Nemo apps – Learning a language when you don’t have much time
We’re always on the go. If you want to learn a foreign language and feel you don’t have much time, we have you covered: Nemo apps could help!
With the tools we have today, even though you may be very busy, you can still start to learn a language.
In most cases, people don’t have time to learn a language because they’re still not excited about it. Once they are motivated, time is not an issue anymore.

So, if that’s you, then take a look at this app! A couple of words to define it are: nice and simple. However, it only covers the basics. Most other platforms set daily goals, but not this one. You can pick it up at your own pace. Consequently, you don’t need any commitment. The app attracts users to practice daily without the pressure of goals or deadlines.
What are Nemo apps?
Nemo Apps are language learning tools that teach simple phrases and words. They have a spaced repetition system (SRS) to maximize efficiency.
Nemo has launched a whole series of apps. Nemo has launched a whole series of apps. When writing this article, they have 34 apps under their umbrella. One for each one of the 34 languages they support.
You can download these apps for iOS and Android. A free version of any of them is available. So, you can see for yourself if their style is for you. Once you make up your mind, then consider their paid version. Each language has a paid version that you only buy once, and it costs $6.
Do you want to get exposed to the language you’re learning? Then install this app on your device. The process of opening and beginning to use the app’s flashcards is quick. The content gets downloaded onto your device, so you don’t need an Internet connection. And thus, you can practice everywhere.. There will be no need for a spot with WiFi or to consume your data.
Which languages are in the Nemo apps family?
European languages: Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish Gaelic, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish.
Asian languages: Cantonese, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Sinhala, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Middle East languages: Arabic, Hebrew, and Turkish.
Here on our site, we focus on delivering tools for learning Italian. And these apps work similarly for all 34 languages. So, what we mention in this post about Nemo Italian, roughly applies to all the rest.
How do Nemo apps work?
The main feature of the app is the use of flashcards. Their goal is to teach you words and basic phrases following an SRS model.
Once you watch a flashcard, you have the option to consider it “hot” or “cold.” If you would like to review it again soon, you assign it to the “hot” category. Accordingly, when you’ve already mastered it, you label it as “cold.”
You don’t have to tell the system if you got the word or phrase correct or incorrect. You just have to swipe the card up or down, depending on if you want to place it in the “hot” or “cold” category.
Audio content on the flashcards
A pleasant surprise was that the audio content on the Italian Nemo app is of good quality. Therefore, words and phrases are perfectly pronounced by a real human being that also is a native speaker. There are a lot of platforms out there that use machines to produce their audio.
In Nemo Italian, for each flashcard, you also have access to an English translation.
Nemo apps do not demand commitment!
This is a surprising statement. What do we mean by this? Being dedicated to learning a language is a good thing.
However, the app itself enforces no pressure on you to follow a program. Are you looking for the minimum number of cards you have to review daily? That does not exist on this app.
Whenever you have some spare time, you can open the app and do several flashcards. And at any moment, you can put down the app and continue your day. Further on, when you have some more free time, you can go back to the app.
Most programs that use an SRS model have a fixed quantity of flashcards you must review daily. But Nemo apps leave you to decide this.
How far away can you get with Nemo Italian?
The app only deals with the basics. The paid version has 1300 words/phrases. So, you won’t get even to an intermediate level with this app.
Can you introduce new words or phrases into the app?
No, you can’t. The existing deck of cards is all you’ll get.
However, a lot of people would have wanted this to be different. But these apps only have a limited number of flashcards.
This limitation is a surprise for many. When it comes to flashcards, most people are well acquainted with Anki. And Anki does allow you to introduce new words or phrases.
Are Nemo apps similar to Anki?
There are similarities but also differences. First, let us mention some of the main differences.
Differences between Nemo apps and Anki
1. With Nemo Apps, you are not able to add your own words and phrases. And with Anki, you can.
2. Nemo apps have a free version. And they also have a paid version with more content in it. On the other hand, Anki is free (no matter how much content you put into it).
