1. Who we are
German with Levels (“the app”, “we”, “us”) is a mobile app for learning German. This policy explains what data we collect, why, and the choices you have. If you have any questions, contact us at [email protected].
2. Information we collect
Account information. You can use the app without signing up. On first launch we create an anonymous profile so your progress can be saved. If you choose to create or link an account, we collect your email address (and a password for email sign-in), or a secure sign-in token when you use Sign in with Apple or Google. We never receive your Apple or Google password.
Learning data. We store your progress: words learned, batches and lessons completed, practice answers, streaks, your level (A1/A2) and app preferences. This stays on your device and, if you have an account, syncs to our cloud so you can restore it on a new device.
Microphone & speech recognition. Some practice exercises let you say a German word or phrase out loud (the “Say it” exercises). When you start one, the app asks for microphone permission and listens only while you are speaking. Your speech is turned into text so the app can check your pronunciation. This recognition runs on your device whenever your device supports it; if it does not, iOS sends the audio to Apple’s speech-recognition service to produce the text. We do not record, store, or upload your voice — only the recognized text is used, for a moment, to score the exercise, and it is then discarded.
Diagnostics & crash reports. If the app crashes, we may receive a crash report to help us fix bugs. These reports use a one-way hashed installation identifier and do not include your name or email.
Optional usage analytics. Analytics are off by default. You can turn on anonymous usage analytics in Profile → Privacy. If enabled, we record anonymized in-app events to understand which features help learners. You can turn this off at any time.
Purchases. If paid features are offered, purchases are handled by the relevant app store. We receive confirmation that you are entitled to a feature. We never receive your payment card details.
3. How we use your data
- To save your learning progress and let you continue where you left off.
- To sync your progress across your devices when you have an account.
- To recognize your speech and check your pronunciation when you use a speaking exercise.
- To diagnose crashes and fix bugs.
- With your consent, to improve the app through anonymous analytics.
- To respond to your support requests.
4. Local storage & cloud sync
The app is local-first: your learning is kept on your device so it works offline. Cloud sync only happens when you create or link an account. It exists so you don’t lose progress if you change phones. Without an account, your data stays on your device and is removed when you delete the app.
5. Who we share data with
We do not sell your personal data. We use a small number of trusted service providers strictly to operate the app: a cloud database and authentication provider (to store synced progress and manage accounts), a crash-reporting provider (to receive anonymized crash reports), the relevant app store (to process any purchases), and Apple (when your device cannot recognize speech on its own, to transcribe the audio from your speaking exercises under Apple’s own privacy policy). These providers process data only on our behalf.
6. Data retention & deletion
We keep account data for as long as your account is active. You can request deletion of your account and associated data at any time from the Delete Account page, or by emailing [email protected]. If you don’t have an account, simply deleting the app removes your local data.
7. Children’s privacy
German with Levels is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from them. If you believe a child has provided us personal data, contact us and we will delete it.
8. Your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, export or delete your personal data, and to withdraw consent for analytics. To exercise any of these, email [email protected].
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as the app evolves. When we make material changes, we’ll update the date at the top of this page.
10. Contact
Questions about your privacy? Email [email protected] and we’ll be glad to help.