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Editor's picks

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  Rosetta Stone German Level 1-5 Set

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (22 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  I can speak German now

  I've completed the full German course, 1-5 and have had a very good experience with it. English is a Germanic language, which means many of the words underlying English and German are the same or quite similar. Vocabulary should come fairly easily to students and the program gets one to an intermediate level of communication. The audio companion cd discs (20 of them) do a great job of drumming in vocabulary drills or refresh words and concepts learned in earlier lessons. The studio lessons allow for a genuine small classroom experience with teachers who know which words the student is and is not familiar with.There are deficiencies in the Rosetta Stone system. As 100% of the program is in German, one needs to pick up a dictionary to translate properly some of the words in the course. Also if one forgets a word there is no glossary allowing one to go back to the section the word was introduced. The underlying premiss that adults can learn a language like a child has... 5/5 Christopher Barghout (Portland, Or) - See all my reviews, March 11, 2011

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  Caveat Emptor -- Software Not Yet Perfected

  I have the most advanced (and expensive) RosettaStone German package. The concept is good, and when it works, it really works. The problem is the speech-recognition software is not sophisticated enough for its ambitions, and that stops you in your tracks. The headset works. The sound settings are correct. The headset just has a hard time recognizing speech, so it won't let you in. That's that! It's not that the entry test is complicated or foreign. One need only say "1,2,3,4,5" in English in a normal tone of voice to gain entry. Simple enough, especially if one is a native English-speaker like me. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. One spends hours repeating the numbers, checking the voice and sound settings, listening to other recordings to see if the headset and mike are working, booting and re-booting the computer, plugging the headset in and out, uploading and re-uploading RosettaStone. (The headset must be plugged in before uploading RosettaStone). If you call for... 2/5 Don A. Mele "D.A. Mele, Ph.D." (Canaan, New York) - See all my reviews, February 22, 2011

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  Pretty good, except for pronunciation

  I got the Rosetta Stone in German as a refresher for my trip to Austria. I took german for 7 years and already have good pronunciation and this thing tells me I'm saying it wrong constantly. I have even had my boyfriend and others listen to me as I'm saying it and they say I am pronouncing it exactly as Rosetta Stone tells me to but it never accepts it. Then, when I mess up and say it wrong, it accepts it. I have come to the point of totally skipping the pronunciation part. The vocab is good and I have re-learned a lot of what I forgot but I would rather just buy a german book and go through the vocab than mess with this software. Overpriced for the glitches it has. 3/5 Jessica Hartshorn (Fayetteville, AR) - See all my reviews This review is from: Rosetta Stone German Level 1-5 Set (CD-ROM) I got the Rosetta Stone in German as a refresher for my trip to Austria. I took german for 7 years and already have good pronunciation and this thing tells me I'm saying it wrong constantly. I have even had my boyfriend and others listen to me as I'm saying it and they say I am pronouncing it exactly as Rosetta Stone tells me to but it never accepts it. Then, when I mess up and say it wrong, it accepts it. I have come to the point of totally skipping the pronunciation part. The vocab is good and I have re-learned a lot of what I forgot but I would rather just buy a german book and go through the vocab than mess with this software. Overpriced for the glitches it has. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 12, 2011

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  List Price: $499.00
  

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Develop your command of the language--read, write, speak, and understand

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

  Build vocabulary; negotiate complex situations; share ideas and opinions

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  Rosetta Stone German Level 1

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (13 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  I love it, but it has its frustrations.

