Contos Learn is a free library for people learning a language by reading. It has the first chapters of serialized stories written at CEFR levels A1 to B2, phrase and vocabulary guides, and plain explanations of the research on reading. Every story runs on in the Contos app, where you can tap any word for its meaning.
Choose a language
The method behind it
- Active and passive vocabulary
- Is it harder to learn a language as an adult?
- CEFR levels explained: A1 to C2
- How to choose the right reading level
- What is comprehensible input?
- How to guess words from context
- The Contos reading report
- Finished Duolingo? What to do next
- Exam prep by reading
- Extensive reading: how much should you read in a new language?
- Can you learn a language in 15 minutes a day?
- Frequency lists: learn the words that matter
- What are graded readers, and do they work?
- Can you learn grammar just by reading?
- How to build a daily language habit
- Reading for heritage learners
- How many words do you need to be fluent?
- What does i+1 mean in language learning?
- How to build immersion at home
- How to break the intermediate plateau
- Language learning through reading for families
- Seven language learning myths
- Can you learn two languages at once?
- Why stories help you remember words
- Mnemonics for vocabulary
- How to stay motivated learning a language
- Narrow reading: one topic, many texts
- Input vs output: when should you start speaking?
- Parallel texts: help or crutch?
- What polyglots actually do every day
- Should you read out loud in a new language?
- How fast should you read in a new language?
- Reading or listening first?
- Is rereading the same story useful?
- Sentence mining, explained
- Why cliffhangers keep you reading
- Shadowing: what it is and when it helps
- Spaced repetition: why flashcards work
- Tap-to-translate or a dictionary?
- Vocabulary coverage: why 98% matters
Why learn a language from stories?
Because you can do a lot of it. Research on extensive reading suggests that learners pick up vocabulary by meeting words again and again in text they mostly understand, and that this takes far more reading than a textbook provides. Graded readers make that possible at lower levels by keeping the language to a set level. Stephen Krashen's idea of comprehensible input adds that the text should be interesting enough to keep you reading.
Contos stories are written for that job. Each series is pitched at one level, from A1 to B2, and each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, so there's a reason to open the next one.
What's on Contos Learn?
- Stories. Chapters 1 and 2 of real Contos series, with the key words and comprehension questions. Start with Spanish.
- Phrases and vocabulary. How to say everyday things, with example sentences and word lists.
- The method. What the research on reading to learn a language does and doesn't show.
Frequently asked questions
Which languages does Contos teach?
Seventeen: Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Polish, Turkish, Ukrainian and English. English is for learners whose own language is something else.
Is Contos free?
Chapters 1 and 2 of every series are free, here and in the app. Contos Premium unlocks every chapter, a daily story written for you and unlimited flashcards.
What level do I need to be?
None. Stories start at A1 for complete beginners and go up to B2. You move up a level as the words you know add up: 500 for A2, 1,500 for B1 and 4,000 for B2.
Do I need to download an app?
No. Contos runs in your browser, and there's also an app for iPhone and iPad.