Babbel

This article is about the software. For the German football player and coach, see Markus Babbel.
Not to be confused with Babble.com.
Babbel GmbH
Type of site
Private
Available inDanish, Dutch, English, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish.
HeadquartersBerlin,
Germany
Key peopleArne Schepker (CEO), Thomas Holl (Co-Founder), Julie Hansen (CEO Babbel, Inc.)
IndustryE-Learning, Online Education
Employees1000 Globally[1][2]
URLwww.babbel.com
Registrationyes
LaunchedAugust 2007; 16 years ago (2007-08)
Current statusOnline

Babbel GmbH, operating as Babbel,[3] is a German subscription-based language learning software and e-learning platform, available in various languages since January 2008.

The platform offers various resources such as the Babbel self-study app, Babbel Live classes, Babbel podcasts, Babbel for Business, and Toucan products, all designed to emphasise practical language use in real-life scenarios with real people.[4]

The curriculum includes over 60,000 lessons in 14 languages. Babbel was the first online language learning platform, first to introduce a language learning app[5] with over 16 million subscriptions, it is now the most sold language learning platform globally.[4]

With 1000 employees, Babbel is headquartered in Berlin (Babbel GmbH) and maintains a presence in the United States with an office in New York, operating as Babbel Inc.[4]

History[edit]

Babbel is operated by Babbel GmbH in Berlin, Germany. Babbel has around 1000 full-time employees and freelancers.[4]

The company was founded in August 2007 by Thomas Holl, Toine Diepstraten, Lorenz Heine and Markus Witte.[6][7][8] In January 2008, the language learning platform went online with community features as a free beta version.[9] In 2008, Kizoo Technology Ventures and IBB Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH became Babbel's first investors. Then, in 2009, Babbel was granted roughly one million euros by the ERDF European Structural Fund.[10] The new product version, Babbel 2.0, went online in November 2009. At that time, Babbel's founders decided against an advertising and mixed-finance model (freemium), opting for paid content.[11]

In March 2013, Babbel acquired San Francisco startup PlaySay Inc. to expand into the United States.[12][13] As part of the acquisition, PlaySay Founder and CEO Ryan Meinzer joined Babbel as a strategic advisor for its US operations.[14]

In January 2015, Babbel opened an office in New York City with the aim of expanding its presence in the US market.[15] Later that year, a third funding round led by Scottish Equity Partners raised another $22 million.[16][17] Other participants in this round include previous investors Reed Elsevier Ventures, Nokia Growth Partners,[18] and VC Fonds Technology Berlin.[19][20]

In 2017, Babbel launched Babbel for Business, designed for companies and organisations as part of their professional development programs.[21]

In November 2018, the company announced it had sold around 1 million subscriptions during the previous year. It was also launching a new set of products, oriented at travel marketplace. The project was going to launch in 2019.[22]

In 2019, co-founder Markus Witte stepped down as CEO and was replaced by Arne Schepker.[23]

In September 2020, Babbel announced it had sold over 10 million subscriptions, becoming the most sold language learning platform in the world.[23] In March 2020, a works council was elected that represents the employees of the Berlin office.[24]

In 2021, Babbel launched Babbel Live, offering online tutoring classes to customers.[25]

In February 2021, Babbel announced its expansion from a single-function application to an ecosystem of blended learning experiences by introducing Babbel Live and in-app games.[25]

Concept[edit]

Babbel is a subscription-based language learning app for web, iOS and Android. Babbel currently offers 14 different languages (German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Norwegian, Danish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Indonesian, Swedish and Dutch). Babbel's original learning content is developed in-house by a team of over 200 language experts.[26]

There are beginner, intermediate and grammar courses, vocabulary lessons, as well as courses with tongue-twisters, idioms, colloquialisms, and sayings. Courses for a given language may be aimed at a specific audience: for instance, English may be learned as "PR English" or "Marketing English."

In August 2017, Babbel announced that it had partnered with Cambridge English Language Assessment to create a low-cost online English test.[27][28] The test assesses beginning and intermediate students' reading and listening skills (up to level B1 and above of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Every test features about 70 questions from a bank of hundreds of options, which—like Babbel's lesson content—reflect real-life communicative situations,[28] including recordings of radio broadcasts and conversations for listening tasks.

