Why I Built Langlio

When I was learning Dutch, I used some of the most popular language-learning apps. I could recognise vocabulary, complete lessons and maintain an impressive streak. It felt like I was making great progress.

But there was a problem: I still couldn't speak Dutch with any confidence.

During a trip to Amsterdam, I struggled to even order a drink before the waiter switched to English.

I was also taking lessons with a real-life Dutch teacher. At the start of every lesson, she would ask:

"Vertel me over je dag."

"Tell me about your day."

And every time, I'd freeze.

I knew plenty of words. I understood the question. But having to put those words together, in the moment, to talk about my own life was completely different from completing an exercise.

Those lessons made me realise what had been missing from the rest of my learning: real conversation practice.

My lessons gave me the opportunity to actually speak Dutch, but I wanted a way to practice that same skill whenever I needed it. Somewhere I could prepare for a lesson, rehearse an upcoming conversation, make mistakes privately and try again as many times as I wanted.

I didn't want to replace lessons with a teacher. I wanted something that could make the time between them just as valuable.

I needed somewhere to practice the conversations that actually happen in everyday life: talking about my day, introducing myself, making small talk, asking questions, preparing for travel and dealing with real situations.

Most importantly, I wanted to express my own thoughts, not just repeat sentences chosen for me by a textbook or an app.

That's where the idea for Langlio began.

Langlio gives people a private, supportive space to rehearse real conversations before they happen. You can practice the situation you're preparing for, make mistakes without embarrassment and try again until the words start to come more naturally.

And when you know what you want to say but don't yet have the language to say it, Say It lets you start with your own words in English and helps you express them naturally in the language you're learning.