Grammar & expression

Applies to the new home screen from Android test build 5 and iOS TestFlight build 10. Earlier builds may show different buttons; update the app when the new test build is available.

1. Open the Alef Mad main app. Your existing purchases are checked automatically with the store account on your device.
2. If you have purchased D5, find it under “My full versions” and select “Open full version”. You do not need to repeat the demo after closing and reopening the app.
3. If you have not purchased D5, its free demo and purchase option remain under “Explore the levels”. Each level is unlocked separately; buying one does not buy the others.
4. If a purchased level is missing, select “Restore purchases” on the home screen. Use the same Apple Account or Google Account as for the original purchase. Do not purchase the level again.

After a purchase is confirmed, the demo entry for that level is replaced by direct full-version access. An old demo link also leads to the full version after purchase verification. On Android, an internet connection is currently needed to verify and load full content. Store purchases are separate for Apple and Google; they do not automatically transfer between stores.

For D5, you need the grammar basics from D4 and the reading and writing skills from the earlier levels.

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.

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.

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. Check the explanations for words or grammar you do not understand.
3. Open the book page to see the original context.

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. We are reviewing these recordings and gradually replacing them with 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.

Open the writing step or writing guide. In letter practice, the demonstration 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 writing area” removes your drawing from the current sheet.

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 box after you have checked your work.

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.

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.

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: Make sure you have opened the same level on the same device. Restore a previously exported backup within that level. Restoring purchases and restoring learning progress are separate steps. In the browser demos, also check that you are using the same browser; private browsing may discard progress when you close it.

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

The Windows main app includes D1–D5, each with a free demo lesson. For current availability and pricing, see Alef Mad in the Microsoft Store. Check the offers shown in the app before purchasing a full level.

Navigation and learning features follow the Android version. Under Sprache / Language, select the German or British flag for the language of explanations. Dari/Farsi remains the language you learn. Writing supports a mouse, touchscreen or stylus.

In the Store version, use the same Microsoft Store account for purchases and restoration. Google Play and Apple App Store purchases do not transfer automatically. Purchase verification and downloading full content require an internet connection.

Progress stays locally in the Windows app. Back it up for each level before changing devices or resetting the app. “Restore purchases” restores access to your purchased levels. It does not restore your learning progress. If there is no sound, check Windows audio output and the volume mixer for Alef Mad.