Understanding grammar

Getting started with D4

You are familiar with the script and simple sentences from D1–D3. Revisit earlier levels when needed.

Begin with the grammar foundations or refresher. Then follow the learning path or select a suitable lesson.

1. Choose English or German.
2. Open the grammar foundations and read the examples.
3. Select an appropriate first lesson from the learning path.

The eight steps in a lesson

All 46 lessons follow the same structure. Step controls let you move back and forward. The sequence takes you from understanding to applying what you have learnt.

1. Words: discover meanings and audio.
2. Grammar: understand the rule and example.
3. Reading: use the text and its meaning-based translation when needed.
4. Exercises: choose answers and build a sentence to match the example.
5. Writing: practise words or sentences yourself.
6. Book pages: look at the corresponding original material.
7. Self-test: check what you have learnt.
8. Homework: apply the rule yourself.

Use learning texts and original pages

The app provides short adapted learning texts, explanations and meaning-based translations. “Book pages” gives you additional original material. A learning text is not a full literal translation of every original page.

An interpretation can help you understand a poem. It is a reading aid and does not rule out other well-supported interpretations.

1. Read the learning text and listen where audio is available.
2. Use the help to clarify unfamiliar words and grammar.
3. Open the book page to see the original context.

Listen and repeat

Tap the speaker symbol or audio button next to a letter, word or text. Tap again to repeat the recording. Listen first, then say it yourself.

Recordings come from different sources. Some use synthetic voices with Iranian Persian pronunciation. These recordings are gradually being reviewed and adapted towards Dari pronunciation. Transliteration is an approximate learning aid. Your pronunciation is not assessed automatically.

1. Check your volume and tap an audio button.
2. Look at the matching text and read its meaning.
3. Listen again when needed and repeat it aloud.

Write with touch, a stylus or a mouse

Open the writing step or writing guide. In letter practice, “Demonstrate” shows the strokes; the single-step control lets you follow them slowly. Word and sentence practice uses templates and the available writing guidance.

The writing area is for practice, not automatic handwriting recognition. Check the shape, dots, baseline and connections yourself. You can also practise on paper.

1. Select the appropriate template and look at it carefully.
2. Write in the practice area. The undo control removes only the most recent stroke.
3. Hide the template and try writing from memory.
4. Compare your writing with the example. Clear removes the drawing on the current sheet.

Apply grammar in homework

Homework is the final step after the self-test. It combines an explanation of the original assignment with additional grammar practice.

Use the writing area and add sheets when needed. Compare your work with the rule and guidance. Your own answer does not have to use exactly the same words.

1. Read the task and its grammar objective.
2. Write your own words or sentences.
3. Open the self-check help and review both form and meaning.
4. Tick the confirmation only after checking your own work.

Distinguish lesson and homework completion

The self-test marks a lesson complete when all answers are correct. You can repeat it. Homework completion is saved separately through your self-check.

Statistics show lessons, homework, active learning time, and correct and incorrect answers. Repeated attempts count towards the answer totals.

1. Continue to homework after the self-test.
2. Check both progress indicators in the learning statistics.
3. Download a backup before clearing browser data or changing devices.

Back up and restore your progress

Your progress is stored locally in the app on your device. Export a backup before changing devices or deleting app data. Restoring purchases restores access to purchased levels; learning progress is restored separately from your backup.

Back up your progress before changing devices or clearing browser data. Each backup belongs to its own level. Keep the file outside the app.

1. Open “Progress” or the learning statistics.
2. Download a backup and save the JSON file.
3. Open the same level on the other device.
4. Load the backup, choose the file and confirm that it should replace the progress on that device.
5. Check your lessons, homework and saved handwriting afterwards.

If something does not work

No sound: Check volume, audio output and headphones, then start the recording by tapping it. Reload the page once if playback gets stuck.

Missing progress: Check the app address, browser and private browsing mode. Private browsing may discard progress when you close it. You can restore a previously exported backup.

Unclear pronunciation: Note the level, lesson and exact word or passage. Send these details and your suggested pronunciation to support@alefmad.com.