Juliet Wilson, director of assessment at Cambridge English, explained to Professionals in International Education News that "...until now it's been difficult for [online learners] to know whether they are really learning the right skills, or to demonstrate their real level," going on to say that the Babbel English Test would "give learners reliable evidence of their progress and a certificate of achievement that demonstrates what they have learned".[29]

Product & Services[edit]

Babbel operates an ecosystem of interconnected online learning experiences. The company's educational content is customised for each language combination, recognising the varied learning requirements of individuals. This recognition is based, given that an English learner may approach the study of French differently than an Italian learner.[30]

The instructional approach encompasses all facets of communication, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking, achieved through contextual content presented in compact, practical 10-15 minute units.[31]

Babbel App[edit]

With 60,000 lessons created,[32] self-study application offered by Babbel is designed to provide lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights across everyday subjects.[33] The application incorporates an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced speech recognition model to aid in pronunciation improvement.[34] It also includes a dedicated and personalised review system aimed at facilitating long-term memorisation, allowing learners to concentrate on the most relevant vocabulary for them. Tools, such as Babbel Games, are featured for activities related to sentence-building and spelling reinforcement.

Babbel's application includes additional features like "Culture Bites" and podcasts, which offer original content centered around the chosen language and culture.[7]

Babbel Live[edit]

Babbel offers live online language classes, providing users with the chance to learn and practice in small groups, with each session accommodating up to six participants and facilitated by qualified teachers.[35] Accessible as part of a subscription, these group classes focus on fostering conversation, allowing learners to actively participate from the beginning. Users can select classes around the clock, accommodating to their scheduling preferences.[36]

Babbel for Business[edit]

Created in 2017, Babbel for Business offers a language learning solution that empowers companies to train their employees via app-based, as well as virtual classroom, learning courses. The lessons are designed to effectively address both business-related and casual scenarios, and are aligned with specific business goals.[37]

Podcasts[edit]

Babbel Podcasts are available for languages like English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian, with mono- and bilingual formats catering to both beginners and advanced learners.[38]

In 2020, Babbel Podcasts won a 2020 international E-Learning Award for the best product in the "mobile learning" category.[39]

Toucan[edit]

In September 2023, Babbel acquired Toucan, a language-learning browser extension that allows language learners to practice new vocabulary while browsing the internet, automatically translating certain words and phrases on the page into one of eleven languages.[40]

Academic studies[edit]

Babbel's effectiveness in language learning has been validated through collaborative studies with Yale University and Michigan State University. These studies robustly confirm the platform's ability to achieve language proficiency in a short timeframe.[41]

Yale University found that after three months of Babbel use, participants showcased diverse Spanish-speaking abilities, ranging from basic greetings to discussing activities and future plans. User feedback revealed a 95% satisfaction rate with Babbel's user-friendly approach, and 75% successfully met their language learning goals.[42]

Michigan State University reported that participants logging a minimum of 10 hours on Babbel experienced enhanced grammar and vocabulary test scores, with 97% showing improvement. After 12 weeks, nearly all participants demonstrated significant gains in oral proficiency, grammar, and/or vocabulary knowledge.[43]

Name[edit]

Name[edit]

The word Babbel is derived from the Hebrew verb בָּלַל (bālal), meaning to jumble or to confuse your words. It is also a pun on the biblical Tower of Babel — a gigantic ziggurat whose construction was interrupted when the workers' languages were made mutually unintelligible by God. Douglas Adams used the same idea in his Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy to name the Babel fish, a symbiotic fish that serves as a universal translator. Babbel is also a homophone and anagram of the English verb babble.

Social and corporate governance[edit]

Social impact[edit]

In March 2022, Babbel provided free access codes to Ukrainian refugees, allowing those with prior knowledge of languages offered by Babbel to learn relevant languages such as German, Polish, and Italian.[44] Babbel supplemented this effort by offering resources such as articles, a glossary, and an audio phrasebook for learning Ukrainian. Additionally, the company extended support to refugees from radicalised communities through free Babbel Live seats and onboarding assistance via The Tubman Network, a nonprofit organisation in Berlin.[45] Further community engagement included sharing teaching materials with The Educational Equality Institute, providing free language classes to Ukrainians.[46] As of February 2023, over 500,000 Ukrainians have benefited from Babbel courses.[47]

Reception[edit]

PC Magazine gave Babbel a mostly positive review, stating it was reasonably priced and well-structured, but more challenging for beginners than similar services.[48] The New York Times' Ali Watkins described Babbel as "approachable and simple".[49]