  I am a native English speaker and I bought the Rosetta Stone German Level 1-5. I am currently learning Level 1 so I see it only fair to review this. The sequential software will come when I have completed each one of them.The hardware was fine and the headset isn't flimsy. It's much better than any headphone or headset I bought for myself, but that doesn't mean it can't break or get glitches. My only (tiny) hardware irk is that all the Audio companions is on a DVD data disc so I had to burn CDs in order to listen to this in my car. (My iPod is barely used and stays at home.)I had no problems installing the software or getting my computer to recognize the headset.To quote myself in another comment:"I own a 64-bit Windows Vista and I have separate speakers and headset apart from the headset. The only issue that I ran into is that when I installed the the Rosetta Stone software, it automatically defaults ALL sounds through the headset. I didn't... 4/5 Cassius Clay Rae (Montana, USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Rosetta Stone German Level 1 (CD-ROM) I am a native English speaker and I bought the Rosetta Stone German Level 1-5. I am currently learning Level 1 so I see it only fair to review this. The sequential software will come when I have completed each one of them.The hardware was fine and the headset isn't flimsy. It's much better than any headphone or headset I bought for myself, but that doesn't mean it can't break or get glitches. My only (tiny) hardware irk is that all the Audio companions is on a DVD data disc so I had to burn CDs in order to listen to this in my car. (My iPod is barely used and stays at home.)I had no problems installing the software or getting my computer to recognize the headset.To quote myself in another comment:"I own a 64-bit Windows Vista and I have separate speakers and headset apart from the headset. The only issue that I ran into is that when I installed the the Rosetta Stone software, it automatically defaults ALL sounds through the headset. I didn't... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 5, 2011

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  Using Rosetta Stone to learn German

  I am very pleased with Rosetta Stone V4 TOTAle German Level One, and the approach that is taken to teaching a foreign language. There is no English used in any of the lessons; it is only the German language associated with pictures, and the reinforcement of my pronunciation through the voice recognition software. It is a non-stressful way to learn a language -- and it's fun!.. 5/5 Susan L. Stamberger - See all my reviews, February 7, 2011

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  Love Rosetta Stone

  I don't know how or why Rosetta Stone works as well as it does, but it is magic. After years of struggling through conventional language programs my son is flying through German and his best friend is zooming through Spanish and both boys are showing real facility with the process and the verbal responses. I have never seen students expressing themselves so quickly or more confidently in a foreign language. Hats off! 5/5 Aurealia Durrance - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Rosetta Stone German Level 1 (CD-ROM) I don't know how or why Rosetta Stone works as well as it does, but it is magic. After years of struggling through conventional language programs my son is flying through German and his best friend is zooming through Spanish and both boys are showing real facility with the process and the verbal responses. I have never seen students expressing themselves so quickly or more confidently in a foreign language. Hats off! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 18, 2010

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  List Price: $179.00
  

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

  Build a foundation of fundamental vocabulary and essential language structure

  Master basic conversational skills; receive immediate and ongoing speech assessments

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  Rosetta Stone German Level 1-2 Set

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (3 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  Must Have

  I highly recommend this product. It really gets you speaking the language quickly. I started this a few weeks before moving to Germany and, after I arrived, I received several compliments on how good my German was for being in the country for a couple of weeks. If I had to do it all over again, I would just purchase Level 1. The reason I say this is that German grammar is pretty difficult and at Level 2 you'll find yourself frustrated trying to figure out why sometimes the book is "auf den tisch" as opposed to "auf dem tisch". Or I'm going "zur Bank" or to "die Bank". Only after a couple of face to face classes I was able to really give something out of Level 2. 5/5 P. Price (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews, November 21, 2011

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  Helpful Comments: Encouragement for those on the fence.

  I'm not going to go into a lengthy breakdown of the Rosetta-Stone software at this point in time, but I do wish to make a few comments, especially geared towards those thinking about buying.To start, I bought the RS-German 1-2 set. I know I probably should have bought 1-5 for the cost savings, but having tried many language tools before, I didn't want to fork out the money for something, only to find it didn't work or I got bored of it and put it down. I figured sets 1 and 2 would be enough to get me started and help me find out whether or not I liked it, without going broke.In short...that plan has worked. I do actually enjoy the software, it's easy to use, works great on my computers, and can be addictive.It is NOT a cakewalk, though (and I don't think RS would disagree with me on that). It's not something you can just stare at for a few hours and then bing, you know German. You do have to engage your brain, focus, and study. That said, however,... 5/5 sh00bie (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Rosetta Stone German Level 1-2 Set (CD-ROM) I'm not going to go into a lengthy breakdown of the Rosetta-Stone software at this point in time, but I do wish to make a few comments, especially geared towards those thinking about buying.To start, I bought the RS-German 1-2 set. I know I probably should have bought 1-5 for the cost savings, but having tried many language tools before, I didn't want to fork out the money for something, only to find it didn't work or I got bored of it and put it down. I figured sets 1 and 2 would be enough to get me started and help me find out whether or not I liked it, without going broke.In short...that plan has worked. I do actually enjoy the software, it's easy to use, works great on my computers, and can be addictive.It is NOT a cakewalk, though (and I don't think RS would disagree with me on that). It's not something you can just stare at for a few hours and then bing, you know German. You do have to engage your brain, focus, and study. That said, however,... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 4, 2012

