V-IZ vs. Apps & Online Providers: What's the Best Way to Learn German?
- V-IZ
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
1. Introduction
If you want to learn German, you'll quickly notice that the options are vast. From free apps like Duolingo to premium platforms like Lingoda – and in between, specialized providers like V-IZ , which offer video language courses.
But which method is really right for you? In this article, we compare V-IZ with apps and other online providers and show you the differences.
2. Comparison
Duolingo
Price: free (with ads) or about €7–15/month for Premium.
Learning principle: short, playful exercises, gamification.
Advantage: very motivating at the beginning, perfect for vocabulary.
Disadvantage: little grammar, no deep structure, no official qualifications.
Babbel
Price: €10–15/month.
Learning principle: dialogue exercises, grammar units.
Advantage: better structure than Duolingo.
Disadvantages: limited progress, no coursebook structure, no exam preparation.
Lingoda – Live lessons online
Price: from approximately €150–300 per month (depending on intensity).
Learning principle: Live lessons via Zoom with a teacher.
Advantage: interactive, direct exchange, certificates possible.
Disadvantage: expensive, fixed course times, dependent on curriculum and dates.
V-IZ – the structured video alternative
V-IZ – Video Integration Center combines the advantages of apps (flexibility, digital learning) with the structure of traditional courses:
Price: from €34.99/month.
Contents: Modules A1–B1 (including the Hueber Schritte Plus Neu coursebook).
Learning principle: video courses with real teachers.
Advantage: clear course structure, official course book, start at any time, no waiting times.
Disadvantage: Self-discipline required (as with any online course).
3. Comparison: V-IZ vs. Apps vs. Lingoda
feature | Apps (Duolingo, Babbel) | Lingoda (Live) | V-IZ (video course) |
Price | 0–15 €/month | 150–300 €/month | from 34.99 €/month |
flexibility | anytime, very flexible | fixed dates, teacher required | anytime, your own pace |
Contents | Vocabulary, short exercises | Live lessons + exercises | Video courses + course book (A1–B1) |
depth | superficial | comprehensive, with interaction | structured, with book + videos |
Diploma | none | Certificate of participation | Preparation for the B1 exam |
Target group | Beginners, leisure learners | Learners with budget & time | Self-payers, working people, parents |
Waiting time | no | Dates depend on | none – start immediately |
4. Which solution is suitable for whom?
Apps (Duolingo, Babbel)
👉 good for beginners, leisure learners, vocabulary on the side.
Lingoda
👉 for people on a budget who prefer live lessons and value fixed appointments.
V-IZ
👉 for self-payers, working people, parents & people abroad who are looking for a structured, flexible and affordable alternative .
5. Conclusion
There is no single best way to learn German – it depends on your goals and your budget.
Want to start playing for free ? → Apps.
Do you want to learn intensively and live with a teacher ? → Lingoda.
Do you want to learn up to B1 level in a structured, flexible, and affordable way ? → V-IZ.
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