Google Translate Rivals Duolingo in Language Learning: We Tested the New Mode and It’s Astonishing!

Google is progressively implementing its Gemini AI across all its popular services, and now it’s Google Translate’s turn to benefit. Indeed, the app now includes a rather impressive Training mode, potentially casting a shadow over Duolingo.

Since the debut of Gemini in 2024, Google has ensured the integration of its in-house AI across its most popular services. Users can now use it in Docs, Drive, or Gmail to edit their documents, organize their inbox, or write emails.

In early October, the artificial intelligence also made its way into Google Home, completely redesigning the user experience. It has now replaced Google Assistant for enhanced efficiency and reliability. And since the beginning of the year, it was also known that Google Translate would eventually benefit from the AI’s capabilities.

Following the launch of instant conversation translation in December 2024, several rumors hinted at the imminent arrival of a learning mode similar to Duolingo. Good news, this feature has just been introduced in the app in beta version. And frankly, Google Translate now has everything it needs to become THE reference in language learning.

What Google Translate was missing

During my high school years (over 15 years ago), my language teachers were pretty clear about Google Translate. It was a nice tool for understanding the meaning of a word, but a disaster when it came to translating complex sentences or expressions.

Back then, they were right. But since then, the capabilities of Google Translate have significantly improved. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine in March 2021, the app already had a 94% accuracy rate in translating from English to Spanish.

However, Google Translate always lacked something to set it apart from leaders in the field like Babbel or Duolingo: a real Training mode. Now, that’s no longer the case!

Google Translate as your English teacher

Indeed, Google Translate has just equipped itself with a brand new Training mode. Currently available in beta version, this feature is directly accessible in the app. And of course, it largely relies on the capabilities of Gemini.

But what does it entail? Unlike other apps that typically require you to start with basic vocabulary and grammar (which isn’t always fun), Google Translate throws you right into the mix.

After specifying your level in the chosen language, the app asks your reasons for learning a language. Then, it takes on the task of generating scenarios you might encounter. For instance, if you choose the Entertainment and Culture theme, you’ll need to prove yourself in three random scenarios. In our case: Talking about hobbies, Discussing movies, or Talking about favorite music. Each scenario comes with a list of words to use, a listening exercise, and finally a speaking exercise.

As real as a human conversation

The listening exercises are very effective for warming up. The principle is simple:

• the AI generates a phrase of varying complexity depending on your level
• Take a moment to listen (the voice is also generated by the AI)
• Finally, press on the words you recognize in the list

You can then check if you identified all the words correctly, and adjust the difficulty of the next exercise if necessary. But where the Training mode really makes sense is with the voice input exercises.

To put it simply, the app places you at the center of a conversation with the AI. To assist, examples of words and expressions are displayed before your exchange begins, but you are not obliged to use them. What is truly impressive is that the AI constantly adapts its questions/responses based on yours, even if you start to improvise and deviate from the tasks set by the exercise.

For instance, we drifted for 5 minutes into a discussion about Alfonso Cuaron’s film Children of Men, talking about the incredible opening scene, the story, and Clive Owen’s masterful performance. As a result, this leads to particularly dynamic and natural exchanges like one might have while traveling or at a café terrace. At the end of each exchange, the app gives you an oral expression score out of 5 points, and also lists all the words you used.

Huge potential with some shortcomings

In our view, the Training function has almost everything it needs to become a must-have in language apps. Being a beta, it still lacks elements that we would like to see in the final version. For example, French-speaking users can only practice English at the moment. The addition of other languages would obviously be welcome. More variety in the exercises offered would also be a plus (such as quizzes, for example).

Moreover, we can hardly recommend this Training mode to those looking to learn a language from scratch. Currently, the Beginner level is not available. This means you are forced to start at Basic, which implies that you are capable of communicating with simple words and expressions. For those who have no knowledge of the desired language, it’s best to skip this for now.

Still, the potential of Google Translate’s Training mode is undeniable. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.