive discount: $5 off first purchase
Free trial: 7-day free trial
If you want to support Lingtuitive, make sure to complete your purchase through a web browser instead of the app.
Key Features
A listen-and-repeat method to naturally learn Swedish language patterns
Listening-based (with text to reinforce the audio)
Colloquial spoken Swedish by a native speaker
Spaced Repetition (to efficiently space out reviews of sentences)
Recording mode (to improve pronunciation by comparing it to a native speaker)
Native Glossika phone app (for on-the-go-learning)
Progress tracker
Daily Goal feature
Customizable settings (speech speed, number of repetitions, length of pauses between reps, etc.)
Pros & Cons of Glossika
Pros
High-quality and clear audio
Easy to do on the go (since it’s audio-based)
Natural spoken colloquial Swedish
Effective for intuitively internalizing how Swedish people speak
Helps you develop speaking skills and natural flow (without speaking to anyone)
Great looking interface on the website and app
You can choose any language as your “base” language (not just English)
Cons
Gets repetitive after a while
Reps tend to pile up if not done every day
Some mismatches in the audio and text
Summary
Glossika a bit of a going-to-the-gym approach to language learning.
It’s a simple yet effective method of bombarding yourself with tons of sentences. Through sheer volume, your brain starts making connections and intuitively internalizes the patterns of the Swedish language.
Eventually, it becomes part of your “muscle memory” allowing you to produce correct sentences intuitively.
I greatly benefitted from using Glossika in both Finnish and Cantonese. It improved my speech flow, made me sound more natural, and helped me speak faster with greater ease.
This is how Glossika works:
You hear the sentence in English (or your base language of choice).
Then you hear it in your target language (Swedish).
After a brief pause, you get a chance to repeat the sentence aloud.
Then it moves on to the next sentence.
You get a certain amount of new sentences each day and also review previously learned sentences.
This is all done through a Spaced Repetition System (where each rep shows up with increased intervals every time). This is to maximize your time and review them just often enough before your brain forgets them.
You can also use Glossika’s recording function and fine-tune your pronunciation by comparing it to that of the native speaker.
Glossika also has writing exercises, but the core of Glossika is in hearing the sentences (I recommend using the “listening-only mode”).
A downside with Glossika is that it does get repetitive after a while. This can become an issue for people who need more variety and flexibility.
If you are however someone who thrives on having a consistent workout routine that’s focused on “getting the reps in”, then Glossika is a brilliant approach to “downloading the language” to your brain.
It’s easy to do since you can do it hands-free. It's also motivating to see your progress in “sentences learned” and “repetitions completed” each day.
The sentences are from complete beginner (A1) up to lower advanced (C1). However, most of the content is at around a B1. A lower intermediate (B1) is the sweet spot in my opinion.
If used patiently and consistently, it’s definitely an effective tool for improving listening, speaking, and a natural sense of grammar.
7. Pimsleur
Solid and time-tested approach for learning Swedish through audio lessons with role-play scenarios.
Best suited for levels:
Complete beginners (A1).
Best for: Busy people and an effective approach to pronunciation.
Pricing: $14,95 - $20,95 per month (pay-as-you-go).
Lingtuitive promo: No.
Free trial: 7-day free trial (or free first lesson, depending on your country)
Key Features
Audio-based 30-minute lessons
Active participation by the learner through imaginary social situations
A unique approach to pronunciation
Car mode (to learn while driving)
Spaced repetition of vocabulary throughout lessons
Reading lessons
Quizzes
Mini games
Pros & cons of Pimsleur
Pros
Good first step to learning Swedish
Smart way of learning pronunciation “backward”
Easy to do “on-the-go”
Engaging and interactive approach to learning
Nice looking and well-made app
Cons
Short (only 30 lessons available in Swedish)
Uses very formal language
Unnecessary games like quizzes and ineffective reading lessons
Summary
Pimsleur is a popular method that has been around for a long time.
It’s the first resource many people use when learning a new language (it was for me with Finnish and Spanish).
The lessons start with a short dialogue between two people.
The vocabulary from these dialogues is then broken down into 30-minute-long lessons by letting you participate in a role-play of sorts of everyday situations.
New vocabulary is added with every lesson and previously learned vocabulary is repeated using a Spaced Repetition System in these scenarios.
You’re then prompted to actively use this vocabulary through different imaginary social situations that the lesson host guides you through.
It also teaches you a unique and smart approach to pronunciation, learning words “backward”. It makes it faster and easier to get a hold of how to pronounce new words.
Pimsleur is especially great for busy people as the lessons can be done on the go (since they are 100% audio). The car mode can for example be used while commuting to work.
The biggest downside with Pimsleur Swedish is that it’s very short, only 30 lessons total (compared to Spanish which has 150 lessons). You will soon need to move on to another resource.
There are also some quiz-type games and reading activities that I didn’t find very beneficial.
It’s however a solid introduction to Swedish and an easy way to get your feet wet in the language.
Pimsleur offers pay-as-you-go monthly subscriptions and a 7-day free trial (for The US, Canada, The UK, or Australia. Other countries get a free lesson).
For more on Pimsleur:
