Learn Italian, the slow way.
Honest guides for English speakers: how to learn, which apps and books are worth it, and plenty of free Italian to read at your level.
The best way to learn Italian: a realistic plan that works
What actually works for English speakers: lots of Italian you can understand, a little every day, reviewing words before you forget them, and speaking early. With a plan for each level from A1 to C1.
The best apps to learn Italian in 2026, and what each one is for
An honest guide to Italian learning apps: Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu, Pimsleur, italki, Anki, LingQ and Verso. What each does well, what it misses, and how to combine them.
The best books to learn Italian, from your first textbook to your first novel
The Italian books worth your time at each level: a coursebook, a grammar you'll actually use, graded readers, and the first real novels to try, from Rodari and Calvino to Ginzburg and Ferrante.
Free stories to read now
Bilingual Italian stories and podcasts from A1 up. Tap any word for its translation. No account needed.
A1 · Story · 3 minLa colazione al barBreakfast at the barRead free →
A1 · Story · 3 minUna mattina in bibliotecaA morning at the libraryRead free →
A2 · Story · 4 minUn weekend a FirenzeA weekend in FlorenceRead free →
A2 · Podcast · 5 minLa pizza di NapoliThe pizza of NaplesListen free →
B1 · Story · 5 minCaravaggio e la luce che tagliaCaravaggio and the cutting lightRead free →
B1 · Story · 5 minIl cinema neorealistaNeorealist cinemaRead free →