3. With Nemo Apps, there is no need to explicitly say when you got a word correct or incorrect. You swipe up or down if you want the card to come up soon again or not. With Anki, you have to say if you got the word or phrase correct or incorrect.
4. Nemo apps are aesthetically pleasing. Anki has a non-attractive interface. As an insight, we could mention that Nemo apps feel like a well-made Anki deck.
Now, there are also some strong similarities between these programs. Let us go over two of them.
Similarities between Nemo apps and Anki
1. Both Anki and Nemo apps have an SRS model working on the back end.
2. Both Anki and Nemo apps come with audio content.
Are Nemo apps worth giving a try?
We will let you answer that one. But if you are struggling to decide, here is a list of pros and cons. Let us start with the cons.
Nemo app cons
1. Limited content on the app. It won’t take you to an intermediate level in the language.
2. You can’t upload your own words and phrases.
3. Once you finish and master all the content on the app, it doesn’t connect you to another platform. It would be nice to have a sequel that continues forwarding you in the language.
Nemo app pros
1. Slick design, and it works well.
2. You can use it offline.
3. Very simple to pick up and leave when being on the go.
Wrapping up
Some people need the pressure to complete tasks. And Nemo Apps believes the opposite. You will not find daily requirements on their platform. So for those people, this may be a negative point.
This same aspect is a positive point for others. They say they can use the app whenever they have a chance. Hence, these users express their disapproval of apps that have daily requirements. Some even share that the pressure is counterproductive. Rushing through some deck of cards at 11 PM does not leave good results. Therefore, their point is that the original intention of keeping a user engaged is not met. And users end up going through the flashcards mechanically to meet their daily requirements.
Our take is that a certain amount of pressure is good for learning a language. But students that disapprove of this form of pressure argue that the app is appealing. And that they would naturally gravitate towards the app whenever they have a chance. Hence, the pressure is an undesired element.

And you? What do you prefer?
Here is my suggestion. You should give this app a try. The free version is helpful.
And the paid version? That is up to you. But you can base your decision on your experience with Nemo Apps.
When it comes to purchasing a tool for learning a language, I prefer to embark on a long-term journey with the platform. What do I mean? A platform that can take you from a beginner stage to advance (or at least into an intermediate level).
So, purchasing app after app and only gaining a little progress can be exhausting. But the decision is yours.
Are you at a beginner level in Italian and would like to buy a tool that would be useful for a long-lasting period? Please check out this post to read what I would recommend for the long run.
I hope this post has helped you learn about Nemo apps and decide if it’s for you or not. Do you have any questions or suggestions? That comment box below is all yours.
I love this!!!
I was wondering how easy it would be to learn another language on the go.
I took a couple years of Spanish and 1 year of French in high school. That was a long time ago (I wont say how long)! But I would love to refresh what I already know. And once I get into it, even learn more! Is it really this easy?
Hi Nikki,
With a platform like Nemo you could only get your feet in the door for learning a language. It would just get you excited about learning it and no more. You would have to continue learning somewhere else to even reach a basic beginner’s level.
This applies to anybody that wants to learn a language with zero commitment and always on the go.
But I commend the fact that Nemo apps could get you excited about learning and then you decide to put the work in.
Hey there,
I have been researching about how to learn Italian. Nemo surprised me because it seems a good way to get started. I have a lot of work and if I can daily be encouraged to study a bit of Italian, that would be a huge win. I’ll try the free version of Nemo as you suggested. Thanks!
Hey there, Nemo apps can keep you encouraged to study a language. Give the free version a try.
I have always has an interest in learning new languages but inspite of the interest was never able to find time to do so. Learning a new language opens up a whole new world to you. Be it the wealth of literature, music or poetry. You get to know what is the thinking pattern of people if you understand their language. Travelling requires you to know the local language as exploring on your own is the fun of travel. You might not have the convenience of Translators everywhere.
An App is the answer of the day for leaning any foreign language – be it only the basics. You carry your smartphone with you all the time. Learning a new language via an app gives you time anywhere as well as motivation to do so. It is a great idea to pick-up the basics of a foreign language via Nemo App.
