Pimsleur Spanish Review: High-Quality Native Audio but Overuse of English

Pimsleur has been a widely used method for learning Spanish since its introduction in 1963. But how effective is it? To find out, I used Pimsleur to study Spanish for a period of two weeks.

My experience revealed that Pimsleur's audio material is excellent and helpful for those starting out, but the program uses English too frequently, does not focus enough on writing, omits video and real-world media, and is less suitable for learners beyond the intermediate stage.

What Is the Structure of Pimsleur Spanish Lessons?

Pimsleur is a program based on audio that instructs you in Spanish by having you listen and repeat after native speakers. The conversations help you intuitively grasp Spanish grammar and vocabulary.

The course is divided into five levels, with each level consisting of 30 lessons that last about half an hour.

(For our evaluation of the general Pimsleur program applicable to all languages, please see this review):

30-Minute Audio Lessons

Every lesson runs for 30 minutes and begins with a conversation in Spanish. A narrator then breaks down and translates the dialogue line by line, showing you how to comprehend and apply the structures and vocabulary independently.

By the conclusion of the lesson, you are expected to remember the new terms and recall them effortlessly when cued.

A drawback of these lessons is that, aside from the initial dialogue and the emphasis on Spanish words, English is predominantly used. The introductory courses include only a small amount of native Spanish speech.

The “Skills” Feature

A feature I particularly like in Pimsleur is the “Skills” section, accessible to Premium subscribers.

In this area, you can view the skills you will develop in a lesson and simply click or tap each skill to see the associated words and phrases. You can also navigate to the “Skills” part within “Practice” to see all available skills and the number of words you have learned for each.

The “Practice” Feature

Flashcards

The Flashcards section is exactly what it sounds like: digital flashcards. You select which language to display first (English or Spanish), and you receive flashcards containing the main vocabulary from your current lesson.

Every flashcard provides the word's pronunciation by a native speaker.

Quick Match

This activity presents 10 English sentences, and you must select the correct Spanish translation from four options. The sentences come from the lesson's dialogue, and you can listen to each one before making your choice.

Speak Easy

This part is intended to enhance your Spanish pronunciation, rhythm, and accent, though I find it somewhat lacking.

What you actually do is listen to a segment of the lesson's dialogue, divided into sentences, and repeat each one after hearing it. It resembles the shadowing technique, but it only takes a few minutes to finish.

To benefit the most from it, listen very carefully to the audio and try to copy its subtleties as closely as you can.

Speed Round

I suggest using Speed Round only after you have fully understood the entire lesson, as this activity can be intense.

You will see words and phrases moving down your screen and must select their correct translation from the options given.

I am not fond of timed challenges, so this part is my least preferred. Still, I recognize it is a useful way to test yourself and confirm your mastery of the lesson. Since real Spanish conversations require quick thinking, this feature helps you develop that skill.

Bonus Packs

For every five lessons you finish, you receive a free extra set of 30 flashcards to expand your vocabulary further. Each level offers a total of 180 additional words and phrases.

The “Reading” Feature

I was initially confused when I opened the Reading section. The words are not connected to the audio lessons and are not translated. However, after listening to the section's introduction, it started to make more sense.

Level 1 of the course does not involve actual reading. Full sentences are introduced later. Instead, it serves as an introduction to Spanish sounds and basic terms. You will hear individual words and phrases spoken by a native speaker and repeat them, following the English instructions carefully.

The aim is to instruct you on correct Spanish pronunciation, beginning with individual letter sounds, then moving to letter combinations, and finally, phrases and sentences.

Advantages of Using Pimsleur for Spanish

• Grammar is learned naturally through conversational practice
• Emphasis on accent and pronunciation improvement
• Beneficial for building listening comprehension
• Features conversations with native Spanish speakers
• Teaches essential vocabulary commonly used in everyday situations
• Efficient for complete beginners with no previous Spanish experience

Disadvantages of Using Pimsleur for Spanish

• Writing skills are not sufficiently addressed
• Excessive use of English and limited Spanish exposure
• Repeating syllables and individual words repeatedly can become monotonous
• Limited material for upper-intermediate and advanced students

Comparing Pimsleur Spanish to Other Spanish Learning Programs

Every language learning platform has its strengths and weaknesses. Here, I compare Pimsleur Spanish with some other well-known language programs to see how they differ.

