Switchboard is the Constructing Language desktop app for macOS. It takes you from your very first words to real conversations in Chinese, Japanese, or German with guided lessons, smart review, audio, speaking practice, and quick games.

Which devices does Switchboard run on?

Switchboard is a desktop app for macOS, built for Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and later) on macOS 11 or later.

How much does Switchboard cost?

Switchboard is a one-time purchase of $39 with lifetime access and free updates. There are no subscriptions. After checkout you get a private, single-use download link to the macOS installer.

Does it work offline?

Yes. The lessons live in the app and your progress is saved on your Mac, so you can keep learning with no internet connection and no account.

Switchboard for macOS — Learn Chinese, Japanese & German on Your Mac

Switchboard for macOS home screen showing course progress and the daily lesson

Switchboard is the Constructing Language desktop app for macOS that takes you from your very first words to real conversations in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, or German. Open it for a few minutes a day to work through a guided lesson, review what you have learned, listen, practice speaking with pronunciation feedback, and play quick games. It works fully offline, saves your progress on your Mac, and needs no account to learn.

Platform: macOS desktop app, built for Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and later) on macOS 11 or later.

Languages: Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and German.

Price: $39 one-time purchase with lifetime access and free updates. No subscription. After checkout you receive a private, single-use download link to the macOS installer.

How to learn with Switchboard each day

Choose your language and set a small daily goal.
Work through today's guided lesson and its exercises.
Listen to the audio for each item, then say it out loud.
Run your smart spaced-repetition review in the Practice tab.
Lock it in with a quick game.
Practice speaking aloud and use the pronunciation feedback.
Check your progress and keep your streak going.

Switchboard and the Constructing Language courses

Switchboard brings the same Construction Method to your Mac for daily practice. The full structured courses go deeper, with 100-plus lessons, hours of audio, and course books, while the app is the bite-sized daily companion. Many learners use both.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Switchboard?: Switchboard is the Constructing Language desktop app for macOS. It takes you from your very first words to real conversations in Chinese, Japanese, or German with guided lessons, smart review, audio, speaking practice, and quick games.
Which devices does Switchboard run on?: Switchboard is a desktop app for macOS, built for Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and later) on macOS 11 or later.
How much does Switchboard cost?: Switchboard is a one-time purchase of $39 with lifetime access and free updates. There are no subscriptions. After checkout you get a private, single-use download link to the macOS installer.
Does it work offline?: Yes. The lessons live in the app and your progress is saved on your Mac, so you can keep learning with no internet connection and no account.

Get Switchboard for macOS — $39