When you are studying Spanish it’s essential to use all the tools available to you to help you move forward towards fluency.

So here’s a list of resources that every Spanish student should know.

Among this list you will find dictionaries, YouTube channels, blogs, and apps that I consider very helpful for improving your Spanish.

Check them out:

Learn Spanish With YouTube Lessons

1. Butterfly Spanish

ButterFly Spanish is one of the most popular Spanish learning YouTube channels. This vlog is managed by Ana, who is a spanish teacher who is based in the United States, has more than 430k subscribers, and who is very popular amongst her audience.

It has great lessons with common phrases, pronunciation help and vocabulary.

The lessons are designed for intermediate to advanced level learners.

2. Easy Spanish

This interesting channel gives you real conversations and interviews in Spanish with real people, in real places.

Easy Spanish also has different channels dedicated to other languages, but I can personally vouch that the Spanish channel is very good.

All conversations have translations in Spanish and English so you will be learning new vocabulary and improving your listening skills with each episode.

4. Spanish Dude

Spanish Dude is a YouTube channel that started in 2013 and now has 79k subscribers.

Jordan, the person behind this content, creates highly-energetic videos on various topics relating to basic Spanish grammar, which is very useful for Spanish language beginners.



If you are a native speaker of Spanish, you will also find this channel very useful because it explains in detail all the difficult topics that are hard to understand as a student and can serve as a re-introduction to grammar 101.



What you should not trust is his pronunciation as he is focused more on grammar and is less concerned with sounding like a native speaker.

Spanish Dictionaries

3. Dictionary of the RAE

A dictionary is always an important tool when learning a language, and none other is more comprehensive and qualified than this dictionary by the Real Academia Española.

Here you will find all the words that are officially recognized in the Spanish language.

You can also find sections on grammar and spelling. The grammar assistance here is more advanced so higher level students will find it quite helpful.

4. Spanish Dictionary of Mexico

If you’re interested in learning Spanish specific to Mexico this dictionary is everything.

This tool was developed by the Colegio de México, one of the most prestigious schools in the study of language, particularly Spanish.

Its database has collected information since 1921 and contains words that were used then and up through current vernacular in Mexico.

Searching for a word gives you not only a definition but also some examples of its use.

5. Itranslate

This is a newly created tool, and allows you to translate complete conversations. That is, you say a phrase and this app translates it to the language you want to speak in. It also has a dictionary and verb conjugations in more than 90 languages, including Spanish.

A problem with translation tools like these is that the translations are not always entirely accurate. Especially when translating idioms or slang. However, it is a good alternative to google translate.

6. Forvo

There are various tools for pronunciation out there, but this website is particularly interesting. The difference is that with Forvo you can find various accents of Spanish. For example when looking for the word dog you can hear it spoken by male and female speakers from all over the Spanish speaking world.

You can also listen to complete sentences for examples of how the word is used.

Learn Spanish With Apps

7. Memrise

I tested this app for a year to learn English, and I must say I liked it better than Duolingo (one of the most popular applications for language learning). With Memrise there are many more lessons, more information and different exercises for you to practice your language skills.

For example, they offer the option of Spanish lessons in the Spanish of Mexico or Spain.

But the best thing about the application is that it has an extensive vocabulary and the lessons can be practiced as many times as you want.

8. Speechling

I draw a lot of attention to this application because unlike other apps it doesn’t bore you with uninteresting lessons, but instead gets straight to the point. The lessons are structured with real conversations.

How does it work? You listen to conversations in Spanish, record your answers for an advisor that then corrects your pronunciation, the next day they offer advice on how to improve your pronunciation.

There is no better way to learn a language than to speak it from day one and this app allows you to jump right in and practice your conversations and have more confidence when you speak with the help of an expert.

9. Spanish VIP

I recently discovered a site dedicated exclusively to learning Spanish online.

This service is different because you learn with professional teachers from Colombia and Venezuela, who are available every day.

The classes are personalized and designed for any level of Spanish.

10. Pimsleur

I’m surprised at how much I’ve learned at Pimsleur.

I love that it focuses on speaking a language from the very first class. Besides, the phrases I learned are useful in real situations.

The problem I see with the lessons is that they’re a bit boring and It’s expensive for me, but I think it was worth the investment.

Check it out because they have great lessons for people who want to learn Spanish.

Certifications

10. DELE Course

The DELE is a certificate issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, to measure the degree of competence or skills of a Spanish speaker according to the Marco Europeo de Referencia (MCER ) and Manual para Relacionar Exámenes.

DELE certificate covers all levels of MCER: Level A1, Level A2, Level B1, Level B2, level C1, level C2.

In Spain, DELE diplomas are recognized by national, autonomous and local institution, such as: Ministerio de Justicia de España and Ministerio de Sanidad.

This tool is important if you want to prove your progress in Spanish and your studies. That is, with the exam you can officially demonstrate the level of Spanish you currently have.

But where can I take an exam?

Here is a link for you to see all the places where you can take the test.

11. SIELE

This exam also issues certificates based on your level of Spanish. Unlike the DELE you can register for the test online, choose your test day, and in a short time after the test you’ll receive the results.

This exam was created by the UNAM, the University of Buenos Aires, the University of Salamanca and the Instituto Cervantes.

Here you can also find the centers all over the world where you can take the exam.

Books For Learning Spanish

12. Dicho y hecho

BOOK SERIES for teaching and learning Spanish: Dicho y Hecho. Español como lengua extranjera.

*Only available in Mexico City

13. EDELSA BOOKS

The best collection of books to students Spanish as a foreign language. You´ll find interactive books, grammar books, etc.

14. Difusión Books

Difusión is specializing in the publication of books and digital materials for teaching and learning Spanish as a foreign language.

Recommendation

Maybe you can read: 1011 Spanish Cognates – You already know Spanish

What do you think of these Spanish resources for students?

Do not forget to post your comments below, whether you have a question or want to recommend books, podcasts or other resources.