Duolingo has become a powerhouse in the world of language learning apps, constantly evolving to meet the needs of its diverse user base. With millions of learners across the globe, it’s not just the most popular language learning platform it’s a hub of innovation. In 2025, Duolingo has big plans for the future, and its learners are buzzing with excitement about new languages and features.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into Duolingo’s language course development process, explore the new languages coming to Duolingo, and share what’s in store for the Duolingo language learning platform in 2025. Whether you’re curious about the popular languages on Duolingo, the rare languages offered, or what courses will be introduced next, this article has you covered.
Current Language Offerings on Duolingo
Duolingo’s catalog has exploded over the years, with over 30 languages available to learners. The platform offers everything from widely spoken languages to niche dialects and even fictional languages.
Major Language Courses
Duolingo’s popular language courses attract millions of learners. As of 2025, the top courses include:
- Spanish: With over 45.6 million learners, the Spanish course on Duolingo is the most popular by a long shot. It’s a go-to for travelers, business professionals, and those looking to connect with Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.
- French: With 21.4 million learners, French continues to be a favorite. Its CEFR alignment makes it suitable for learners ranging from beginners to advanced speakers.
- German: Coming in third, the German course is especially popular for learners interested in studying in Germany or those with ties to the country. It has over 17 million active users.
Niche and Rare Languages
Duolingo has also been known for introducing rare languages that appeal to enthusiasts or heritage speakers. Some of these include:
- Scottish Gaelic
- Hawaiian: This rare language has seen increasing engagement as people reconnect with indigenous cultures.
- Xhosa (paused but available for learners looking for something unique)
These courses add an extra layer of appeal to Duolingo’s offerings, allowing learners to dive into languages that aren’t often accessible elsewhere.
Popular Language Courses on Duolingo
While Duolingo offers a variety of language learning options, certain courses stand out in terms of learner engagement. Let’s explore what makes these courses so appealing:
- Spanish, French, and German are consistently the top choices. Their structured learning experience and CEFR alignment make them excellent choices for learners looking to gain fluency in widely spoken languages.
- Japanese and Korean have seen massive growth in recent years, largely due to the global interest in K-pop, anime, and Korean dramas. Learning Korean on Duolingo, for example, has become a favorite for fans of the Hallyu wave, with over 10 million learners already enrolled. Similarly, the Japanese course has over 13.8 million learners, benefiting from Japan’s unique cultural and business significance.
Duolingo’s gamification features, like streaks and points, keep learners motivated while reinforcing vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure across various skill levels.
Fictional and Rare Languages on Duolingo
One of Duolingo’s standout features is its inclusion of fictional language courses. These courses appeal to fans of various pop cultures, and Duolingo has partnered with creators of popular franchises to offer:
- Klingon (from Star Trek)
- High Valyrian (from Game of Thrones)
These fictional language courses aren’t just for fun they’re also an exercise in linguistic creativity and theory, making them an interesting addition to Duolingo’s language roster. Fans around the world are embracing these unique languages, while Duolingo continues to expand its repertoire to meet the demand.
Recent Course Additions to Duolingo
Duolingo isn’t just resting on its laurels it’s constantly evolving. Some of the most recent new courses on Duolingo include:
- Ukrainian: This course launched to support the growing number of Ukrainian speakers and learners in the wake of geopolitical changes. It has seen tremendous interest.
- Guarani: Reflecting the growing cultural interest in indigenous languages, Guarani—spoken in parts of Paraguay—was introduced as part of Duolingo’s commitment to linguistic diversity.
- Esperanto: This language, a constructed international auxiliary language, has experienced a surge in interest, and Duolingo responded by offering a robust course.
These recent additions are part of Duolingo’s ongoing efforts to not only expand its offerings but also reflect the needs and interests of a global learner base.
What Are Duolingo Next Languages?
Duolingo has already announced several languages for 2025, and we’re about to dive into what learners can expect.
Languages Confirmed for 2025
Duolingo has released a short list of languages scheduled for 2025. Here’s what learners can look forward to:
- Polish: A language that’s been long-requested by the community, Polish is expected to make its debut as one of the next major courses.
- Tagalog: With a growing Filipino diaspora and increasing interest in Southeast Asia, Tagalog is another exciting upcoming addition to Duolingo’s catalog.
Languages in Development
Duolingo is also working on several beta languages. These are in various stages of development and may not be released immediately, but they provide a sneak peek into what’s coming:
- Arabic: Duolingo has hinted at the eventual introduction of Arabic, a language spoken by over 420 million people worldwide.
- Swahili: Another African language in the pipeline, Swahili has a large number of speakers across multiple countries.
Estimated Release Dates
While specific release dates may vary, Duolingo’s official channels, such as its blog and user forums, usually give updates on new language courses. Expect the Polish and Tagalog courses to roll out by mid-2025, with additional updates provided regularly.
