Image Credit: Disney
Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Photo via Duolingo

All Duolingo leagues, explained

You're going to need cunning and commitment to get to the top.

Ready to level up your language learning game? Duolingo‘s league system might be the motivational boost you need. Duolingo leagues are weekly competitions that pit you against 29 other learners, creating a fun and engaging way to practice your target language.

Recommended Videos

As you complete lessons and earn experience points (XP), you’ll climb the ranks on your leaderboard. The beauty of this system is that you’re not stuck with the same group forever. Each week brings a fresh batch of competitors so it’s perfect for anyone who craves novelty.

There are ten tiers to conquer, each more challenging than the last. You’ll start in the Bronze League, the entry-level playground for newcomers. From there, it’s a climb through Silver, Gold, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst, Pearl, and Obsidian, before reaching the coveted Diamond League at the top. Advancing through the leagues isn’t just about bragging rights. The competitive aspect serves as a powerful motivator, encouraging regular practice and fueling your determination to improve. Plus, it’s a great way to benchmark your progress against other learners.

Each league runs from Sunday to Sunday, with a countdown timer showing when the current round will end. At the week’s close, top performers get promoted to the next tier, while those at the bottom might face demotion. The number of users moving up or down varies by league – for instance, in Bronze, the top 20 advance, while in Silver, only the top 15 make the cut.

How do Duolingo leagues work?

LeagueTierDifficultyKey Features
Bronze1EasiestEntry level, top 20 promoted
Silver2EasySlightly more challenging, top 15 promoted
Gold3MediumIncreased difficulty, more consistent practice
Sapphire4Medium-HardFiercer competition, dedicated effort required
Ruby5HardFor highly skilled learners, shows commitment
Emerald6HarderVery competitive, users typically very active
Amethyst7Very HardSubstantial daily practice needed
Pearl8IntenseExtremely competitive, most active users
Obsidian9Very IntenseSecond highest, top performers only
Diamond10EliteHighest tier, most competitive, elite learners
Duolingo Leagues Chart

For the crème de la crème of Duolingo users, reaching the Diamond League is just the beginning. The top 10 performers in this elite tier can qualify for the Diamond Tournament, a three-phase competition including Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals. It’s not a weekly event, so keep an eye out for notifications if you’re gunning for the elusive top spot.

If you’re looking to climb the ranks, here are some pro tips:

  • Plan your learning routine strategically, understanding when and how to earn points.
  • Consider waiting for the right moment to join a league – this can increase your chances of being grouped with more casual learners.
  • Consistency is key, so make it a point to complete lessons and challenges regularly.
@preacherlawson

How I feel when i finish top in @Duolingo

♬ original sound – PreacherLawson

For those who prefer a less competitive experience, you have options. You can disable leaderboard-related notifications in your settings. If you want to opt-out of leagues entirely, simply make your profile private in your privacy settings. Keep in mind that this will also disable the friends feature. It’s worth noting that leagues aren’t available for everyone. If you’re under 13 or using Duolingo in a classroom setting, you won’t have access to this feature due to privacy considerations.

Essentially, the league system is meant to add the social aspect to language learning that’s often missing or inadequate in these types of apps, allowing you to interact with others, compete, and even learn from fellow language enthusiasts. It also creates a sense of community and connection that can make the learning process more enjoyable. As much as people like to take digs at Duolingo, you have to admit that leagues offer a unique way to stay motivated and track your progress. It’s worth a shot. Happy learning, and may the best linguist win!


We Got This Covered is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Melissa Brown
Melissa Brown
Freelance Writer at We Got This Covered (WGTC) | 2 Years in the Industry Putting my linguistics degree to good use, I chronicle the debaucherous world of reality TV, championing the uncultured masses. I also like dabbling in weird facts, indie movies, and the odd political commentary. I'm here to inform and entertain. Fun Fact: In my spare time, I like to pine for my rapidly fading youth by watching 80s and 90s reruns while baking cookies. 🩷