Duolingo: 23 Most-Asked Questions Answered (2024 Guide)

Answering all top Duolingo questions - from C1 fluency to test costs, UK visas, and free alternatives. See if Duolingo works for your goals in 2024.

Can You Reach C1 Level with Duolingo?

• No, Duolingo typically only gets learners to A2-B1 level

• For C1 fluency, you need:
  ✓ Real conversations with natives
  ✓ Advanced grammar study
  ✓ Immersion (movies, books, podcasts)

• Tip: Use Duolingo + tutoring (Preply/iTalki) for faster progress

Is Duolingo Enough to Speak a Language?

• For basics? Yes (vocabulary/simple sentences)

• For fluency? No - lacks:
  ✗ Natural conversation practice
  ✗ Advanced speaking exercises
  ✗ Cultural context

• Better combo: Duolingo + language exchange (Tandem/HelloTalk)

How Much Duolingo Per Day?

• Maintenance: 5-10 mins (keep streak)

• Progress: 20-30 mins

• Fast learning: 45-60 mins + speaking practice

• Best time: Mornings (better retention)

What Score is Fluent in Duolingo?

• App: No fluency score (only lesson completion)

• English Test (DET):
  ✓ 120+ = B2 (upper-intermediate)
  ✓ 145+ = C1 (advanced)
  ✓ 160 = C2 (maximum score)

Highest Duolingo Score Possible?

• 160 on Duolingo English Test (C2 proficiency)

• Achieved by <5% of test-takers

What Country Owns Duolingo?

• Founded: 2011 in USA

• HQ: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• CEO: Luis von Ahn (Guatemalan entrepreneur)

• Publicly traded (NASDAQ: DUOL)

Which Countries Accept Duolingo Test?

• Accepted by 5,000+ institutions in:
  ✓ USA (NYU, Duke)
  ✓ Canada (UBC, McGill)
  ✓ Australia (ANU)
  ✓ UK (some universities, not visas)

• Not accepted: Harvard, Oxford, UK visas

Is Duolingo English Test Hard?

• Easier than IELTS/TOEFL because:
  ✓ Shorter (1 hour vs 3+)
  ✓ Adaptive difficulty
  ✓ No live speaking examiner

Does Harvard Accept Duolingo?

• No - requires:
  ✓ TOEFL (100+)
  ✓ IELTS (7.0+)

UK Visa & Duolingo Test

• Student visa: Some universities accept

• Skilled Worker/Graduate visa: Not accepted (requires IELTS)

USA Visa with Duolingo Test

• Student visa: If university approves

• Work/tourist visa: No English test required

IELTS vs Duolingo for UK

• IELTS:
  ✓ Required for all UK visas
  ✓ More expensive (~$250)

• Duolingo:
  ✓ Cheaper ($59)
  ✓ Faster results
  ✓ Not valid for visas

Duolingo Exam Fee 2025

• $59 (same as 2024)

• Includes unlimited score reports

Take Duolingo Test at Home?

• Yes! Requirements:
  ✓ Quiet, well-lit room
  ✓ Government ID
  ✓ Stable internet

Duolingo Monthly Cost?

• Free version: With ads/limits

• Super Duolingo: $12.99/month (ad-free)

Best Language Learning App?

1. Free: Duolingo

2. Fluency: Babbel

3. Speaking: Preply (tutors)

4. Immersion: Rosetta Stone

How Duolingo Makes Money?

1. Subscriptions ($12.99/month)

2. Ads (free version)

3. English Tests ($59 each)

Get Duolingo Free?

• Use ad-supported version

• Schools: Free via Duolingo for Schools

How Old is Duolingo?

• Launched June 2011

• 13 years old in 2024

Easiest Language to Learn?

For English speakers:

1. Spanish

2. French

3. Italian

Why Isn't Duolingo Free Anymore?

• Still has free version (with ads)

• Paid plan removes ads/adds features