Duolingo Explained: Is It Free, Accurate, and Powered by AI?

With over 500 million users, Duolingo has become one of the most searched and downloaded language learning apps in the world. But many learners still ask key questions before relying on it for fluency. Below, we answer the most common questions people search about Duolingo — from its accuracy and AI technology to how fluent you can really become.

Why Do People Say Not to Use Duolingo?

Some people advise against using Duolingo as the only way to learn a language. The main reason is that the app focuses on vocabulary and short grammar exercises, but it doesn’t always prepare learners for real-life conversations.
Duolingo is best used as a complementary tool — ideal for daily practice and repetition, but it should be combined with speaking practice, videos, or live tutoring sessions for full fluency.

Is Duolingo Completely Free?

Yes — Duolingo is completely free to use. Anyone can create an account, log in, and start learning dozens of languages without paying. However, the app also offers a premium version called Super Duolingo (previously Duolingo Plus).
The paid plan removes ads, allows offline lessons, and includes progress tracking. But even the free version provides full access to lessons, which is why millions of learners choose it every day.

What Is the Earnings of Duolingo Stock?

Duolingo isn’t just an app — it’s a public company listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol DUOL. The company’s earnings have been growing thanks to paid subscriptions, advertising, and the Duolingo English Test.
While exact earnings vary each quarter, analysts often point to its strong user growth and high engagement rates as key factors behind its success on the stock market.

Can You Become Fluent in a Language with Duolingo?

You can achieve a solid foundation with Duolingo, but full fluency usually requires additional practice. The app helps learners master essential vocabulary and grammar, but true fluency also involves speaking, listening, and thinking naturally in the language.
To become fluent, experts recommend combining Duolingo with real conversations, online English classes, and listening to native speakers.

What Did the Duolingo CEO Say?

Luis von Ahn, the CEO and co-founder of Duolingo, has often said that the company’s mission is to make education “free and accessible to everyone.”
He believes Duolingo should feel more like a game than a traditional classroom, which keeps learners motivated for the long term. His team continues to integrate artificial intelligence and personalization to improve user experience.

Is Duolingo 100% Correct?

While Duolingo provides accurate and reliable translations in most cases, it isn’t 100% perfect. The app uses AI-generated responses, and sometimes certain answers or phrases may vary slightly from real-life usage.
Still, its accuracy is constantly improving thanks to updates, user feedback, and language experts who revise content regularly.

Does Duolingo Use AI?

Yes — Duolingo uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) extensively. The app personalizes lessons based on your mistakes, learning speed, and goals. In 2023, Duolingo introduced GPT-4-powered features for English and Spanish courses, offering smart explanations and conversation practice.
This AI integration allows users to get instant feedback and learn in a more natural, interactive way.

Is It Hard to Get 125 in Duolingo?

Scoring 125 on the Duolingo English Test is considered an intermediate-to-advanced level. It’s not extremely difficult, but it does require consistent practice, especially in speaking and writing sections.
To improve your score, it’s best to combine Duolingo English practice with other resources like grammar review, reading comprehension, and mock interviews.

What Are Duolingo’s Biggest Weaknesses?

Like any app, Duolingo has a few weaknesses:

• Limited focus on speaking and pronunciation

• Repetition without deep grammar explanations

• Over-reliance on translation exercises

• Not ideal for advanced learners

Despite these, Duolingo’s strengths — accessibility, gamification, and daily motivation — make it one of the best free tools for building consistent learning habits.

Final Thoughts

So, can you become fluent with Duolingo? The short answer is — you can get very far, but true fluency requires real-life practice.
Duolingo remains an excellent starting point, especially since it’s completely free, AI-powered, and available on all platforms. Whether you’re studying English, Spanish, or any other language, Duolingo offers a simple, motivating path to lifelong learning.