Duolingo, the widely-used language learning platform, will roll out its popular “Explain My Answer” feature to free iOS users starting January 1st. Previously exclusive to Duolingo Max (a $30/month subscription), this tool provides personalized feedback when users make mistakes—or even get questions right —clarifying the underlying grammatical rules and patterns.
Why This Matters
For many language learners, simply knowing the correct answer isn’t enough. Understanding why an answer is right or wrong is crucial for retention and building confidence. Duolingo’s move addresses this directly, making detailed explanations accessible to a far broader audience. This is especially important because language learning often involves exceptions and nuanced rules that rote memorization alone can’t overcome.
How the Feature Works
After submitting an answer in lessons for Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, or Korean, an “Explain My Answer” button will appear on-screen. Tapping it launches a multi-slide explanation breaking down the question’s components, including why a specific rule applies. The platform tailors feedback to the user’s specific error, instead of generic responses.
Expanding Accessibility
While currently limited to iOS and the listed languages, Duolingo plans to extend “Explain My Answer” to Android devices and additional languages in the future. This expansion signals a strategic shift toward democratizing access to more effective learning tools, making language acquisition less frustrating and more intuitive for free users.
Ultimately, this update strengthens Duolingo’s position as a leader in accessible language education. By bridging the gap between premium features and free access, the platform is empowering more people to overcome language barriers with clarity and confidence.
