What is DER DIE DAS?

DER DIE DAS is an app that teaches German noun genders — der (masculine), die (feminine), das (neuter) — using spaced-repetition flashcards, eight standalone practice games, and real-time 1v1 duels. Reviews are scheduled by the FSRS algorithm, vocabulary spans telc levels A1.1 through B2, and the interface is available in 17 languages.

How it works

- Pick a word source: the built-in ~3,000-word frequency list, a telc exam level (A1.1 through B2), or a category filter such as work, sports, health, or body parts.

- Review the words due today. Each card can be read, listened to, or spoken aloud, depending on which card types are enabled in Settings.

- Grade each answer Again or Good. The FSRS algorithm updates that word's memory state and schedules its next review accordingly.

- Reinforce weak spots in one of eight solo games, or replay today's mistakes with the one-tap "Wrong today" shortcut.

- Challenge a friend or a bot to a real-time duel to test recall under time pressure.

- Track progress on the Progress screen: streaks, a collection view of words learned, and session-complete celebrations.

The learning core

- FSRS spaced repetition

- Every learned noun carries a full algorithmic memory state — stability, difficulty, and a scheduled review interval. Grading is binary (Again / Good) and resolves instantly into the next due date.

- Three card types per word

- Read, listen, and speak, each independently switchable in Settings — for example, a learner can turn off speaking practice without losing read/listen review.

- Word sources

- The original ~3,000-word frequency list, seven telc exam-level vocabulary sets (A1.1 through B2), or category filters (work, sports, health, body parts, and more) layered on top of the telc data.

- Custom words

- Add your own noun via AI lookup or a manual form, one at a time or as a batch list. Custom words are always queued first and carry their own locally stored audio.

- Mnemonics

- Attach a free-text memory aid to any word, stored independently of its review state.

- 17 translation languages

- English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Greek, Italian, Pashto, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese.

Frequently asked questions

What do der, die, and das mean in German?

Der, die, and das are the three grammatical-gender articles in German — masculine, feminine, and neuter — roughly equivalent to "the" in English. Every German noun has a fixed gender that determines which article it takes, and that gender usually cannot be predicted from the word's meaning alone, which is why German learners memorize the article together with the noun.

How does spaced repetition help with German articles?

Spaced repetition schedules a review right before you're likely to forget a word, rather than at a fixed daily interval. DER DIE DAS uses the FSRS algorithm to track each noun's individual memory strength and space out reviews accordingly, which concentrates practice time on the words you actually struggle with.

Is DER DIE DAS free?

Yes. The core app — spaced-repetition review, all eight solo games, and duels — is free to use. An optional Pro subscription unlocks additional telc exam levels and removes ads.

What proficiency levels does DER DIE DAS cover?

Vocabulary is organized by telc exam level, from A1.1 through B2, in addition to a general-purpose frequency list and topic categories like work, sports, health, and body parts.

Can I add my own vocabulary?

Yes. Custom words can be added one at a time or as a batch list, either via AI lookup or a manual entry form. Custom words are queued for review before other due cards.

What is Duell (duel) mode?

Duell is a real-time 1v1 mode where two players compete head-to-head in a timed round across one of four game modes. Matches use server-side timing to keep the contest fair regardless of each player's connection speed, and results feed into a rating, leaderboard, and match history.

What languages is the app available in?

The interface and word translations are available in 17 languages: English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Greek, Italian, Pashto, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese.

What platforms is DER DIE DAS available on?

DER DIE DAS runs on iOS, Android, and the web from a single codebase.