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  Warning - Do Not Purchase

  I purchased this only to find that it would not install on my brand new Windows 7 HP laptop. So I intalled it on an XP system. However, the activation process would not unlock various levels of the lessons. After working with Rosetta Stone support for countless hour and days, the end result is that the product won't work. I even gave them remote access to my machine, and they are at a loss. Now, I am past my Amason return date and Rosetta Stone will not offer any re-imbursement support. So, save yourself a lot of money and time - look for something else. 1/5 Rosetta Success, December 6, 2011

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  List Price: $299.00
  

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

  Learn fundamental vocabulary and essential language structure; navigate your surroundings

  Build intermediate-level conversational skills; spell and write accurately; speak without a script

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  Rosetta Stone German Level 1-3 Set

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (3.8/5)

  

  Highly recommended for learning a new language

  I attended a private school when I was younger and had 2 years of German language. Later, I switched to a public school and the language receded into my subconscious since I had no one to communicate with.Throughout the years, I made several attempts to re-learn the language and gave up in frustration. I wanted to be able to think in German again, but the teaching methods created a translation process in my mind. Finally, I decided to give Rosetta Stone a try and have completed levels 1 through 3.This program helps build a solid foundation of the language because you are learning through association, not translation. The lessons help you develop both spoken and written language. As I progressed with the lessons, the content made sense and I found the Adaptive Recall sessions to be extremely helpful in retaining what I had learned.I also noticed significant improvement in my comprehension and understanding of the language. And, when exposed to... 5/5 Love Strawberries (Denver, CO United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Rosetta Stone German Level 1-3 Set (CD-ROM) I attended a private school when I was younger and had 2 years of German language. Later, I switched to a public school and the language receded into my subconscious since I had no one to communicate with.Throughout the years, I made several attempts to re-learn the language and gave up in frustration. I wanted to be able to think in German again, but the teaching methods created a translation process in my mind. Finally, I decided to give Rosetta Stone a try and have completed levels 1 through 3.This program helps build a solid foundation of the language because you are learning through association, not translation. The lessons help you develop both spoken and written language. As I progressed with the lessons, the content made sense and I found the Adaptive Recall sessions to be extremely helpful in retaining what I had learned.I also noticed significant improvement in my comprehension and understanding of the language. And, when exposed to... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 23, 2011

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  Pimsleur is Better

  My husband used both Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur and, hands down, Pimsleur is better for conversational purposes. For instance, Pimsleur employs different speakers and encourages you to make up your own responses. Don't believe the hype from the airport kiosks. 3/5 B. F. Fox (Princeton, NJ) - See all my reviews, April 22, 2012

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  German Language Set

  I love the Rosetta Stone system of learning German! The pictures are modern and they are combined with words and phrases in both a written and speaking format. There is also an audio companion to help practice using a CD player or IPOD. There are fun stories and games at all levels so you can practice what you are learning. I am really excited about it and feel I have already learned more with this system than with any other lessons that I tried. I would highly recommend the Rosetta system of learning a new language! 5/5 Carol Geck - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Rosetta Stone German Level 1-3 Set (CD-ROM) I love the Rosetta Stone system of learning German! The pictures are modern and they are combined with words and phrases in both a written and speaking format. There is also an audio companion to help practice using a CD player or IPOD. There are fun stories and games at all levels so you can practice what you are learning. I am really excited about it and feel I have already learned more with this system than with any other lessons that I tried. I would highly recommend the Rosetta system of learning a new language! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 20, 2011

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  List Price: $399.00
  

  Develop language skills to enjoy social interactions; share ideas and opinions

  Build vocabulary; spell and write accurately; speak without a script

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

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  Rosetta Stone Homeschool German Level 1 including Audio Companion

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  List Price: $159.00
  

  Parent Administrative Tools allow you to formulate lesson plans, manage your student's progress and track their success.

