Do you like languages and having fun? Then this article’s for you! We bring you the 11 best language learning games out there and how to play them.
Why play language learning games?
One of the best and fastest ways to learn a language is to have fun during the process.
While watching Netflix series, listening to podcasts, and reading fiction books in your target language all fit the bill, games are in a league of their own when it comes to learning and having a good time.
First, they’re fantastic complementary learning tools to strengthen and build vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Second, you can often play with a group of people and involve others in your learning. Alternatively, there are types of games oriented toward solo players.
Third, if you’re a language coach or a teacher, learning with language games can help create engaging group sessions with your students. Lastly, games provide a creative, dynamic approach to learning that can sharpen skills like logical thinking, memory, and general knowledge.
For this and other reasons, we made this list with the best language learning games out there. This catalog is made up of options for learners of all levels looking for online or offline, team-based or solo games. There’s something here for everyone!
Before we start, remember that Fluent Forever’s app and Live Coaching program offer a fun, proven method to learn any language. Check them out and learn any of the 11 languages available!
The 11 best language learning games
Board games
Board games have been around for a long time, and there’s no sign of them going anywhere. While video games and online options tend to take the spotlight, the simplicity of board games makes their popularity timeless.
To begin with, most of them don’t require batteries. Therefore, all you need are the dice, cards, or play pieces that come in the box, and you’re set! Plus, there’s something undeniably magical about playing a board game with friends that no other type of game brings to the table.
So, if you like it old-school, here are some of the best language learning board games for you to try:
Scrabble (in your target language!)
Scrabble is one of the most popular board games on the planet. In Scrabble, 2–4 players compete to form words – vertically or horizontally – on a crossword-style board, using a group of randomly assigned lettered tiles.
Each letter is worth a specific number of points, and the objective is to create words and earn the highest number of points. Additionally, players can multiply their points by placing their tiles on certain spaces on the board.
Scrabble is generally played in English. But given its popularity, the game has been adapted for 30+ languages. For example, here you can find the official Spanish, French, and Italian editions.
Languages available: 30+ official editions
Modes: Group
Recommended levels: Intermediate, advanced
KLOO
KLOO is an award-winning game designed specifically for language learners. The game comes with two decks: the first contains words from a given theme, while the second has verbs in different tenses as well as everyday phrases.
The idea is to gain points by creating as many sentences as possible with the cards from both decks. Lastly, KLOO can be played in groups of 4 or by yourself!
Languages available: English, Spanish, Italian, French
Modes: Solo, group
Recommended levels: Beginner
Taboo
A Fluent Forever favorite, Taboo is a game of unspeakable fun. In this language learning game, players earn points by guessing the words written on their teammate’s vocabulary cards, based on an explanation they give.
However, they’re not allowed to use the specific word, synonyms, or other elements directly related to it. For example, if the word is “animal,” you wouldn’t be able to use “animal,” “cat,” “dog,” and other Taboo words.
Taboo forces you to think and talk in your target language while you come up with ways to express ideas with the vocabulary you know. Unfortunately, this game is usually found only in English. However, by following a “no English allowed” rule, you can adapt the English version to your target language. In short, all you need to do is to exclusively use your target language in your explanations.
Languages available: All
Modes: Group
Recommended levels: Intermediate, advanced
Apps & online games
The age of digital technology brought an endless stream of language learning games to our fingertips. These types of games have some nifty advantages that make them extremely popular.
First, depending on your phone, tablet, or computer, you can have several of these games available on your favorite electronics. Second, since some of these fit in your phone, you can play them from the comfort of your couch.
Third, some online games and apps allow you to connect with people from all over the world, including native speakers. Lastly, their digital nature allows them to be continuously updated and improved.
Count to ten
This one’s very niche but undoubtedly valuable if you’re interested in learning your target language’s numbers fast. How it works is simple: either with someone or by yourself, the app teaches you how to count to 10 in any of the different languages it supports.
As we already mentioned, it’s exceedingly specific. However, it’s handy if you want to impress your friends by being able to count to 10 in 20+ languages!
Languages available: 20+
Modes: Solo, group
Recommended levels: Beginner
Words With Friends
Remember Scrabble? Well, someone made an app that’s not exactly official. Regardless, Words With Friends has become extremely popular all over the world.
