Starting the journey to learn a new language is exciting, but finding the right method can be a bit tricky. I have spent 1 year learning Spanish with Pimsleur, and I’m here to share my own experience with you.
In this easy-to-follow Pimsleur review, we’re going to explore how this language-learning approach works.
We’ll look at what makes it unique, compare it with other language apps like Babbel and Rosetta Stone, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your language goals.
Whether you’re just starting or have some experience, let’s navigate the world of learning in this Pimsleur review to see how it can make your language learning adventure enjoyable and effective.
Let’s get right into my Pimsleur review. Vamos!
Brief Overview of Pimsleur
The Pimsleur language learning method, pioneered by Dr. Paul Pimsleur in the 1960s, stands out for its audio-centric approach, emphasizing listening and speaking skills to simulate language immersion.
The method employs spaced repetition, strategically reinforcing vocabulary at intervals for optimal retention. With lessons structured around real-life conversations, Pimsleur ensures practical language application.
Its user-friendly design and bite-sized lessons cater to learners of all levels, while the extensive language selection accommodates a diverse audience.
Pimsleur’s innovative methodology makes it a go-to choice for those seeking an effective and accessible path to language fluency.
How Many Languages Can You Learn With Pimsleur?
Pimsleur is a great way to learn lots of languages. You can pick from over 50 languages, including popular ones like Spanish and Mandarin, or less common ones like Icelandic or Swahili.
This means you can choose the language that interests you the most and try out different languages. Whether it’s a language spoken by many people worldwide or a unique dialect, Pimsleur has you covered.
So, if you want to become fluent in a language that’s important to you, Pimsleur is a good choice.
Pimsleur Method: How Does Pimsleur Work?
The Pimsleur language learning method is distinguished by its unique approach, focusing on practical language skills such as speaking and listening.
The core of Pimsleur’s effectiveness lies in its audio-centric methodology. Rather than relying heavily on textbooks, Pimsleur’s lessons are primarily audio-based, immersing learners in the language through real-life conversations, vocabulary drills, and pronunciation exercises.
The method incorporates spaced repetition, a technique where learners revisit and reinforce words and phrases at optimal intervals, ensuring better memory retention over time.
This systematic approach enables learners to build a strong linguistic foundation gradually. By mirroring the natural process of language acquisition, Pimsleur makes learning feel intuitive and enjoyable.
The method encourages active participation through listening, repeating, and engaging with authentic language scenarios.
Core Features of Pimsleur:
Audio-Centric Approach:
Pimsleur relies heavily on audio lessons, allowing learners to grasp pronunciation, intonation, and conversational skills. This auditory focus sets it apart from many text-heavy language learning methods.
Spaced Repetition:
The Pimsleur method employs a spaced repetition system, strategically reinforcing vocabulary and phrases at intervals to enhance long-term retention. This systematic approach ensures that learners remember and recall information effectively.
Real-Life Conversations:
Pimsleur lessons are structured around real-life conversations, immersing learners in practical scenarios. This approach enables learners to apply language skills in authentic situations, promoting better conversational abilities.
Pimsleur Pricing: How Much Does Pimsleur Cost?
For language enthusiasts considering the Pimsleur method, understanding the cost is essential for effective planning. Pimsleur offers various pricing options to cater to diverse learning needs and budgets. The cost depends on factors like the language you choose, the format of the course, and any ongoing promotions.
As for specific numbers, Pimsleur courses can range from around $20 to $550, depending on the duration and complexity of the course. The Spanish course costs you $550 for 150 levels of content. That’s pretty expensive for a Spanish learning course, compared to platforms like Babbel and Rosetta Stone. Luckily, Pimsleur has a 7-day free trial and a (in my opinion) better pricing scheme. You can pay for a monthly subscription, which costs $14.95.
That’s a pretty big difference with the $550. You can either pay the $550 in one go for this course or you can have 37 months of access to finish this course. That’s more than 3 years! If you’re confident that you can finish a course like this within 3 years, it’s worth taking the subscription.
It’s worth noting that Pimsleur occasionally offers discounts or promotions, so keeping an eye out for special deals can be advantageous. Additionally, some languages may have different pricing structures based on factors such as demand and available resources.
Pros and Cons of Pimsleur
When considering a language learning method, understanding both the strengths and limitations is crucial. Pimsleur, known for its unique approach, comes with a set of pros and cons to consider.
