Language Learning Podcasts: Can You Learn a Language by Listening to Podcasts?

“Benny, what are the best language learning podcasts?”

Anytime I'm asked this question, I always recommend Innovative Languages podcasts.

There are 30+ languages available in the Innovative Podcasts series, and I've linked to them all below.

Feel free to scroll down straight to the good stuff. Otherwise, let's take at some of the main questions people have about language learning podcasts.

Can I Learn a New Language by Listening to Podcasts?

Podcasts are one of the first places I turn when I'm starting in a new language.

Why? Because I've found that speaking from day one is the best way to learn a language. Podcasts give the opportunity to listen to your new language being spoken. As you listen, you'll learn correct pronunciation.

That's why, when I was creating my Language Hacking courses with Teach Yourself, I insisted that the courses included audio.

On top of that, the best podcasts are structured to guide you on a journey in learning your new language. As you follow each lesson, you'll build upon what you previously learned.

I would never recommend that anyone learns a language only by listening to podcasts. Podcasts are a vital tool in the language hacker's toolbox, but they should never be the only tool you use.

What are the Advantages of Language Learning with Podcasts?

Podcasts are great because you can learn on the go. You can download language lessons from iTunes or your favourite podcast provider, then listen on your Android smartphone, iPhone, Windows phone, or tablet.

With podcasts, you can learn while you're doing other things. You can learn a language while commuting to work, walking the dog, cleaning the house or making dinner.

I also like podcasts because, unlike with buying a full course, you can choose which lessons work for you. Whether you need to learn about ordering food in a restaurant, talking about your work, or sharing stories about your travels, you can find a podcast lesson that will teach you what you need to know.

What's Better: Free or Paid Podcasts?

There are plenty of free language learning podcasts out there, and lots of paid options too.

Paid doesn't always equal better. But if you invest in the right resources, you will learn much faster.

The best paid language podcasts offer a free or low-cost trial, so you can try them out for yourself and see whether they're a good fit for you.

Many paid podcasts come with downloadable lesson guides and worksheets, so you can follow along as you listen.

What's so Good about Innovative Language Podcasts?

Whether I'm just starting out in a language, or refreshing my skills in a language I already know, I use Innovative Language podcasts.

Innovative Language podcasts are produced to a very high standard and are structured to help you learn as much as possible, as quickly as possible. What's more, their lessons are separated into levels that follow the CEFR scale pretty closely. This format has been a great help when I want to move up a level on the CEFR scale. I recommend pushing yourself and listening to the level higher than where you are now.

Whatever level you're at, there are plenty of lessons to keep you busy – from absolute beginner to advanced speaker.

I recommend signing up and trying out their free podcasts. If it's a good fit for you, sign up for the paid package.