As in a game of Scrabble, the gist is to form words on a board with a given group of lettered tiles, each worth different points. However, this version only supports 2 players faring against each other.
What’s great about this version is that you can compete with people from anywhere on the planet. Now, while the prospect of facing a native speaker can seem daunting, it’s also a great platform to meet new people. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet a language exchange partner!
Languages available: English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese
Modes: Group of 2 players
Recommended levels: Intermediate, advanced
Influent
Do you want to discover a brand-new world without leaving your home? Try Influent!
Influent is all about picking up new vocabulary by exploring a 3D virtual world and scanning the objects in it. Sounds pretty cool, right? Well, it is! This immersive game is all about creating your own vocabulary through an interactive, digital experience.
Languages available: 16
Modes: Solo
Recommended levels: Beginner, intermediate
Digital Dialects
If you’re looking for a catch-all language learning game, Digital Dialects is for you! Digital Dialects is a website where you can play mini-games to pick up vocabulary, spelling, grammar, pronunciation, and phrases from 70 languages!
While the website isn’t the best user-friendly experience, the sheer amount of languages and games on the site makes up for it.
Languages available: 70
Modes: Solo
Recommended levels: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
DIY language games
Are you more of a do-it-yourself (DIY) kind of person? Well, these next language learning games are for you! The best thing is, all you need is paper, pen, and maybe a pair of scissors at most!
Charades
Similar to Taboo, the goal of this game is to guess words written on pieces of paper. However, instead of talking, you use acting as hints for your partner. Fun, right?
First, you write up words on bits of paper, place them in a hat or recipient, and shuffle them up a bit! Next, every player takes turns taking out a piece of paper and acting out whatever word they get. Finally, the teammates of the person acting need to guess the word!
Obviously, the same rule as for Taboo applies here: no English allowed!
Languages available: All
Modes: Solo, group
Recommended levels: Intermediate, advanced
20 questions
This one’s another group game that’s definitely aimed at more advanced language learners. It involves writing the names of different celebrities, historical figures, objects, and animals on pieces of paper.
Then, without looking at the name, everyone sticks the piece of paper on their forehead, facing the others in the group. Afterwards, each player can ask 20 “yes” or “no” questions to the group to try and guess the name on their forehead.
Naturally, you’ll need a lot of vocabulary and grammar in your target language to play this game. However, once you do, this is a great tool to reinforce and practice every aspect of your language: vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and conversation.
Languages available: All
Modes: Group
Recommended levels: Advanced
Hangman
Everyone knows Hangman! This simple yet timeless language learning game is excellent for beginners looking to practice the vocabulary they know with others. Additionally, instead of words, players can opt for phrases if they’re at more advanced levels.
Playing is fairly simple. One person thinks of a word. They draw a number of dashes, each representing a letter making up the chosen word. The other players try to guess the word, one letter at a time.
If a guessing player mentions a letter that’s found in the word, the person who thought up the word fills the relevant dash with that letter. Alternatively, if the letter guessed is incorrect, they draw one part of the “hangman.” The aim is to guess the word before a stick figure in a noose – representing the hangman – is fully drawn, signifying game over. That usually takes 8 wrong guesses, since there are 8 elements making up the hangman’s drawing. Here’s a quick summary of how to play Hangman, in case you need a reminder!
Languages available: All
Modes: Group
Recommended levels: Beginner, intermediate
Flashcards
Last on this list, we have flashcards. Besides being wildly fun, learning a new language with flashcards is insanely effective. If used right, flashcards can provide an excellent tool to learn and retain vocabulary and grammar for longer periods of time.
For starters, flashcards are the most effective when you use images and no translations. Second, coupled with a spaced repetition system (SRS), it boosts your ability to store the information reviewed long-term.
While they’re extremely powerful learning tools, creating flashcards does take time. Thankfully, the Fluent Forever app automates this process, leaving you more time to spend reviewing your cards. So, if you’re looking for a proven, fun language learning game, download our app and start guessing those flashcards!
Languages available: All (11 in the Fluent Forever app)
Modes: Solo
Recommended levels: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
So there you have it: 11 language learning games that will spice up your learning experience starting today!
