Apps, Podcasts, Courses, and More — No Credit Card Required
Let’s face it: language learning can get expensive. Textbooks, tutors, premium subscriptions — they add up fast. But here’s the truth:
💡 You can reach B2 (or beyond) in German using only free tools — if you know where to look.
So whether you’re broke, skeptical of paywalls, or just hunting for quality content, here’s your 2025 guide to the best free German-learning resources — no fluff, no bait-and-switches.
📱 Best Free Apps
1. Duolingo
🔹 Level: A1–B1
The green owl still delivers.
✅ Bite-sized lessons
✅ Gamified progress
⚠️ Use it as a supplement, not your main tool
Pro tip: Enable German audio challenges for real listening practice.
2. Anki (with German decks)
🔹 Level: All
Spaced repetition = unbeatable for vocab retention
✅ Thousands of shared decks (A1–C1)
✅ Add your own sentences from shows/books
📍 Best decks: “German Frequency 625”, “Clozemaster German Sentences”
3. Tandem / HelloTalk
🔹 Level: A2+
Free language exchange apps to speak with native Germans
✅ Chat, voice, and video
✅ Built-in correction tools
✅ Perfect for practicing informal or regional German
🎧 Best Free Podcasts
4. Slow German (by Annik Rubens)
🔹 Level: A1–B1
Calm, clear narration on cultural topics
✅ Great for shadowing
✅ Transcripts included
5. Deutsch – Warum Nicht? (DW)
🔹 Level: A1–B1
Classic audio course with storytelling and grammar
✅ 4 series of progressive lessons
✅ Totally free + downloadable
6. Easy German Podcast
🔹 Level: B1+
Native speakers talking naturally, but clearly
✅ Weekly episodes
✅ YouTube + transcript combo = gold
🎥 Best Free YouTube Channels
7. Easy German
🎯 Still the king. Street interviews + real German
✅ Subtitles in German and English
✅ Great for slang, filler words, and accent exposure
8. Learn German with Herr Antrim
✅ Clear grammar explanations
✅ Short, structured videos
✅ Especially good for A1–B2 learners
9. Deutsch mit Marija
✅ Native speaker
✅ Advanced grammar explained simply
✅ Strong B1–C1 resource
🎓 Best Free Courses & Platforms
10. Deutschtrainer (DW)
🔹 Level: A1–A2
Interactive videos and vocab drills
✅ Topic-based (travel, food, work, etc.)
11. BBC Languages: German (archived but still gold)
🔹 Level: A1–B1
✅ Real-life dialogues + grammar
✅ Still online in 2025
12. Memrise (Free version)
🔹 Level: A1–B1
✅ Phrase-focused
✅ Good pronunciation models
⚠️ Watch out for paywall nudges — stick to community courses
📚 Best Free Reading Resources
13. Deutsche Welle’s “Top-Themen” + “Nachrichtenleicht”
✅ News in slow, simple German
✅ Free PDFs + audio
✅ Perfect for learners at A2–B2
14. Leo.org & PONS.eu
✅ Free online dictionaries
✅ Context-based examples
✅ Audio pronunciation built in
15. Goethe-Institut’s Free Materials
✅ Practice sheets, quizzes, videos
✅ Culture + language combo
🔗 goethe.de/lernen
🧠 Best Tools for Practice & Immersion
16. Language Reactor (Chrome Extension)
Use it on Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+
✅ Dual subtitles
✅ Instant translation + dictionary
✅ Save vocab to Anki
17. LingQ (Free tier)
🔹 Level: A2–C1
✅ Import content you like (news, YouTube, stories)
✅ Learn through context
⚠️ Premium limits removed? Stick to personal imports for max free value
🚀 Honorable Mentions
- Reddit: r/German – Ask questions, vent frustrations, share wins
- Telegram & Discord groups – Practice chatting in real time
- Quizlet – Great if you’re studying for Goethe/TELC exams
💬 Final Word
You don’t need to drop €500 on fancy software or private lessons to make progress. You just need consistency, a bit of structure, and the right resources.
Everything above is:
- ✅ 100% free (no fake “free trials”)
- ✅ Actively maintained in 2025
- ✅ Used by real learners who hit B2+ without spending a cent