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Original poster

Duolingo is trying to queer us again.

113 replies

PollyHutchen · 24/08/2025 13:35

Not content with describing JK Rowling as 'gemein' mean, Duoling's German course is busy normalising BDSM/kink to users of all ages. Here - image attached - we learn that single Dad Eddy has a leather suit and a whip in the cupboard. Duolingo encourages users to sign up via its family plan. But I wouldn't really fancy explaining this one to younger members of my own family.

Duolingo is trying to queer us again.
OP posts:
AnSolas · 24/08/2025 18:00

PlanetJanette · 24/08/2025 17:55

That’s not a response to my post. Something can be inappropriate without being specific to queer people.

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What is your definition of "queer people" and how is it relevant to the subject matter "to queer" either you or someone else?

PlanetJanette · 24/08/2025 18:00

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

No. Thats a lie. I haven’t defended this. I am asking people to stop lying by claiming, with zero evidence, that this has anything to do with queering Duolingo.

Or do you think minority groups should just shut up and accept being lied about?

PlanetJanette · 24/08/2025 17:56

Hoardasurass · 24/08/2025 17:54

Umm you know that kinks are not appropriate for children and my sons school uses it.
Why are you minimizing exposing children to inappropriate fetish material just because some straight people do it?

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It’s not minimising anything to ask the OP not to claim with zero basis that this has anything to do with ‘queering’ Duolingo.

PlanetJanette · 24/08/2025 17:55

AnSolas · 24/08/2025 15:06

Errrrr....

The idea some employee decided that it is ok to design a language app option where a child would become involved it their parents sexual activities.....

That is an employee kink best solved by removing the employees access rights.

Otherwise a "Q" employee is upselling the P

Show quote history

That’s not a response to my post. Something can be inappropriate without being specific to queer people.

Hoardasurass · 24/08/2025 17:54

PlanetJanette · 24/08/2025 14:00

Umm you know that (some) straight folk also have leather and BDSM kinks?

What specifically is queer about this?

Umm you know that kinks are not appropriate for children and my sons school uses it.
Why are you minimizing exposing children to inappropriate fetish material just because some straight people do it?

AnSolas · 24/08/2025 17:47

BeltaLodaLife · 24/08/2025 17:32

I don’t work for Duolingo nor do I work for an AI developer. I don’t know.

I do pay attention to the news and the Duolingo AI scandal, which included a bunch of people losing their jobs.

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Sorry.
that was more a rhetorical statement rather than "blaming" you.
The company appear to be making poor choices to save on professional content.

Daleksatemyshed · 24/08/2025 17:44

I so need a t shirt with For fuck's sake on the front, everyday I read another reason why I need one. Maybe I could have it in German on the back

BeltaLodaLife · 24/08/2025 17:32

AnSolas · 24/08/2025 17:25

Where and how is the AI "learning" ans why has the developers not written code to stop pickup lines and other adult conversations being regurgitated without prompting.

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I don’t work for Duolingo nor do I work for an AI developer. I don’t know.

I do pay attention to the news and the Duolingo AI scandal, which included a bunch of people losing their jobs.

AnSolas · 24/08/2025 17:25

BeltaLodaLife · 24/08/2025 16:20

Duolingo has moved towards and AI model. They are using AI to create their lesson content. That’s why this is happening.

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Where and how is the AI "learning" ans why has the developers not written code to stop pickup lines and other adult conversations being regurgitated without prompting.

RedNine · 24/08/2025 17:02

AnSolas · 24/08/2025 16:08

Did you actually intend to post saying you wanted to learn German so that you could hold a conversation with german ( native ) speaking children about your sex life?

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That poster has never encountered anything as ''fun''. Vom.

Helleofabore · 24/08/2025 16:55

Ereshkigalangcleg · 24/08/2025 16:04

Queer theory, ie smashing boundaries. Aren’t you familiar with the term “queering”? It doesn’t always mean “make homosexual or bisexual”.

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There is no way to excuse this, in my opinion. Only those with non existent boundaries would excuse dialogue involving a child and parent in this way. It is a massive safeguarding red flag.

🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

BeltaLodaLife · 24/08/2025 16:20

ladybirdsanchez · 24/08/2025 13:46

Duolingo is having some serious issues with whoever is writing content for it's German language section.

Duolingo has moved towards and AI model. They are using AI to create their lesson content. That’s why this is happening.

Whatisthisdamnednonsense · 24/08/2025 16:20

Omfg but I always thought this app was crapp with random bits of vocab shoved here and there.

soupyspoon · 24/08/2025 16:17

Ereshkigalangcleg · 24/08/2025 16:04

Queer theory, ie smashing boundaries. Aren’t you familiar with the term “queering”? It doesn’t always mean “make homosexual or bisexual”.

Show quote history

Yes this, Im surprised someone has to ask this. Its not about gay or straight anymore, its about being your true self. Whatever that is.

AnSolas · 24/08/2025 16:08

whirlyhead · 24/08/2025 14:14

I’ve only used Duolingo to learn Spanish and never encountered anything as fun as this. I might have to take up German…

Did you actually intend to post saying you wanted to learn German so that you could hold a conversation with german ( native ) speaking children about your sex life?

Ereshkigalangcleg · 24/08/2025 16:04

PlanetJanette · 24/08/2025 14:00

Umm you know that (some) straight folk also have leather and BDSM kinks?

What specifically is queer about this?

Queer theory, ie smashing boundaries. Aren’t you familiar with the term “queering”? It doesn’t always mean “make homosexual or bisexual”.

Ereshkigalangcleg · 24/08/2025 16:02

whirlyhead · 24/08/2025 14:14

I’ve only used Duolingo to learn Spanish and never encountered anything as fun as this. I might have to take up German…

It’s on the Spanish course as well. I guess it depends on your level.

Ereshkigalangcleg · 24/08/2025 16:00

BatshitIsTheOnlyExplanation · 24/08/2025 13:47

I had exactly the same story in DuoLingo French.

Me too and I think someone posted it in Spanish on the other thread a few days ago. They tend to reuse the stories across different languages.

Jaws2025 · 24/08/2025 16:00

Primary children use Duolingo, in school

Jaws2025 · 24/08/2025 15:59

That's it's involving a "child" character is even worse

AnSolas · 24/08/2025 15:58

plantcomplex · 24/08/2025 15:33

Duolingo content is being created by AI not humans now.

I've seen this same story being posted from the Spanish Duolingo too.

Then somebody needs to teach it not to involve children in anything to do with sex acts

soupyspoon · 24/08/2025 15:57

This is very disappointing, the courses dont need to reference someones supposed sex life whether gay or straight.

Im just thinking about starting the Spanish againa nd now this has given me cause for thought. Is there any way of flagging this and getting it removed?

TheNightingalesStarling · 24/08/2025 15:53

Children and teens use duolingo. Its encouraged by DDs Spanish teacher. (They have a competition going, the daily practice helps even if the content doesn't match their school work).

So no, nothing sexual is appropriate.

A female character referencing a wife or similar is of course completely fine.

PractisingMyTelekenipsis · 24/08/2025 15:49

I've been doing German on duolingo for about 2 years and not come across this! Thankfully.

Queen0fTheNorth · 24/08/2025 15:45

That's given me the shove I needed to delete the Duolingo app.