Pretzel is the best app for 1-on-1 foreign language conversation practice with native speakers.
Once you’ve mastered some basic grammar and vocabulary from some other apps, books, or classes, come to Pretzel to apply what you’ve learned.
We operate on a pay-it-forward premise: when you become a member of the Pretzel community, you get help with language(s) you wish to practice and also give help to those who want to learn the language(s) you speak fluently.
Because finding a perfect reciprocal exchange can be nearly impossible, each connection you get is focused solely on ONE language — so you’ll be clearly assigned as the helper or learner.
All conversations in Pretzel are done through video because nonverbal cues help with comprehension. There are two ways to communicate with your connections:
Video Messaging — send videos in a turn-by-turn manner so you can watch and reply to messages whenever it fits your schedule. It’s great because you can rewatch anything you didn’t understand or re-record a message if you mess up. This feature also allows you to connect to people in any time zone at any time.
Video Chats — do live video calls with people you’ve already exchanged a few messages with so you can have a more fluid discussion. These video calls can be initiated by turning your status to “online” and tapping on the photo of any of your connections who are online at the same time.
Pretzel is free to download and free to:
- Send and receive unlimited video messages.
- Browse everyone, everywhere.
- Make unlimited connections all over the world.
- Add multiple expert or practice languages.
ONLY MESSAGE WITH PEOPLE OF YOUR CHOOSING
In Pretzel, a conversation begins if and only if both parties want to connect. Indicate who you want to talk with by simply swiping right on the photo when browsing. When you connect, we reveal who is helping whom.
CONVERSATIONS GET GOING AUTOMATICALLY
There’s never any confusion about who should initiate. Each conversation in Pretzel begins with the native speaker’s pre-recorded video greeting.
Anyone can use Pretzel, but you can especially benefit if…
…you just moved to a new city and want to meet new people who speak your language(s)
…you are currently enrolled in language courses or using language-learning apps and software, but don’t have the confidence to actually speak the language
...you previously studied a foreign language, but don’t have enough opportunity to strengthen or maintain those skills
...you like meeting new people for networking, for friendship, or just for fun.
Please note, the following permissions are required to use Pretzel: Camera, Microphone.
Sign up for Pretzel is currently enabled through your Facebook or LinkedIn accounts or Apple Sign In.