History Of Babbel: Full Details

Learning a new language doesn’t have to be tedious or difficult, there are tons of ways to make it an enjoyable and simple experience. One option is through language apps! 

Today, online education platforms have dominated the language learning tool. As such, there are more apps available than languages in the world! 

Unlike time-honored conventional methods, such as textbooks, apps, desktop software, and online resources are affordable, fun, and flexible. 

If you have used language learning platforms in the past, you may have come across Babbel. 

In fact, this is one of the most well-known language apps with over 10 million paid subscribers in the last 15 years – covering 14 languages. 

As a result, you may be wondering what Babbel is all about. Including its history and what it has to offer. 

With this in mind, this article will explore everything you need to know about the history Of Babbel – starting from the ground up. 

Let’s jump straight into it! 

What Is Babbel?

If you’re unfamiliar with Babbel, it is a subscription-based language learning app that can be used on iOS and Android devices, as well as on the web. 

Plus, it is one of the most popular language-learning platforms on the market – allowing you to improve and grow your language skills with ease. 

The online learning platform currently offers users 14 different languages to learn from and become fluent in. Thanks to its easy-to-use learning app – students can learn anywhere and anytime. 

This provides you with the opportunity to learn a new language you have always wanted to – all from the comfort of your home – at a time and location that best suits your requirements. 

Whether you challenge yourself to learn a new language on your own or take it slow and simple. There is no one set model on how you decide your learning – one of the features that make this platform ideal – you can learn at your own pace. 

Despite only having 14 languages to choose from, Babbel remains an excellent choice for many people. Allowing anyone to learn a new language at a pace that suits them. 

The History of Babbel

In August 2007, the company was started by four founders: Lorenz Heine, Thomas Holl, Markus Witte, and Toine Diepstraten who met at a Berlin-based software company. 

Here, they were building an online collaboration platform for musicians. Although one day, one of the members expressed an interest in learning Spanish. 

In his endeavor, he was surprised to find that the only resources available were textbooks and CD-ROMs – with barely any online options. 

Therefore, they decided to re-focused their project and create their own online language learning platform. Thus, the birth of Babbel. 

Later, in January 2008, the company officially went online where community features were a prominent selling point to many people. 

Today, Babbel’s offices are located in both Berlin and New York City where they create app-based lessons – as well as games, podcasts, content about culture, videos, and live, online classes – allowing everyone around the world to learn a new language. 

The company started out as a freemium model (this consisted of free lessons which, later on, expanded to premium content that requires a fee). Although, in the last 15 years, the platform has grown, with over 10 million subscribers and 14 different languages available. 

Since there is no longer a free option, you are required to pay for the platforms as the company has moved to a subscription model. According to statistics from Crunchbase, in just over 4 rounds, the company has raised over $33.3M.

In 2020, to cover face-to-face learners, they established separate offshoots, for instance, Babbel Live. This is a face-to-face online tutoring service that provides students with one-to-one live sessions with an instructor.

Language Creates Understanding

Babbel uses empirically-proven techniques established by industry experts to teach their courses. 

As such, they have created over 13,000 hours of content with more than 50,000 lessons spanning over 14 different languages. 

Babbels helps you provide users with new vocabulary and language grammar using the language you already know. 

Plus, you should know that no two Babble lessons are the same. The result is a unique experience each time, taking into consideration the differences and similarities between the various “language pairs” – including the language you’re learning and your native language with native speakers. 

The method Babbel uses helps to train your brain to learn a language more constantly. All you need is 10 minutes a day. 

Plus, the best part? You can continue your learning outside the app thanks to a “hands-free” mode that offers over 20 podcasts. 

Who Is Babbel For?

The best way to learn a new language is through live lessons with the language teachers in a classroom setup. Plus, the online live interaction and immersive approach can also support your learning. 

That said, not everyone is able to receive teaching from a trainer or the opportunity to attend real-life conversations in language, learning classes. 

Therefore, the best options here are self-study apps. These contain many benefits which make it a great option for a lot of people. 

However, with so many platforms out there, not all of them are going to provide resources that are good enough. In fact,  a lot of them are simply a waste of time. 

Learning a new language is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor. Not only do you have to learn the proper pronunciations and usages but you have to do this all on your own, too. 

One of the most effective ways to improve your language skills and repair errors is by speaking the language every day. 

However, there is also the corner for feeling lost in translation and making mistakes. 

Apps such as Babbel can help you on your language-learning journey. Here, you can choose from a number of different languages – learning from anywhere and anytime. 

All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone and you’re provided with access to a realm of knowledge. 

From self-leaving to covering basic skills – these apps are incredibly beneficial. You can transform your language-learning skills from scratch into a lower intermediate level. .

Is Babbel A Private Company?

Founded in 2007, Babbel is a private company. The most innovative company itself is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and provides users with a range of online language courses in 14 different languages. 

Babbel employs over 750 people  – representing over 65 different nationalities. Thanks to shared interest, the team comes up with content that connects the masses over the world. 

They do this by providing apps that cover a wide range of topics – allowing users all around the world to connect and learn a new language. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to learning languages, it has never been easier thanks to the internet and online learning platforms. One such platform includes Babbel. 

The world learn languages on this platform, with over 10 million subscribers in the world and 14 different languages to choose from, the organization has certainly made a name for itself in the language-learning community. 

Founded in 2007, the company continues to grow each year – introducing different features to keep you engaged. 

Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about Babbel’s history.