Decision-Making for New Languages
What drives Duolingo’s choices for new languages? Several factors play a role:
- Learner Demand: Duolingo uses metrics to gauge which languages have the highest demand.
- Cultural Impact: Languages tied to emerging global trends—like Korean—are prioritized.
- Practicality: Languages with significant numbers of speakers or those in growing economies often make the cut.
Language Course Development Process
Developing a language course on Duolingo is a detailed and meticulous process. Here’s how it works:
Phase 1 – Course Creation
Duolingo works with linguists, native speakers, and language experts to build a course’s structure. This phase includes:
- Curriculum Design: The team decides what topics will be covered and how they will progress.
- Vocabulary Integration: Core vocabulary is selected, ensuring it aligns with real-life usage and learner goals.
Phase 2 – Beta Testing
Before courses are released publicly, they undergo beta testing. During this phase:
- Learner Feedback: Real users try the course and provide critical feedback.
- Algorithm Adjustments: Duolingo uses sophisticated algorithms to adjust lesson difficulty and ensure a structured learning experience that adapts to individual skill levels.
Phase 3 – Public Release
Once the course has gone through beta and adjustments, it’s officially launched. New learners can access the course, and Duolingo continues to monitor performance.
Duolingo Community Contribution Model
One of Duolingo’s standout features is its community contribution model. Through the Duolingo Incubator, users can help create and refine courses. Here’s how it works:
- User Contributions: Learners and native speakers can volunteer to help build new courses or refine existing ones.
- Beta Language Testing: Contributors test out beta versions, ensuring accuracy and usability.
- Course Expansion: Community feedback leads to the expansion and improvement of language courses.
Most Comprehensive Language Courses on Duolingo
Some Duolingo language courses stand out for their depth and comprehensiveness. Here are some of the most detailed courses currently available:
- Spanish: With over 5,256 words and 213 units, Duolingo’s Spanish course is one of the most comprehensive. It covers everything from basic vocabulary to advanced grammar and cultural nuances.
- French: The French course offers learners 4,883 words across 201 units. Its robust design supports all proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced learners.
- German: Although it’s shorter, with 3,583 words across 113 units, the German course is still one of the most popular and comprehensive on Duolingo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Duolingo New Languages
What are the new languages on Duolingo in 2025?
In 2025, Duolingo is set to introduce Polish and Tagalog courses, expanding its global reach. These new language offerings cater to growing interest in Eastern European and Southeast Asian languages.
Is Duolingo getting new languages?
Yes, Duolingo is continuously adding new languages, with upcoming courses like Polish and Tagalog scheduled for release in 2025. The platform remains committed to expanding its diverse range of language learning options.
Is Duolingo adding Lithuanian?
Currently, Duolingo has not officially announced a Lithuanian course. However, there is significant interest, and it could be added in the future as part of Duolingo’s expanding language offerings.
Can Duolingo really help you learn a new language?
Yes, Duolingo can effectively help you learn a new language by providing a structured learning experience with interactive exercises. While it’s a great starting point, combining it with other resources can further enhance your language skills.
What are the top 3 languages in Duolingo?
The top three languages on Duolingo are Spanish, with over 45 million learners, followed by French and German. These languages remain popular due to their global usage and cultural significance.
What is a top 1% learner on Duolingo?
A top 1% learner on Duolingo is someone who consistently performs at a high level, mastering lessons and earning points quickly. These learners demonstrate exceptional dedication and progress in their language learning journey.
What is the fastest growing language on Duolingo?
The fastest-growing language on Duolingo is Korean, driven by the global popularity of K-pop and Korean culture. Its learner base has rapidly expanded in recent years, reflecting a surge in interest worldwide.
Where is Esperanto spoken?
Esperanto is a constructed international language, not tied to any specific country, but spoken by communities worldwide. It’s used in online forums, international meetings, and by Esperanto enthusiasts promoting global communication.
Why is there no Serbian on Duolingo?
Serbian is not currently available on Duolingo, likely due to limited demand and available resources for course development. However, there’s potential for it to be added if user interest grows and a sufficient community contributes to its creation.
What is the longest Duolingo language?
The Spanish course on Duolingo is the longest, covering over 5,250 words and consisting of 213 units. Its comprehensive design helps learners progress from beginner to advanced levels.
Conclusion
Duolingo continues to lead the way in the world of language learning apps, constantly evolving and adding new features. With new languages coming to Duolingo in 2025, including Polish, Tagalog, and potentially Arabic, the platform promises to remain a dominant force in language acquisition.
Whether you’re learning for travel, cultural enrichment, or personal development, Duolingo offers a structured learning experience for every type of learner. Stay tuned for updates as the platform continues to innovate and expand its already impressive library of language courses.
By staying on top of Duolingo’s future plans and engaging with its community-driven initiatives, learners can look forward to mastering even more languages in 2025 and beyond.
DuolingoExperts, managed by MarkJohan, offers expert insights and tips for mastering languages. A tech-driven platform to enhance your learning experience.