  Innovative solutions get them speaking new words, right from the start.

  Audio Companion CDs let them reinforce the Rosetta Stone experience anytime, anywhere.

  Rosetta Stone Homeschool moves forward only when your student is ready--you set the schedule and your student drives the pace.

  Rosetta Stone Homeschool teaches your student a new language naturally, the same way they mastered their first language.

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  Rosetta Stone Homeschool German Level 1-5 Set including Audio Companion

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  For basic language good but a few unexplained quirks

  I installed this and had internet loading issues with the install. Tried 3 times uninstalling/installing before I called the help line. We checked for some "known" software issues and then I was finally directed to a site to download a new installation program, something named TOTALe(TM). That worked and I was on my way loading the levels. Only loaded Levels 1-3 to my PC to start with. Now I start the first module. First several lessons are pretty simple for language but I got several items wrong when I had to guess what the program was looking for. Instructions were not helpful but I had the option of starting over and did that a few times. The quirky thing is at several points in the lessons an error message pops and you go forward to the next lesson. Whether this is based on prior scores or not I can't tell. There's no error message text which makes for a frustrating time. I would have thought that for as long as this company was in business it wouldn't keep error messages secret... 4/5 Liam Malone (meriden, ct) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Rosetta Stone Homeschool German Level 1-5 Set including Audio Companion (CD-ROM) I installed this and had internet loading issues with the install. Tried 3 times uninstalling/installing before I called the help line. We checked for some "known" software issues and then I was finally directed to a site to download a new installation program, something named TOTALe(TM). That worked and I was on my way loading the levels. Only loaded Levels 1-3 to my PC to start with. Now I start the first module. First several lessons are pretty simple for language but I got several items wrong when I had to guess what the program was looking for. Instructions were not helpful but I had the option of starting over and did that a few times. The quirky thing is at several points in the lessons an error message pops and you go forward to the next lesson. Whether this is based on prior scores or not I can't tell. There's no error message text which makes for a frustrating time. I would have thought that for as long as this company was in business it wouldn't keep error messages secret... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 3, 2012

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  List Price: $479.00
  

  Parent Administrative Tools allow you to formulate lesson plans, manage your student?s progress and track success.

  Audio Companion lets you take the Rosetta Stone experience anytime, anywhere

  Rosetta Stone Homeschool moves forward only when your student is ready - you set the schedule and your student drives the pace.

  Rosetta Stone Homeschool teaches your student a new language naturally, the same way they mastered their first language.

  Innovative solutions get you speaking new words, right from the start

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  Rosetta Stone V3: German Level 1,2,3,4,5 Set with Audio Companion---old Version

  Software (rosetta stone german)
  List Price: $399.00
  Price: $349.99
  You Save: $49.01 (12%)

  Storage: 600 MB free hard-drive space (per level)

  Optical drive: 16X CD-ROM Drive (for installation)

  Memory: 512 RAM

  Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor speed

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  Rosetta Stone German Level 2

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  The easiest way to learn German

  Rosetta Stone is the easiest way to learn a language......I know.. the advertising says that.. but it is.. you just learn it naturally without memorization... it is spendy but way more effective than other programs that I have tried 5/5 S. Treseder "videoman" (Salt Lake City) - See all my reviews, February 27, 2011

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  List Price: $179.00
  

  Build on the vocabulary and essential language structure in Level 1; navigate your surroundings

  Learn intermediate-level conversational skills; spell and write accurately; speak without a script

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

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  Rosetta Stone French Level 1-5 Set

  Software (Rosetta Stone)
  

  Rating (63 reviews):

  (3.9/5)

  

  Fantastic program but not without its quirks

  Rosetta Stone Totale FrenchOnce you get the application installed and working, it is a lot of fun. I actually look forward to learning the language. It gives no English interpretation but shows an image with each phrase. They call it Dynamic Immersion. You hear, see, say and even type the phrase. The program goes over learned material and also breaks down pronunciations. It's colorful and not only fun to use but to look at as well.It is a fantastic program but not without its quirks.Problem 1 - license agreement.We rarely read license agreements but I have started to look them over. This is one that I was tempted to decline - too many lawyers got into this one. Stuff like you don't own it, this is a license to use, etc. Because of the license agreement I was hesitant to signup for the online features for fear I am walking into additional charges I will have trouble getting out of. But I did and will definitely update if that happens... 4/5 SMXSteve (Seattle) - See all my reviews, September 6, 2010

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  Be wary before investing in this system!