The Washington Post also positively reviewed Babbel, stating that the lessons seemed more relevant to real life, and that one could see a solid language foundation take shape after only three sessions.[50] CNN Underscored described its experience with Babbel as extremely positive and user-friendly.[51] Business Insider noted that Babbel helped with becoming a more confident speaker and listener thanks to the standout drills it offered.[52] Travel + Leisure gave Babbel a 9.6/10 rating based on factors such as course quality, value, and variety as well as accessibility, technology, diversity of instructors, and customer service. It also noted that Babbel was a great choice for business people, tourists and students.[53]

Awards[edit]

The language learning platform was one of the finalists for "Best Web Application or Service (EMEA)" in TechCrunch's Europe Awards 2009.[54] In 2011, Babbel was awarded the "Comenius EduMedia Seal" and the "Erasmus EuroMedia Seal of Approval"[55] for "Babbel for Companies" courses targeted at the business sector.[56]

In 2013, Babbel received the "digital 2013" award and the "Innovate 4 Society" award at CeBIT. In 2016, Fast Company recognised Babbel as the most innovative company in education.[57]

In January 2023, GSV named Babbel amongst the world’s 150 most transformational companies in digital learning.[58] In February 2023, Babbel was awarded the "CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Silver Anthem Award for Humanitarian Action & Services" for its efforts to help displaced people affected by the war in Ukraine.[59] In June 2023, Babbel announced that it had won the prestigious "EdTechX Language Learning Award" at the 2023 EdTechX Awards.[60]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Nicola, Stefan (January 12, 2017). "Germany's Babbel Adds Ex-Business Insider Executive in U.S. Push". Bloomberg.
  2. ^ Iszler, Madison (August 28, 2015). "European Language-Learning Startup Challenges Rosetta Stone, Duolingo". Forbes.
  3. ^ "Lesson Nine GmbH". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on 2021-04-21. Retrieved 2020-07-17.
  4. ^ a b c d "Babbel expands language learning ecosystem with Toucan acquisition". Tech.eu. 2023-09-19. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
  5. ^ "Bloomberg - Are you a robot?". www.bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2024-03-25. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  6. ^ Swan, David (July 4, 2017). "Babbel may set up office in Australia". The Australian Business Review. Retrieved April 19, 2018.
  7. ^ a b "Babbel founder talks language learning and the challenges of the US market – TechCrunch". techcrunch.com. Retrieved 2018-04-19.
  8. ^ "Babbel secures funding for language learning". techcrunch.com. 29 July 2008. Retrieved 2021-09-22.
  9. ^ Slagel, Jake (March 7, 2016). "Interview with Babbel founder and CEO Markus Witte". The Young Businessmen. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  10. ^ "Babbel blog: New Funding for a New Babbel". Archived from the original on 2018-06-20. Retrieved 2018-04-19.
  11. ^ "Top 50 Education: Company Profile on Babbel". Fast Company. 2016.
  12. ^ DiStefano, Joseph N. (March 21, 2013). "Babbel buys PlaySay". Philadelphia Media Network.
  13. ^ Leach, Anna (March 22, 2013). "Berlin E-Learning Startup Babbel Buys Out San Francisco Rival". The Wall Street Journal.
  14. ^ Murph, Darren (March 21, 2013). "Babbel acquires PlaySay in bid to bolster US language learning presence". Engadget.
  15. ^ "Babbel Opens Offices in the United States". Babbel. January 28, 2015.
  16. ^ England, Lucy (July 9, 2015). "German startup Babbel has raised $22 million to help people learn new languages". Business Insider.
  17. ^ Loeb, Steven (July 8, 2015). "Language learning startup Babbel raises $22M". Vator.
  18. ^ "Babbel Raises $22 million". Nokia Growth Partners. July 2015. Archived from the original on 2017-07-30. Retrieved 2017-03-03.
  19. ^ Sawers, Paul (July 8, 2015). "Babbel raises $22M to help grow its language-learning platform in the Americas". VentureBeat.
  20. ^ Lardinois, Frederic (July 8, 2015). "Babbel Raises $22M Series C Round For Its Language Learning Service". TechCrunch.
  21. ^ "About Us". Babbel for Business. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
  22. ^ "Language learning app Babbel sold 1M US subscriptions this year, moves into language travel". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2018-12-03.
  23. ^ a b "Founder of language learning platform Babbel steps down as co-CEO to focus on board role". TechCrunch. 4 November 2019. Retrieved 2019-11-18.[permanent dead link]
  24. ^ ""Beyond quitting" - Employees at Babbel elect a works council". IG Metall Berlin. 2020-03-13. Retrieved 2021-02-20.
  25. ^ a b Lardinois, Frederic (23 December 2021). "Despite scrapped IPO, Babbel sees fast growth for its language learning service". TechCrunch. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
  26. ^ Strathmann, Marvin (March 9, 2016). "Alleine zur Fremdsprache". Die Zeit (in German).
  27. ^ Crace, Anton (August 16, 2017). "Cambridge English partners with Babbel to create low-cost online English test". thepienews.com.
