6 Tools I’m Using to Learn Italian (What Actually Works)

If you’re new here, I live in Italy and I’ve been learning Italian for a while now on and off.

But over the past few months, I’ve been taking it a lot more seriously, and I wanted to share the tools that have actually been helping me.

Because if you’re anything like me, you don’t want to waste time doing random things that don’t really work.

I’ve been learning Italian for years… but not consistently.

And I think that’s part of the problem.

Recently, I decided to focus properly, and instead of just doing random bits here and there, I started using tools that actually give structure and make sense.

So here are the ones that have been working for me.

This has probably been the most important tool for me.

Before, I was self-studying but I wasn’t following any real structure.

This book changed that.

It:

• teaches you verb conjugation
• explains prepositions
• helps everything actually click

And the best part is it’s simple.

It doesn’t overcomplicate things, which is exactly what I needed.

Sometimes we skip the basics, but I realised I needed to go back and build a proper foundation.

This is a language exchange app, and it’s free.

The idea is simple:

• you speak English
• someone else wants to learn English
• they help you with Italian

What I love most about this app is the writing.

Before, I never practiced writing in Italian but now I do, and it’s made a big difference.

It helps you:

• understand grammar
• build sentences
• remember things long-term

Honestly, I wish I started this earlier.

This is one of the easiest ways to stay consistent.

I watch Italian series depending on my mood:

• sometimes with English subtitles
• sometimes with Italian
• sometimes no subtitles at all

And I don’t force it.

That’s important.

If I’m tired, I keep it simple.
If I’m focused, I challenge myself more.

It’s about consistency, not perfection.

This one is really useful for vocabulary.

Instead of just memorising words, it shows you:
 how to use them in sentences

And that makes a big difference.

Because knowing a word is one thing…
 knowing how to use it is something else

I read the sentences, then try to create my own.

This has been a big shift for me.

Before, I would keep things very basic:
 “ciao, grazie…” and that’s it

Now, I actually try to:

• ask questions
• extend conversations
• stay in Italian longer

Even with people around me, like my boyfriend, I ask:
“what does that mean?”
“why did you say it like that?”

It might feel uncomfortable at first, but it really helps.

I’ve been using courses from Udemy, and they’ve been really helpful.

What I like is:

• the pace
• the clear explanations
• the structure

And a tip:
 wait for discounts

You can usually get courses for €10–€12 instead of paying full price.

This is something I’ve learned about myself.

If I don’t set deadlines… I don’t finish things.

So now I do this:

• finish a book in 1 month
• complete a course in 1 month
• watch a series within a set time

It keeps me focused and stops me from dragging things out for months (or years).

If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to learn, check this out:
How Long Does It Take to Learn Italian? (Honest Answer)

How I Use Netflix to Learn Italian (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

3 Italian Netflix Series to Learn Italian (Fun & Easy for Beginners)

10 Language Learning Tips That Actually Work (From Living in Italy)

I’m still learning Italian.

It’s still a work in progress.

But these tools have made the process feel:

• more structured
• more realistic
• and honestly… more enjoyable

You don’t need to use everything.

Just find what works for you and stay consistent.