Pros of Pimsleur:
- Strengthens listening and speaking skills.
- Effective for long-term memory retention.
- Practical application of language skills.
- Offers various formats for individual preferences.
- Accommodates learners of all levels.
Cons of Pimsleur:
- Less emphasis on visual aids and reading exercises.
- Some learners may miss in-depth cultural insights.
My Experience Learning With Pimsleur
Learning Spanish with Pimsleur over the past year has been a really good experience for me. The way Pimsleur uses sounds helped me speak better, and the repeated practice system made it easier to remember words. I liked that the lessons were like real conversations, so I could use what I learned in everyday situations.
What I Liked:
- Learning by Listening: Pimsleur’s way of using sounds helped me understand and talk better in Spanish.
- Remembering Words Better: The repeated practice helped me remember words for a longer time.
- Real Conversations: Lessons felt like real talks, so I could use what I learned in real life.
- Easy to Use Every Day: Pimsleur’s digital options made it simple for me to learn Spanish in my daily routine.
Challenges:
- More Written Help Needed: Sometimes, I wished there were more written materials to help me with grammar and writing, cause that’s always been my struggle with new languages.
I learned Spanish pretty quickly because I combined multiple learning methods. What I did was I learned Spanish through a learning app (Pimsleur), but I also learned Spanish by reading books (see my ‘Best books for learning Spanish’ article), and listened to podcasts daily (see my ‘Best Spanish learning Podcasts‘ article). If you combine these ways of learning I promise you, you’ll be fluent before you know it.
Spanish is not hard to learn if you do it in the right way. Learning Spanish with Pimsleur has been a positive experience for me. The way it uses sounds and real conversations makes it enjoyable and effective. If you’re thinking about using Pimsleur to learn a language, my experience and this Pimsleur review shows it’s a good choice.
As we keep exploring language learning in this Pimsleur review, I’m excited to share more thoughts and compare Pimsleur with other apps like Babbel and Rosetta Stone in this Pimsleur review. Vamos!
Pimsleur Compared to Other Language Learning Apps
In this Pimsleur review, we’ve talked about learning with an app. Choosing the right language-learning app is a crucial decision, and comparing Pimsleur with other popular options can provide valuable insights into their strengths and differences.
Pimsleur vs Babbel:
When comparing Pimsleur and Babbel, it boils down to your preferred learning style. Pimsleur excels in audio-centric learning with real-life conversations, perfect for those prioritizing spoken language skills. On the other hand, Babbel offers a comprehensive mix of reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises, making it a versatile choice for a well-rounded language learning experience. Check my full Babbel review here!
Pimsleur vs Busuu:
Pimsleur and Busuu cater to different preferences. Pimsleur shines in spoken language skills through audio immersion, while Busuu stands out with its community aspect, allowing learners to practice with native speakers. If you value collaborative learning and interaction, Busuu might be the choice for you.
Pimsleur vs Rosetta Stone:
Choosing between Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone depends on your learning preferences. Pimsleur focuses on audio-based learning with real-life conversations, emphasizing listening and speaking skills. Rosetta Stone, on the other hand, utilizes an immersive visual approach, teaching vocabulary and grammar in a context-based manner through interactive exercises.
Pimsleur vs FluentU:
Pimsleur and FluentU cater to different learning styles. Pimsleur’s strength lies in spoken language through audio lessons, while FluentU integrates video content for a more immersive visual experience. If you are a visual learner who enjoys multimedia language exposure, FluentU might be the right fit for you.
Pimsleur vs Mondly:
Pimsleur and Mondly offer distinct approaches to language learning. Pimsleur’s spaced repetition and real-life conversations create an effective learning environment. On the other hand, Mondly takes a gamified approach with interactive exercises, adding an element of fun to language learning. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a structured or more playful learning experience.
In summary, Pimsleur’s strength lies in its audio-centric method and spaced repetition, making it an excellent choice for those emphasizing spoken language skills.
Babbel, Busuu, Rosetta Stone, FluentU, and Mondly each bring unique features to the table, catering to different learning preferences. When choosing an app, considering your specific language learning goals and preferred learning style is key.
Is Pimsleur Worth It?