  Think twice before investing a lot of money in these systems. You can only install it twice, then it shuts you down. My hard drive crashed, then weeks later my computer. I try to put it on my new laptop, and it won't let me. So technically my $600 is then wasted. Great system, huh?I call them up and have spent hours pleading my case. They told me that because I bought it through an amazon vendor, it's a pirated copy. Nowhere on their website or any of their advertising do they caution you about this. I told them they were punishing me for buying something for $600 in good faith. I spent 3 hours talking to different people about this, being dismissed repeatedly. Their customer service is absolutely terrible.In short, be very very wary before you get into the same situation I did. Computers and laptops are never reliable for long. Two strikes, then you have to trust that they'll honor your large cash outlay, and let you continue to use something... 1/5 Holidaybackhome - See all my reviews This review is from: Rosetta Stone French Level 1-5 Set (CD-ROM) Think twice before investing a lot of money in these systems. You can only install it twice, then it shuts you down. My hard drive crashed, then weeks later my computer. I try to put it on my new laptop, and it won't let me. So technically my $600 is then wasted. Great system, huh?I call them up and have spent hours pleading my case. They told me that because I bought it through an amazon vendor, it's a pirated copy. Nowhere on their website or any of their advertising do they caution you about this. I told them they were punishing me for buying something for $600 in good faith. I spent 3 hours talking to different people about this, being dismissed repeatedly. Their customer service is absolutely terrible.In short, be very very wary before you get into the same situation I did. Computers and laptops are never reliable for long. Two strikes, then you have to trust that they'll honor your large cash outlay, and let you continue to use something... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 30, 2010

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  Terrible customer service!

  Don't expect much help when it comes to their helplines. They only allow you to install your very expensive software twice. If your hard drive crashes multiple times, as mine did, you're in trouble. Like another person here, I bought from an amazon vendor and was told it was pirated, so they wouldn't give me a new activation code. Basically, they punish their customers because they want to control their revenue streams -- instead of going after the vendors actively selling Rosetta Stone on this site, they refuse to allow you, the buyer, to use what you've paid for!Beware this unethical company! 1/5 Tim Palmer - See all my reviews This review is from: Rosetta Stone French Level 1-5 Set (CD-ROM) Don't expect much help when it comes to their helplines. They only allow you to install your very expensive software twice. If your hard drive crashes multiple times, as mine did, you're in trouble. Like another person here, I bought from an amazon vendor and was told it was pirated, so they wouldn't give me a new activation code. Basically, they punish their customers because they want to control their revenue streams -- instead of going after the vendors actively selling Rosetta Stone on this site, they refuse to allow you, the buyer, to use what you've paid for!Beware this unethical company! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 31, 2010

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  List Price: $499.00
  

  Interactive language software with proprietary speech-recognition technology

  Audio Companion for CD or MP3 player; learning application for iPhone or iPod Touch device

  Build vocabulary; negotiate complex situations; share ideas and opinions

  Language-enhancing games; live online lessons; includes headset with microphone

  Develop your command of the language--read, write, speak, and understand

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  Rosetta Stone German Level 1-5 Set [Download]

  Digital Software (Rosetta Stone)
  List Price: $499.00
  Price: $449.10
  You Save: $49.90 (10%)

  Rosetta Stone's live online lesson consists of practice sessions led by native speaking tutors.

  The online community provides language enhancing games that move you towards real-world proficiency.

  Rosetta Stone includes three components to help you learn fast with our exciting Dynamic Immersion method

  The award-winning interactive software teaches you to speak, read, write and think in your new language

  Enhance your learning on-the-go with Rosetta Stone mobile apps for the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch device.  Access included with purchase.

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