Linguee

Linguee is an online dictionary and translation search service with an English-German dictionary. Its homepage says users can search 1,000,000,000 translations. Dictionary entries show translations, alternative translations, and example sentences attributed to external sources, along with pronunciations recorded by professional speakers. Linguee is available on the web and through apps for Android, iPhone, and iPad; the apps use the same search interfaces as the website, suggest translations as you type, and can correct search-term typos. The app also offers dictionaries for English, French, German, Portuguese, and other languages, with bidirectional searches for language pairs. Editorial dictionaries can be downloaded for offline use. Private and business use is free, and the service is developed and provided by DeepL SE in Cologne, Germany. DeepL says it does not assume liability for translation accuracy. Its privacy policy describes applicable data protections and says full IP addresses are retained for up to 14 days.

Linguee combines dictionary entries with translation search, examples, audio pronunciations, and offline editorial dictionaries. Check suggested translations against context, since DeepL disclaims responsibility for their accuracy.

Linguee suits readers looking up words, comparing translations, or checking example usage across supported language pairs. Its mobile apps also suit people who want dictionary access offline.

Linguee is a free dictionary and translation-search service from DeepL. It suits language learners and readers who want examples, alternate translations, and pronunciation alongside a lookup. Its context-rich entries are useful for exploration, but suggested translations are not a final authority.

Overview

Linguee centers on an English-German dictionary and a search spanning 1,000,000,000 translations. Dictionary entries show translations, alternatives, and example sentences drawn from external sources. That combination makes it more useful than a bare word-equivalent when a phrase has several possible readings, while the source material and DeepL’s accuracy disclaimer mean users still need to judge whether a suggestion fits their context.

Key features

Examples show how words appear in different situations, and professional-speaker recordings add a way to check pronunciation as well as meaning. The app suggests translations while users type and can correct search-term typos, a practical help for quick lookups when spelling is uncertain. The search interface is shared with the web service.

App dictionaries cover English, French, German, Portuguese, and other languages, with bidirectional searches for language pairs. Editorial dictionaries can be downloaded free and used offline, making the mobile apps useful when connectivity is limited. Linguee is a reference for exploring wording, not a guarantee that a suggested translation is accurate; DeepL expressly disclaims responsibility for that accuracy.

Pricing

Linguee is free for private and business use. The Linguee plan costs nothing, and there is no free trial because access is already free. There are no paid tiers or seat limits to weigh; the trade-off is that DeepL may modify the service at its discretion. That arrangement fits readers who need occasional or recurring dictionary lookups without a subscription, but it offers no paid option to select a different service level.

Platforms

Linguee is available on the web and through apps for Android, iPhone, and iPad. The mobile apps use the same search interfaces as the web service and add downloadable editorial dictionaries for offline use. Readers who mainly need a browser-based lookup can use the web service; those who want offline reference should choose a mobile app.

Who it's for

Linguee is a strong fit for learners, travelers, and readers comparing possible translations or checking pronunciation, especially those who value examples and offline mobile dictionaries. It is less suitable as the sole authority for consequential translation: users must verify that a suggested phrase suits its intended context.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Entries pair alternatives with contextual examples, helping readers assess more than one possible equivalent.
• Pros: Professional-speaker pronunciations and free offline editorial dictionaries support language study and mobile lookups without a connection.
• Pros: Private and business use is free, with web, Android, iPhone, and iPad access.
• Cons: DeepL disclaims responsibility for translation accuracy, so users cannot treat suggestions as verified wording.
• Cons: The main dictionary focus is English-German; users seeking a different language reference may prefer a more specialized alternative.
• Cons: DeepL may modify the free service at its discretion.

Alternatives

Online Dictionaries is a broader directory for readers comparing dictionary services. For an alternative dictionary app, ABBYY Lingvo has a free plan and free trial across Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries suits readers seeking Oxford’s Advanced Learner’s and Advanced American dictionaries, with free online access that also includes a Text Checker and word lists.

For Chinese lookup, Pleco Chinese Dictionary offers a free version with basic search, handwriting, included dictionaries, and limited reader, audio, and flashcard features. MDBG Chinese Dictionary is another Chinese-focused option, with a free online dictionary and learning tools. Cambridge Dictionary is a free online dictionary option with +Plus word lists and quizzes.

dict.cc offers free browser use for private and business purposes. Merriam-Webster Dictionary has a free app with ads, an offline dictionary and thesaurus, and a premium version that removes ads. PONS Dictionary offers an ad-supported online dictionary and a free-to-download translation app with in-app purchases for dictionaries and ad-related features.

Verdict

Choose Linguee if you want a free, flexible reference that combines translation alternatives with examples, audio, and offline mobile dictionaries. Its strongest advantage is the context around a lookup; its main limitation is that DeepL does not guarantee translation accuracy. For high-stakes wording, use it as a starting point and seek a more authoritative check.