Founder & Language Editor

Lena Fischer

Lena has learned three languages the hard way and one the smart way. She founded Citiago to share methods that work for busy adults, not just students.

Articles

9 articles by Lena

A person holding a smartphone with a learning app open on the screen.

Methods 5 min read

Are Language Learning Apps Enough?

An honest look at whether apps like Duolingo can take you to fluency, what they do well, where they quietly fall short, and how to use them as one tool among several.

Lena Fischer

Two people talking over coffee at a small table by a window.

Speaking 5 min read

How to Find a Language Exchange Partner

A practical guide to finding a language exchange partner who actually sticks around, where to look, how to reach out, and how to run a session that works for both.

Lena Fischer

A student reading a book at a desk covered with notes and study materials.

Start Here 5 min read

Common Beginner Mistakes in Language Learning

The beginner mistakes that quietly stall language learners — from app-hopping to fear of speaking — and simple fixes to keep your early progress on track.

Lena Fischer

A person writing by hand in a notebook beside a cup of coffee.

Vocabulary 6 min read

How to Keep a Vocabulary Notebook

A practical system for a vocabulary notebook that you'll actually use — what to write down, what to skip, how to organize it, and how to turn it into real review.

Lena Fischer

A pair of over-ear headphones resting on a wooden surface near a window.

Methods 5 min read

How to Immerse Yourself Without Going Abroad

You don't need a plane ticket to immerse in a language. Practical ways to fill your day with real input at home, from media and menus to reshaping the phone in your pocket.

Lena Fischer

A person wearing headphones and listening closely with eyes half closed.

Speaking 6 min read

How to Understand Fast Native Speech

Native speakers sound impossibly fast? Learn why real speech blurs together and the practical listening habits that help you catch and understand more of it.

Lena Fischer

Vocabulary 6 min read

Which Words to Learn First

How to choose the vocabulary that actually matters as a beginner — why a small set of common words carries most conversations, and how to pick yours without a textbook.

Lena Fischer

A world map spread on a table with a notebook, pen, and coffee cup.

Start Here 5 min read

How to Choose Which Language to Learn

Torn between languages? A practical way to choose which one to learn, weighing motivation, difficulty, usefulness, and the resources you'll actually rely on.

Lena Fischer

A pair of hands writing notes in an open notebook beside a cup of coffee.

Start Here 6 min read

How to Start Learning a Language

A calm, practical guide to starting a new language: how to take your first steps, build a routine you keep, and make real progress without burning out early.

Lena Fischer

9 articles by Lena

The Window Seat