2.5 Safe to install
DLL Words — Coursebook-linked vocabulary and pronunciation practice
DLL Words is a compact companion app for Direct Language Lab coursebooks that provides illustrated vocabulary, native-speaker recordings, user pronunciation recording with basic automated feedback, and unit-based organization to support classroom learning, though updates are infrequent and privacy details are not provided.
In this application you will find vocabulary from the English Direct Method coursebook series. The vocabulary is organized into two categories: the coursebook and the units contained within it, enabling you to locate the terms learned in your language courses more easily.
The Words app supports memorizing the meanings of individual words and practicing correct pronunciation. Feedback is presented as an emoticon.
Vocabulary and pronunciation are central elements of foreign language learning. Pronunciation errors can be entertaining, but they can also lead to misunderstandings and complications that are best avoided. This application aims to make English phonetics more approachable.
How does it work?
- Users can listen to the correct pronunciation of English words, recorded by native speakers.
- The meaning of each lexical item is illustrated with a picture to aid understanding.
- The app supports learning both meanings and pronunciation. Users can record their own pronunciation, listen to it, and evaluate accuracy. Feedback categories include “very good,” “good,” “average,” or encouragement to continue practicing.
New technology in language learning
- The Words app leverages current technology to enhance language acquisition.
- It enables language practice on a smartphone, anytime and anywhere, with an internet connection sufficient to start a lesson.
Good accent
Learning a foreign language involves more than vocabulary and grammar; a clear accent also matters. Accurate pronunciation helps the listener understand you more easily, whether you are speaking with native or non-native English speakers.
Overview
DLL Words is a Freeware software in the category Education developed by DEEP Publishers.
The latest version of DLL Words is 2.5, released on 04/30/2026. It was initially added to our database on 04/30/2026.
DLL Words runs on the following operating systems: iOS.
Users of DLL Words gave it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Direct alignment with DLLAB coursebooks — vocabulary is organized by coursebook and unit, making it easy to practice words students are learning in class.
- Native-speaker recordings for each lexical item — helps learners hear correct pronunciation and prosody.
- User recording + automated pronunciation feedback — you can record your own voice, listen back and get an evaluation (very good / good / average / practice more).
- Picture-supported vocabulary — each word shows a picture to help learners grasp meaning visually (useful for younger learners).
- Small app size (≈41.5 MB) and multilingual UI — supports English plus many interface languages (Czech, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Slovak, Spanish).
- Free on the App Store — lowers barrier to trying the tool.
- Part of the Direct Language Lab ecosystem — integrates conceptually with DLLAB course materials, DL PRO online support and other DLL apps (DL Students, DLL Practise).
- Cross-device compatibility on Apple platforms (iPhone, iPod touch, M1+ Macs, Apple Vision listed) — usable across Apple devices that meet requirements.
Cons
- Very low visible user feedback — App Store shows only one rating, so community validation and social proof are limited.
- Unclear / missing privacy details on the App Store listing — developer hasn’t provided Apple with privacy handling information for the current build.
- App updates appear infrequent — last noted update in 2020 and a history of small bugfix-only updates, which may indicate slow feature development or limited ongoing maintenance.
- App relies on Internet access according to the description — may limit usefulness offline or in low-connectivity contexts.
- Platform limitation — no official Android listing (App Store only), which excludes many users on non-Apple devices.
- Pronunciation scoring is automated and likely coarse — labels like “very good / good / average” may not give actionable diagnostic feedback or pinpoint specific phonetic errors.
- Potentially limited vocabulary scope — app content is tied to the DLL coursebook series, so learners outside that curriculum may find the word set narrow.
- Bug history present — release notes show repeated “fix bug” entries, indicating instability issues in past versions.
- Privacy policy hosted on a separate site and not summarized in the App Store listing — adds friction for users who want quick privacy/security reassurance.
FAQ
What is DLL Words?
DLL Words is a free iPhone app from DEEP Publishers (Direct Language Lab) that helps learners practise vocabulary and pronunciation from the "English designed with Direct Method" coursebook series.
What learning features does the app provide?
The app provides illustrated meanings for words, native-speaker audio recordings, the ability to record and play back your own pronunciation, and an automated pronunciation evaluation shown as an emoticon (very good, good, average, or encouragement to keep practising). Vocabulary is organised by coursebook and unit.
Which coursebooks and units are included?
Vocabulary is taken from the "English designed with Direct Method" coursebook series and is arranged by specific coursebook editions and their individual units so learners can find the words used in their language-school lessons.
Which devices and operating systems does DLL Words support?
The app requires iOS 12.0 or later and is designed for iPhone and iPod touch. The App Store listing also indicates compatibility with newer macOS on Apple Silicon and visionOS for Apple Vision in supported configurations.
Is the app free and are there in-app purchases?
The App Store listing describes the app as free. The developer did not list any in-app purchase details on the store page.
Does the app work offline?
The App Store description emphasises Internet access to start lessons, but does not clearly state full offline capability. Some audio or online exercises may require an internet connection. If offline use is critical, test the specific content you need or contact support.
How accurate is the pronunciation evaluation and how does it work?
The app lets you record your pronunciation and then provides an automatic assessment displayed as an emoticon (very good, good, average). The App Store description says the evaluation helps analyse correctness, but it does not disclose the exact scoring algorithm or acoustic model details.
What languages does the app support?
The App Store lists English and 10 additional interface/localisation languages, including Czech, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Slovak and Spanish.
Where can I find the developer's privacy policy and support?
The App Store page links to the developer website (http://www.dllab.eu/) and a privacy policy (https://dlhub.eu/Media/regulaminy/polityka_ENG.pdf). For support, use the developer contact on the App Store or visit the Direct Language Lab website's contact/support sections.
Can I use DLL Words together with other DLLAB resources or school materials?
Yes. DLLAB provides coursebooks, online support (DL PRO), a Schools Zone with teaching materials, and the DL STUDENTS app. DLL Words is designed to complement DLLAB coursebooks and is useful for students studying in language schools that use Direct Language Lab materials.
Elena Angelini
I'm Elena, your go-to software reviewer at UpdateStar and tech enthusiast. Whether you're a user seeking the latest software titles or software news I've got you covered. When I'm not diving into the latest software, you can find me exploring nature trails, camping under the stars, or competing in online multiplayer games. My reviews are designed to be fun, engaging, and packed with all the details you need to make informed decisions.
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