  28. ^ a b "Babbel teams up with Cambridge English to launch new language test". August 16, 2017.
  29. ^ "Cambridge develops new digital English language test". 23 November 2017.
  30. ^ "How a group of friends created a hit language app". BBC News. 2017-12-06. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
  31. ^ Lyons, Dylan (September 27, 2023). "How The Babbel Method Makes It Easy To Learn A New Language". www.babbel.com. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
  32. ^ "Babbel expands language learning ecosystem with Toucan acquisition". Tech.eu. 2023-09-19. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  33. ^ Leadership, The Berlin School Of Creative. "European Language-Learning Startup Challenges Rosetta Stone, Duolingo". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  34. ^ Lykiardopoulou, Ioanna (2023-11-21). "Babbel's new speech tools aim to boost foreign language confidence". TNW | Deep-Tech. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  35. ^ Lardinois, Frederic (2021-02-02). "Language-learning service Babbel adds live classes, games and more". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  36. ^ Team, DealPost. "Babbel launches Babbel Live, making online language learning come to life". PCWorld. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  37. ^ "🎓Online Language Trainings for Your Company". Babbel for Business. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  38. ^ Heathman, Amelia (2020-08-19). "Language learning app Babbel launches podcasts to improve your skills". Evening Standard. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  39. ^ "Parlez Away with Babbel's Language Learning Podcasts". IELA - The International E-Learning Association. 2020-11-18. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  40. ^ Lardinois, Frederic (2023-09-19). "Babbel acquires language learning browser extension Toucan". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  41. ^ Babbel.com; GmbH, Lesson Nine. "Here's How Babbel Has Been Scientifically Proven By Linguists At Yale And Other Universities". Babbel Magazine. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  42. ^ GmbH, Babbel. "New Academic Study Shows How Learning with Babbel Develops Conversational Skills in a New Language". Babbel. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  43. ^ "New study gives insight on effectiveness of language learning apps". MSUToday | Michigan State University. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  44. ^ "Quick Help: Babbel supports Ukrainian refugees with language courses". www.babbel.com. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  45. ^ "Homepage". tubman.network. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  46. ^ Iljaseviciute, Tatjana (2022-05-11). "Free language courses for Ukrainian speakers with Babbel". The Educational Equality Institute. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  47. ^ "By helping displaced Ukrainians learn a new language, Berlin's Babbel has taken its chance to make a difference". Tech.eu. 2023-02-25. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  48. ^ "Review of Babbel". PC Magazine. September 15, 2016.
  49. ^ Watkins, Ali (3 October 2019). "Police Data and the Citizen App: Partners in Crime Coverage". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 November 2019. I just recently downloaded the language app Babbel to learn French. I'm late to the language app world, but what a game changer. I know it's not perfect, but the Babbel lessons are approachable and simple. I love that I can knock out a lesson on my morning commute.
  50. ^ Sachs, Andrea (2020-04-27). "During self-quarantine, learn a foreign language without leaving the house". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  51. ^ McAlpine, Ellen (2020-11-18). "Babbel is down to $179 for the next week | CNN Underscored". CNN Underscored. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  52. ^ Arneson, Krystin. "Babbel improved my German and Spanish conversation skills after 1 month of use, but the lessons can get tedious over time". Business Insider. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  53. ^ "I Tried Babbel for One Month to Learn French — Here's How It Went". Travel + Leisure. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  54. ^ Butcher, Mike (July 9, 2009). "The Europas: The Winners and Finalists". TechCrunch.
  55. ^ "European Society for Education and Communication". Euromedia Awards. October 10, 2014. Archived from the original on 2020-08-11. Retrieved 2015-12-22.
  56. ^ "Babbel for Business". Babbel. Archived from the original on 2012-01-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  57. ^ "The Most Innovative Companies of 2016 by Sector". Fast Company.
  58. ^ "GSV 150". www.asugsvsummit.com. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  59. ^ "In Review: The Year's Most Pressing Social Issues at the 2023 Anthem Awards". Anthem Awards. 2023-02-15. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  60. ^ "Babbel wins the EdTechX Language Learning Award 2023". www.babbel.com. Retrieved 2024-01-18.

External links[edit]

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