Pimsleur Review

Pimsleur offers an easy way to learn new languages, without the annoyance of heavy textbooks or tedious grammar lessons. It teaches languages in a practical way that gives you fast results and allows you to start speaking right away. And since it's such a portable method of language learning, you can do it while you're on the go.

PLANS





What types of language learning subscriptions does Pimsleur offer?

Pimsleur lets you choose between learning a single language through its audio-only or premium subscription or having access to 51 languages at one time through its All-Access subscription. The subscription will continue unless you decide to cancel it.

How many languages are available to learn through Pimsleur?

You'll have 51 languages to choose from through Pimsleur. They offer Albanian, Arabic (Eastern), Arabic (Egyptian), Arabic (Modern Standard), Armenian (Eastern), Armenian (Western), Chinese (Cantonese), Chinese (Mandarin), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dari Persian, Dutch, Farsi Persian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Ojibwe, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Portuguese (European), Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Spanish (Latin American), Spanish (Spain-Castilian), Swahili, Swedish, Swiss German, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Twi, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, and English as a second language.

Do I have to pick just one language, or can I access all or multiple languages through my Pimsleur subscription?

To have access to all the languages offered by Pimsleur, you'll need to have an All-Access subscription. Otherwise, the premium or audio-only subscription only lets you learn one language at a time.

Which devices and operating systems do Pimsleur lessons work for?

You'll be able to use Pimsleur on any desktop or laptop, although they recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Chrome, or Safari browsers. If you're using Pimsleur on your phone, it's recommended that you use the Pimsleur mobile app for iOS or Android.

METHODOLOGY





What is the Pimsleur language learning method and does it include personalized or one-on-one lessons?

The Pimsleur method was devised to cut to the heart of every language by getting rid of the information overload and intimidation of learning languages. It uses the principles of graduated interval recall, anticipation, core vocabulary, and organic learning. 

Pimsleur recommends dedicating 30 minutes a day to your language learning for the best results. The method uses a combination of learning styles and tools, such as core 30-minute lessons, reading lessons, speaking challenges, digital flashcards, and speed-round games.

The majority of Pimsleur's content is audio that you can listen to at your own pace, even while you're running errands or jogging. In fact, Pimsleur recently released Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Driving modes for the Pimsleur app. Now our learners can truly make their car their classroom - this update will allow seamless compatibility for iOS/Android learners on-the-go, whether they're using it during their daily commute to work or for a cross-country road trip! You won't interact with other learners or have one-on-one classes with a live teacher, but you'll be able to enjoy hands-free learning with no distractions from other students.

What kind of equipment or devices will I need for my Pimsleur language learning software?

You can learn through Pimsleur by using your phone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

How much of a daily time commitment is it to learn a language with Pimsleur?

Pimsleur recommends that you devote 30 minutes a day to learning a new language. How long it takes you to become fluent will depend upon a number of factors. You are welcome to spend more than 30 minutes a day on any language if you need to learn as quickly as possible.

Does Pimsleur offer any certifications of course completion?

Pimsleur now offers a certification with their new Voice feature. Users will need to master all available lessons in their Voice Coach challenge mode in order to receive a certification. Once they do, they’ll be able to display that certification on LinkedIn, résumés, with friends and more.



CUSTOMER SERVICE





How can I cancel my Pimsleur language learning software subscription?

When you're done using Pimsleur, it's easy to cancel your subscription. You can log in to your account if you subscribed through the Pimsleur website, and cancel from there. If you subscribed through an Apple in-app purchase or through Google Play, you'll need to follow their instructions for canceling.

How can I upgrade my Pimsleur language learning software subscription plan? 

To upgrade your subscription, you'll simply log into your account and choose your new plan, following any payment instructions they give you.

Does Pimsleur offer a mobile app?

Yes, Pimsleur offers mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Does Pimsleur offer a free trial or trial period?

Pimsleur allows you to try the program free of charge for seven days so you can see if it works for you and fits into your lifestyle.

Details of Pimsleur's lesson structure

To start with, the Pimsleur method is unlike other common language learning tools, like Duolingo. It introduces you to new words through sound and not through sight.

This might sound challenging if you’re accustomed to visual learning styles. But when you stick to the process, Pimsleur makes it easier for you to remember. Besides, there are reading lessons to help you develop your skills.

Each program starts with “Dr. Pimsleur’s Golden Rules” and you need to follow them to get results. Every lesson begins with a conversation and by the end of it, Pimsleur makes sure that you understand it completely.

The Pimsleur language learning method focuses on the sound system of the language so you need to respond to the conversations and narratives as required. That said, you need not parrot the lines you hear, as the program challenges you to think before each response.

This is actually a part of the “challenge and response” technique developed by Dr. Pimsleur. The method challenges a speaker to recall words and phrases as is normally done in real-life conversations.

It also helps you in pronouncing the words correctly. Pimsleur helps you to break down the syllables in new words and repeat them to get the pronunciation perfect. Whenever you repeat a word, instant feedback is delivered to help you progress.

Note, you’re guided through the entire program by an English-speaking narrator and the sessions are interactive. Every aspect of vocabulary or grammar you learn will resurface based on the spaced repetition technique. Basically, the program is designed to make you comfortable with a language without the need to memorize or do extra studies.

The course structure is evenly balanced and as you progress, each lesson allows you to build upon what you have already learned. The sessions are also intuitive and you get detailed explanations about the various aspects of a language.

New Pimsleur All Access

Pimsleur now offers a new subscription called All Access, which gives you access to all 51 languages they offer at one low price. Not sure which language you want to learn? Trying to become a polyglot in record time? The All Access subscription is a great choice if you want to be able to learn at your own pace, switch between languages, and access everything that Pimsleur has to offer.