Babbel is one of the most popular language-learning apps worldwide, and there’s a good reason for that. Users will appreciate that it’s both beginner-friendly and suitable for more experienced learners. Also, the language learning app includes various helpful features that help you optimize your learning ability and language skills.
Another reason many people are choosing to use Babbel over other language-learning apps is that you can use it while driving.
Connecting Babbel to Your Car
To use Babbel hands-free while driving, simply connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth system or use a phone mount for easy access. Once connected, you can launch the Babbel app and start your lesson. The audio will play through your car’s speakers, allowing you to learn while keeping your eyes on the road.
Maximizing Your Commute Language Learning on the Go
You might be wondering why you would choose to learn a foreign language while driving a car.
This is a valid question. After all, wouldn’t it be better to save your core lessons for when you’re in a stationary environment, dedicating all your attention to learning?
Well, yes, in an ideal world.
Admittedly, Babbel is one of the most efficient apps for language learning (you can learn a language in as little as 6 months if you dedicate 15 minutes per day to the various exercises). (Check out ‘Babbel Breakdown: Full List Of Languages‘)
But unfortunately, not everybody has the ability to give 15 minutes each day to language learning. For some, their daily commute is the only free time they have. Even if you do have 15 minutes to dedicate daily to your language studies, you might want to practice for longer than this to ensure you’re retaining material.
Obviously, you can’t take your eyes off the road while driving. You could easily crash into something. However, it is still possible to focus on the listening and speaking aspects of language learning while remaining visually focused on what’s going on around you.
This type of learning is called passive learning. Active learning is indeed essential for making real progress, but passive learning is still an important foundation. The best thing about passive learning is that it’s safe to do while operating a vehicle.
Babbel Features for Learning A Language While Driving
1. Hands-Free Mode
Babbel is safer to use while driving some other language-learning methods and apps. This is simply because the hands-free mode allows you to avoid needing to physically interact with your phone while using it.
The hands-free mode lets you enjoy audio-only lessons, which are often taught by native speakers. You could, for example, choose to learn Spanish directly from native Spanish speakers.
Connecting Babbel to Your Car (Step-by-Step)
- Enable Bluetooth: On your phone (iPhone or Android), go to Settings and turn on Bluetooth.
- Pair with Car: In your car’s infotainment system, go to the Bluetooth settings and search for available devices. Select your phone from the list to pair them.
- Launch Babbel: Open the Babbel app on your phone and start a lesson. The audio should automatically play through your car’s speakers.
- Voice Commands (Optional): If your car supports it, you can use voice commands like “Hey Siri” or “Ok Google” to control Babbel without touching your phone.
Troubleshooting: If you have trouble connecting, check your car’s manual for specific instructions or consult the Babbel Help Center for additional support.
2. Speaking And Listening Exercises
Babbel does have reading and writing exercises on the app, but for obvious reasons, it’s not safe to do these while driving.
However, Babbel also has plenty of exercises that test your speaking and listening skills. So, turn on the hands-free mode and start working on these without compromising your safety in the car. It’s no different from listening to the radio or speaking to someone in the passenger seat.
Drive and Learn Safely with Babbel
Even with the features the Babbel app offers to make it easier to learn a language while driving, it’s important to be extra careful not to put yourself in unsafe situations any time you’re doing something other than driving behind the wheel.
Here’s how to make sure that your language-learning sessions while driving are as safe and responsible as possible:
1. Never Take Your Eyes Off The Road
We can’t stress how important it is to never stop looking at the road while you’re using the Babbel app.
There should be no need to do this anyway since you can use the hands-free mode, but be sure you’re checking your surroundings carefully and not allowing yourself to be distracted by your phone screen. It’s also important to not become lost in thought while practicing your speaking and listening.
2. Use the Hands-Free Option
As we’ve noted, if you decide to use the app while driving please use the Babbel hands-free mode. The Babbel hands-free mode is an absolute must if you decide to use the app while driving. You should never have your phone in your hand while driving.
If you come to the end of your Babbel interactive audio course and want to switch to a different lesson or make a hands-free phone call, you will need to use software such as Siri to ensure that you can make the switch without physically reaching for your phone.
3. Don’t Do Too Much At Once
Listening and speaking, which are the only exercises Babbel will allow you to do using the hands-free mode, may be considered passive learning, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t require concentration.
You should do everything in your power to pay attention when using Babbel as you drive. You don’t want to get so distracted that you can’t focus on learning or driving. Having too many things taking up your attention, even passively, can be dangerous (plus, having too much going on at once doesn’t make for productive language learning).
Is Babbel Right for You?
Babbel is an excellent app for learning a language while driving, thanks to its hands-free mode, quick 15-minute lessons, and exercises focused on speaking and listening.
It’s still incredibly important to make sure you keep your eyes on the road at all times when operating a vehicle, but Babbel offers a solution to get the best of both worlds.
The app allows you to take part in audio lessons without needing to interact with your phone screen at all.
Remember to back up the passive learning you can do with Babbel while driving with more active learning exercises at home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most commonly asked questions from those who are interested in using Babbel:
How long do Babbel lessons last?
Each Babbel lesson lasts for around 10 to 15 minutes, which is a good amount of time to fit in during your commute. Even a short drive should be enough time for one lesson.
Which other language apps can be used while driving?
If you need to fit all your language learning into your daily commute, Babbel is a great option, but other apps will allow you to learn a target language while you drive. For example, Rosetta Stone provides audio companion lessons that allow you to learn without looking at or interacting with your screen.
Does Babbel have audio-only courses?
Though Babbel does prioritize audio-based learning, it doesn’t offer standalone audio courses like Pimsleur or Michel Thomas.
Many of the Babbel lessons heavily incorporate audio components, such as dialogues, pronunciation practice, and listening comprehension exercises. You can use these audio elements hands-free while driving, which makes Babbel a practical option for those who prefer to learn through listening.
Additionally, Babbel’s Review feature allows you to practice vocabulary and phrases using audio flashcards, further reinforcing your learning through sound.
Which one is better? Listening to radio vs learning language via an app
Both listening to the radio and using a language-learning app offer valuable exposure to your target language, but they cater to different learning styles and goals.
Radio:
- Immersion: Natural language exposure, great for picking up slang and cultural references.
- Passive Learning: Easy to listen while multitasking, but may lead to less focused practice.
- Limited Control: Content isn’t tailored to your level or goals.
App (like Babbel):
- Structured Learning: Clear lessons and personalized paths for focused progress.
- Interactive Exercises: Active practice with pronunciation feedback.
- Progress Tracking: Motivating and helps you see improvement.
Both methods are beneficial, but you’ll see the most improvement if you combine them. The best method for you depends on your learning style and goals.
If you want casual exposure, the radio is great. If you prefer structured lessons and measurable progress, try a language learning app. Combine both for the most well-rounded learning experience!
What are alternative ways of learning a language while driving?
Other ways to learn a language while driving:
- Podcasts: Explore language learning podcasts designed for your level.
- News: Tune into foreign news to hear current events and authentic language.
- Shadowing: When possible, pause and repeat phrases from podcasts or news to practice pronunciation.
- Music: Sing along to foreign songs to learn vocabulary and get a feel for the language’s rhythm.
- Self-Talk: Practice conversations in your head to boost confidence and fluency.
- Translate on the Go: When stopped, try to translate signs or surroundings, then check your answers later (when safe).
- Audiobooks: Listen to a familiar story in your target language to improve comprehension.
By incorporating these activities into your daily drive, you can transform your commute into valuable language-learning time.
