WRD - Learn Words

I’ve used this app to study vocabulary for both Russian and German and found it great for both! The pronunciations are very good, the existing sets that allow you to study for a specific level or area are very helpful, and the feature to listen to all your vocab is incredibly helpful for practicing when walking or relaxing. Overall the best vocab app I’ve ever used.

I got a targeted ad on instagram for this app and it looked good so I decided to give it a try. I’m learning Russian and use several apps. This has become one of my favorites! I don’t know why but the way it teaches just works for me. At first it seems like they’re introducing too many new words at once but somehow they all stick with me. I’m sure there’s some science to it but all that matters is that it does work! There is quite a lot of content on the free version and I really enjoy the concept of earning gems to unlock new words packs. Also, if you’re tired of being shamed and penalized for mistakes, this app seems a lot gentler in its approach. You are given a chance to correct yourself but you don’t lose lives (there are none) or gems. Other apps give me anxiety about making mistakes (I’m looking at you Duo) which keeps me from studying but not with WRD. I’ll probably end up paying for the full app because there seems to be way more helpful stuff behind the paywall and if it works, it’s worth it! Can’t speak for other languages but for Russian WRD is fantastic!

The UX of this app without paying is very poor and aggressive. To demo this app you are slapped in the face several times wanting you to cough up money before seeing anything. You’re allowed a singular test before everything is gated behind a paywall. It tries to entice you with a “free” trial which only makes you commit to a subscription. This practice is predatory, and terrible UX design likely forced by bad sales teams. Let users actually use it for a little while before demanding money every 5 seconds before they get a chance to use your app. It’s disgusting behavior and results in a quick uninstall. Won’t be using this again and why would I? I’ve seen barely anything in the app when I know free competitors exist.