Next in this Pimsleur review, we’ll look at ‘Is Pimsleur Worth It’. Deciding if Pimsleur is worth it depends on what you want to learn and how you like to learn. Pimsleur is good for talking and listening skills, and it’s organized well for all kinds of learners.
You can use it in different ways like on your phone or computer. But if you really like doing writing exercises or prefer learning with a group, Pimsleur might not be the best fit.
The Pimsleur pricing may be a challenge for some, but I would recommend giving Pimsleur a try with their 7-day free trial, cause you will be amazed by the quality of lessons.
Overall, if you want to get better at talking in a new language and like learning on your own schedule, Pimsleur is a good choice for you.
Does Pimsleur Work For You?
For me, Pimsleur absolutely changed the way I learned. I managed to learn Spanish to a pretty good level in under a year. Of course, everyone is different so what works for me might not work for you.
To know if Pimsleur works for you, think about what you want to learn and how you like to learn. Pimsleur is good at making you better at talking in a new language. It uses audio a lot and repeats words to help you remember.
If you want to be good at everyday conversations, Pimsleur can work well. But remember, everyone is different, so how well it works might depend on you and how much time you spend on it.
If you like learning on your own and want to get better at talking, Pimsleur can be a helpful choice. Keep an eye out for our review where we compare Pimsleur to other ways of learning languages.
Wrap Up: Pimsleur Review
In this Pimsleur review, we’ve uncovered a language learning method that excels in developing strong spoken language skills. With its audio-centric approach, practical conversations, and structured lessons, Pimsleur provides a pathway to effective communication in real-life scenarios.
The method’s emphasis on flexibility, available in various formats and over 50 languages, caters to diverse language enthusiasts. While Pimsleur may not be the perfect fit for everyone, particularly those seeking extensive written exercises or collaborative learning environments, its success is evident for individuals aiming to enhance conversational fluency independently.
The value of Pimsleur lies in its ability to make language learning accessible, enjoyable, and tailored to individual preferences.
As we conclude this Pimsleur review, I encourage you to consider your language learning goals and preferences, and whether Pimsleur aligns with your journey to language mastery.
If you’re not sure if Pimsleur is the right choice for you, be sure to check out their 7-day free trial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Pimsleur, and how does it work?
Pimsleur is a language learning method that focuses on developing spoken language skills through an audio-centric approach. It employs real-life conversations and spaced repetition to enhance vocabulary retention and conversational fluency.
2. How many languages does Pimsleur offer?
Pimsleur offers language courses in over 50 languages, ranging from widely spoken ones like Spanish and French to less common languages, providing a diverse selection for learners.
3. Is Pimsleur suitable for beginners?
Yes, Pimsleur is designed to accommodate learners of all levels, including beginners. Its gradual progression and structured lessons make it accessible for those starting their language learning journey.
4. What are the pros and cons of using Pimsleur?
Pros include effective spoken language skills development, structured learning, flexibility, and a diverse language selection. Cons may include limited written material and the solo learning dynamic.
5. How much is Pimsleur cost?
The cost of Pimsleur varies based on factors such as the language chosen, format of the course, and ongoing promotions. Prices can range from around $20 to $550. Pimsleur also offers a subscription plan of $14.95 / month. Check out the 7-day free trial first!
6. Can Pimsleur replace traditional language classes?
Pimsleur offers a unique self-paced learning experience, emphasizing spoken language skills. While it can be a valuable supplement to traditional classes, its effectiveness as a complete replacement depends on individual preferences and goals.
7. Is Pimsleur suitable for children?
Pimsleur is primarily designed for adult learners. While some teenagers may find it beneficial, younger children may prefer language learning methods specifically tailored to their age group.
8. How long does it take to see results with Pimsleur?
The speed of language learning varies from person to person. Consistent and dedicated use of Pimsleur, combined with regular practice, can yield noticeable results in speaking and listening skills over time.
9. Does Pimsleur work for all learning styles?
Pimsleur is particularly effective for auditory learners who thrive on spoken language and real-life conversations. Visual learners or those who prefer extensive written exercises might find it less aligned with their learning style.
10. Are there any discounts or promotions for Pimsleur?
As we’ve covered in this Pimsleur review, Pimsleur occasionally offers discounts or promotions. It’s advisable to check the official Pimsleur website or authorized retailers for any ongoing deals.