Duolingo’s colorful interface is filled with icons and symbols that can be confusing for new users. This guide will help you understand what each icon means so you can navigate the app more effectively and get the most out of your language learning experience.
Home Screen Icons
The home screen is where you’ll spend most of your time in Duolingo. Here’s what the main icons represent:
Course Selection
In the top-left corner, you’ll see a flag icon representing your current language course. Tap this to switch between different languages you’re learning.
Streak Counter
The flame icon shows your “streak” - how many consecutive days you’ve completed a lesson. Maintaining a long streak can be highly motivating.
Gems
The blue hexagon icon displays your gem count. Gems are Duolingo’s in-app currency, used to purchase power-ups and other bonuses.
Hearts
Heart icons represent your “lives” in lessons. You lose a heart for each mistake, and running out of hearts ends the lesson early.
XP Bar
At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a bar showing your daily XP (experience points) progress. XP is earned by completing lessons and other activities.
Lesson Icons
When you’re in a lesson, you’ll encounter several important icons:
Skip
A forward arrow allows you to skip a question if you’re stuck. Use this sparingly, as it doesn’t help your learning.
Report
A flag icon lets you report issues with questions or translations. This helps Duolingo improve their content.
Tips
A lightbulb icon provides grammar tips and explanations for the current lesson. Always check these before starting a new skill.
Sound
A speaker icon plays audio for pronunciation practice. Tap this whenever available to improve your listening skills.
Profile and Progress Icons
Your profile screen contains icons that show your overall progress:
Crowns
Crown icons represent your level in each skill. More crowns mean you’ve completed more difficult versions of the lessons.
Achievements
Trophy icons show special accomplishments, like reaching a 30-day streak or completing a skill tree.
League
A podium icon indicates your current league placement. Duolingo uses leagues to encourage friendly competition among learners.
Friends
A people icon lets you add friends and see their progress. This can be a great motivator for consistent practice.
Duolingo Plus Icons
If you’re a Duolingo Plus (premium) subscriber, you’ll see additional icons:
Unlimited Hearts
An infinity symbol replaces the heart counter, allowing unlimited mistakes in lessons.
Streak Freeze
A snowflake icon indicates you have a “streak freeze” available, which maintains your streak even if you miss a day.
Legendary Level
A purple crown icon represents the highest level achievable for a skill, unlocked through challenging tests.
Status Icons
Status icons appear next to your name in leaderboards and allow you to express yourself:
- Cool Duo: A relaxed owl, showing you’re feeling good about your progress.
- Angry Duo: A frustrated owl, perhaps when you’re struggling with a difficult lesson.
- Party Popper: Celebrating an achievement or milestone.
- Fire: Indicating you’re on a hot streak or feeling particularly motivated.
- Eyes: Watching the leaderboard closely, often used when competition is fierce.
- Trophy: Showing off a recent win or accomplishment.
To set your status icon:
Step 1: Go to the Leaderboard section.
Step 2: Tap on your profile picture.
Step 3: Select the “Set Status” option.
Step 4: Choose your desired icon from the available options.
Some status icons may require gems to unlock, while others are available for free.
Understanding Duolingo’s icons and symbols helps you navigate the app more efficiently and track your progress effectively. As you continue your language learning journey, you’ll become more familiar with these visual cues, making your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Keep practicing, and don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way!