What’s that pink battery you’re seeing in the app? That’s Energy, a new system designed to help you learn more effectively on Duolingo.
Whether you're new to the app or a longtime learner, Energy is here to support your learning. While Energy is only available to a small number of users right now, we’re excited to share this update and give you a preview of what to expect.
Here’s how it works and why it’s beneficial for your learning.
Why did we switch to Energy?
With our old system, Hearts, each mistake cost 1 heart. This was especially frustrating for beginners, who were still figuring things out and 2X more likely to run out of hearts mid-lesson. That can be really discouraging, especially since mistakes are a natural part of learning!
But we want to create a system that rewards you for getting things right instead of penalizing you for getting something wrong.
We also want to encourage learning habits that prioritize daily practice and consistency over bingeing. It takes a long time to learn a language, so we want to help you stick with it to reach your goals! Both the content and design of our courses are grounded in learning science research, including spaced repetition. These strategies help concepts stick in your memory long-term, so you're ready to use them out in the world.
So how does the battery work?
Think of Energy as your learning battery: It gets tired and decreases over time, and you can build it back up by getting answers right. (And there are a few fun ways to boost your battery, too.)
- Energy increases when you get multiple answers in a row right
- Energy isn’t impacted when you make a mistake – mistakes are necessary for learning!
- Energy full recharges in about a day
Better for building healthy habits
Learning a language (or music, math, or even chess!) isn’t about cramming. It’s about consistency. That’s where Energy shines.
With Energy:
- Learners can make real progress without being penalized for early mistakes
- Daily energy levels help you learn at a steady pace and stay motivated day after day
- Small wins add up, with bonus Energy for things like perfect lessons, adding a friend, and reward chests
You’ll start each day with a full battery and a fresh chance to grow your skills.
More to come, but always free
Our mission is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available. Consistent learning habits are a huge part of that, and Energy is here to help.
We’re so excited to introduce you to Energy! Stay tuned as we find more ways to make Energy more fun and rewarding, including making it easier to earn Energy.