8 Fun Language Games that Can Actually Help You Learn a New Language

Mastering a whole new language can sound challenging. But it doesn’t have to be dull. One of the best ways to learn a new language is to make it fun.

By adopting a more creative approach, such as using language apps, listening to podcasts, or exploring language learning games, you’ll feel more engaged and motivated to keep learning.

In this post, we’ll introduce to you several best language learning games that are suitable for learners of all levels. We’ll also explain why learning with games is an effective method and how to best incorporate games in to your learning.

Let’s go!

Can I Learn Languages with Games

If you are still wondering if games can help you learn languages, the answer is definitely yes. Playing games can be a highly effective way to hone your language skills. 

Games make learning fun and engaging, which can motivate you to spend more time practicing the language. They can also reduce the stress often associated with language learning, helping to create a positive learning experience.

Games are fantastic tools to enhance your vocabulary and grammar. You can also play with a group of people to learn together, creating a dynamic and fun learning experience that keeps you engaged and learn effectively.

In the next part, we’ll introduce to you X classical and novel language learning games to help you speed up your learning. No matter you are looking for online or offline games, solo or team games, we’ve got something for you!

X best language learning games that are fun and effective

Hangman

Hangman is a popular word-guessing game among beginner to intermediate language learners. It takes at least 2 people to play this game. First person think up of a word in their target language and then the other try to guess letter by letter. If the word contains the letter, then it’s written in the correct space. If it doesn’t, then the first person will start to draw a hangman. Once the hangman is complete, the game ends.

Hangman is great for revising vocabulary and also practicing pronunciation. It’s perfect for beginners to reinforce their memory pronunciation rules and improve spelling and vocabulary.

Taboo

Taboo is another word-guessing game that is fun to play. To play taboo, one player try to describe a given word without using certain related terms, and the other try to guess what the word is. For example, if the word is “food”, then the player can’t use taboo terms like “food”, “hamburguer”, “potato”.

This game encourages players to describe their thoughts in creative ways. This skill can be especially useful in speaking situations as it challenges learners to paraphrase what they want to say and quickly adapt to different contexts.

Crossword

Crossword is one of the most popular word puzzles. Players solve crosswords by thinking up of words based on given clues and fill them in both across and down grids. Playing crosswords in your target language can improve your vocabulary and spelling. It also needs certain understanding of the target culture if you’re playing more advanced games.

Scrabble

Scrabble is one of the most popular word games in the world. To play scrabble, 2 to 4 players sit together to form words using letter tiles on a game board. Each letter worths some points and players can multiply their points according to the rules.

Although scrabble is mostly played in English, it’s available in 30+ languages (only alphabetic languages though!)

Scrabble is most suitable for practicing vocabulary and spelling, as it encourages players to think of new words and meanings. It can be a bit hard for language starters without much vocab though. It’s best for intermediate to advanced learners to enhance the vocabulary they already know.

Bingo

Bingo is a popular game involving matching numbers on a grid with numbers called out by a host.

To play bingo, first you need to prepare a bingo card with a 5*5 grid of vocabulary, numbers, or any language learning questions. Then a host will reveal the question of a specific grid picked by the player. The player will get a point for the team if they answer it right. The goal of the player is to get 5 in a row (whether horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) and win.

Most often in language classes bingo is used to reinforce vocabulary. But it can be adapted to other types of practice like grammar and spelling. It’s a flexible game that can fit into many learning purposes.

Snowball

Snowball is a speaking game where players take turn to sharing information about themselves or on a given topic, and others build upon it. It gets harder and harder as the amount of information grows larger and larger like a snowball.

This game is usually play by a number of people in a classroom setting. It promotes speaking and participation, as well as helps students to get to know about each other. It’s great for practice speaking, listening, and memory skills.

Describe and Draw

As the name suggests, this game involves one person describing and another drawing. Player 1 describes something in the target language (it could be a simple object or a complex scene), and the other player(s) have to draw it. 

This game encourages careful listening and clear, precise, and descriptive speaking.

Role-Playing

Not exactly a game but role playing and dubbing are also quite popular activities for language learning. By taking on roles and acting out scenes, you can improve speaking, pronunciation, confidence, and overall fluency.

Language learning app LingoDeer

Most of the games mentioned above are for team playing. But if you are learning a new language by yourself and wish to have the same experience of fun and effectiveness, we highly recommend trying LingoDeer.

LingoDeer is a language-learning app that uses a variety of gamified teaching methods. From flashcards to leaderboards, pop quizzes to dubbing, it provides opportunities to practice all four language skills in an engaging and fun way. Try LingoDeer for FREE today!