Pimsleur vs. Lingflix

Since I felt the absence of video content while using Pimsleur, I want to begin this comparison with Lingflix, a program that centers its teaching around video.

I've frequently heard from friends who are non-native English speakers that they learned English by watching films (along with TV series, online videos, etc.). I've heard this so often that I am convinced of its effectiveness.

Lingflix suits me well because I already enjoy watching movies, TV, music videos, news, and vlogs on YouTube. It seems like an enjoyable and sustainable method for learning and reviewing a language, and it has proven effective for me.

I often spend a lot of time on Lingflix while staying engaged, whereas sometimes 30 minutes with Pimsleur felt lengthy due to its more straightforward style.

Overall, I would select Lingflix here, but I believe Lingflix and Pimsleur could work well together. The combined cost would still be quite reasonable.

Pimsleur vs. Duolingo

I brought up Duolingo in this review because one thing I missed with Pimsleur was the vibrant colors and visual aids, like pictures, that Duolingo provides.

I find Duolingo to be more entertaining and game-like, and its friendly mascot is always motivating you (some might say nagging you). However, for learners who prefer a more serious tone, Pimsleur could be a better match.

Here’s our full review of Duolingo:

https://www.Lingflix.com/blog/reviews/does-duolingo-work-review/

Pimsleur vs. Drops

I thought comparing Pimsleur to Drops would be useful since both are vocabulary apps that use spaced repetition.

Drops is more gamified than Pimsleur and doesn't feel like a complete learning system. It's better used as an additional tool alongside your primary learning method.

Drops restricts each practice session to five minutes, and if you want access to premium content (anything beyond beginner level), the cost is just a bit lower than Pimsleur.

In this comparison, I would choose Pimsleur. You receive vocabulary instruction along with other features for a lower price.

Here’s our full review of Drops:

Pimsleur vs. Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone features striking imagery that makes a significant difference for me.

While Rosetta Stone teaches words and phrases in context, similar to how a native speaker learns their first language, Pimsleur employs more English and provides clear explanations of grammar and translations.

This makes Pimsleur feel more like a program designed for adult learners. You can immerse yourself in the language, but you also receive explanations for linguistic rules, which I appreciate as an adult learner.

Here’s our full review of Rosetta Stone:

Pimsleur vs. SpanishPod101

If you are seeking a comprehensive approach to learning Spanish, SpanishPod101 could be a good choice.

SpanishPod101, which is essentially free (with Premium membership plans starting at $4 per month), also focuses on audio learning but has expanded to include video, giving it an advantage over Pimsleur's audio-only approach.

They also provide access to personal instructors via instant messaging, which is helpful for getting personalized feedback on your progress.

Here’s our full review of SpanishPod101:

What Is the Cost of Pimsleur Spanish?

To ensure Pimsleur is suitable for you, I recommend starting with their seven-day free trial. After the trial, the subscription is $19.95 per month for one Spanish course or $20.95 per month for access to all 51 languages.

An annual subscription for all-language access is also available for $164.95 per year.

Who Is the Ideal User for Pimsleur Spanish?

• I suggest Pimsleur for those beginning their Spanish learning journey or those with only basic knowledge. Levels 4 and 5 can also serve as a refresher for pre-intermediate and intermediate learners.
• The course is clearly aimed at individuals who prefer or learn most effectively through audio. However, remember that the audio is mostly in English, with Spanish used intermittently.
• If you commute or have periods where you can multitask, Pimsleur is a suitable option for you.

Final Conclusion: Is Pimsleur an Effective Way to Learn Spanish?

The brief response is: It varies based on your objectives.

If you aim to learn some Spanish before visiting a Spanish-speaking country or need a fast way to achieve conversational skills, then Pimsleur is an excellent choice.

If, however, you need to master Spanish thoroughly and are looking for a program that develops all four core language skills, you should consider other options or use Pimsleur alongside additional resources.

The heavy reliance on English and the absence of substantial reading and writing practice are important factors to consider before purchasing Pimsleur.

That said, I acknowledge there are diverse learning styles, and I understand this method's popularity stems from its effectiveness for auditory learners.

Therefore, after weighing everything, I can confidently give Pimsleur my approval.