Thanks for sharing this great review.
Nemo app can help you get started. It’s not the best app out there but it definitely accomplishes the purpose of setting you on track to daily study the language you want to learn. Thanks for stopping by and for your comment.
Nicely done article on the Nemo app. I bet this app can teach me more than the two years I spent in high school Spanish.
I especially like the app’s flashcard technique and it is also un-timed. Another plus in my book. I’ve used the timed flashcards before and even though I have passed every class i have ever taken with them, I feel that it wasn’t burned into my brain. This way will definitely be burned into my brain. I like the self training of Nemo. Train at your own pace whenever and wherever you are. i love that concept. I also like the download feature of the app so it can be used as a standalone teaching tool.
Thanks for the well written article.
Courtney-
Thank you for your kind comments on this post. I wrote this post about Nemo apps because I believe they have several outstanding features that are worth giving them a try.
This article is so helpful for people that want to learn different languages. And best of all you can learn on the go. I will definitely be using Nemo apps if I need to learn a different language. Thank you for sharing this with everyone that needs to learn a new language.
I think the best aspect of Nemoapps is that it’s mobile friendly.
Wow, great article. I’ve been looking to learn Spanish but don’t have the hours to sit down and to go through more traditional language learning platforms.
Nemo seems like a great way to be able to get the info you need to learn a language while on the go! What a tool! I’m excited to try this beast out.
Hey, yeah, give it a try and share with us your impressions. Thanks for stopping by.
I love this idea as you can have it with you no matter where you are and still do your study. I actually like that it doesn’t set daily tasks as I prefer to tailor my learning to suit my busy life, and I don’t need any more pressure. In this review, you gave us a balanced explanation of Nemo and Anki. Thank you!
You’re welcome. And thank you. Yes, portability is a great feature in these apps.
Italian is my favorite language. Interestingly, you can learn Italian through apps offline. I have tried other apps before, but somehow I tend to give up soon or get bored. And the issue of needing an Internet connection is also a thing!
I will give this one a try and hope it won’t get tired of it.
I hope I may soon be able to say, Io parlo Italiano!
Yes, I think the Italian Nemo app is a good match for you. I hope it works. Please go update me about your impressions of the app.
Nemo app is an excellent resource for practicing languages. I have used it for a couple of European languages and liked it because it was easy to use. I improved my vocabulary inventory on my way home after work every day.
The free version is helpful. I started by trying it.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the app.
I like that with Nemo Apps, you can learn at your own pace. I also like that they have a fully functional free version.
The app seems to be tailor-made for people that live busy lifestyles but have free time for periods during the day.
I have used physical flashcards in the past. I want to try them now in a digital format.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Nemo Apps’ free version is a fine place to start. I wish you the best in learning your new language.
Whether learning with pressure or without it has always been an interesting debate. I would naturally prefer the latter. But it seems a controlled amount of stress in the learning process is helpful! So, Nemo apps would be perfect if it were not for this! Still, Nemo is a good option for the casual learner.
Thank you for your input. And you’re right. A certain amount of pressure benefits students.
I can speak two languages, German and English. And I would love to learn French. So, I would like to use Nemo App to start learning French.
I am a native German speaker and learned English as a second language. I know I can also learn French if I consistently practice it every day.
Yes, consistency is key to learning a language! I wish you all the best in learning French.
I like the idea that you don’t have to set daily goals. It’s nice to pick it up at your own pace.
I see that they support Portuguese! That’s exciting, my daughter-in-law is Portuguese, and I’ve said for many years that I would love to be able to speak to her parents instead of using the cell phone language interpreter.
Does the Portuguese app have audio content as the Italian does?
It’s nice to have a free version so you can see if it might work for me. I will give this a try. I’m excited! Thank you for your article. It was exciting to read.
Hi, Carol! Thanks for your comment. Yes, the Portuguese app has audio content as the Italian does. Check out the free version, and please share with us what you think about it.