# Halm: Read & Learn — German & English stories

> Language learning app using stories with integrated translation and spaced repetition. (iPhone/iPad app by Timofey Lavrenyuk.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/halm-read-and-learn/id6767872582 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Timofey Lavrenyuk](https://appshunter.io/developer/1513907935)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 26.1 · 488 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), German (Germany), Italian, Russian, European Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian
- Released: 2026-06-20
- Data updated: 2026-08-18
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/halm-read-and-learn/id6767872582/reviews.md

## What is Halm?

Read something you actually want to read — in German or
English — and let the words stick.

Halm turns short stories and adapted news into reading you can
handle at your level. Tap any word to see what it means right
here, in this sentence. Keep the ones worth keeping.

EPISODES
Multi-part stories set where you'd actually be: an apartment
viewing, a doctor's waiting room, a Sunday at the lake. Each
episode shares vocabulary across its parts, so words return on
their own instead of being drilled.

TAP ANY WORD
Translation runs on your device. Halm reads the whole sentence,
not the word alone.

KEEP WHAT MATTERS
You choose what enters review. Nothing is added behind your
back. Kept words return on an FSRS schedule, and Halm shows you
counts you can verify — never invented percentages.

GERMAN AND ENGLISH
Two full tracks. Pick one, or switch whenever you like.

NO STREAKS
Nothing to break, no leaderboard, no notification guilting you
back. Read when you want to read.

PRIVACY
No account, no sign-up, no third-party analytics or advertising. 
Halm collects nothing automatically.

ACCESSIBILITY
VoiceOver throughout, Dynamic Type everywhere, Reduce Motion
honored, and color never used as the only signal.

Works offline. Requires iOS 26.

## Key features

- Read stories and news in German or English
- Tap words for instant in-sentence translation
- Spaced repetition for vocabulary review
- Offline functionality
- Privacy-focused with no account or analytics
- Accessibility features

## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/halm-read-and-learn/id6767872582/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Highly recommend it!

*2026-07-29*

This app makes learning new words feel effortless. The stories are engaging, the translations are instant, and I love that everything stays private on my device.

### 5/5 — Clean dynamic learning app

*2026-07-29*

Slick design, flawless execution. On demand generates learning contents to help learn language by listening native-like  AI voice

### 5/5 — Amazing way to learn

*2026-07-28*

Simple and effective way to learn a new language or polish up on what you know with just a few minutes each day.;

**Developer response:** Thank you. A few minutes a day is exactly the rhythm Halm is built around, so it's good to hear it fits into yours

### 5/5 — Smart way to learn language!

*2026-07-28*

A great way to learn vocabulary in context. The short stories, audio, and instant translations make daily practice easy and enjoyable.

**Developer response:** Thanks for this. Seeing words in context instead of in isolated lists is the core idea behind the app, so I'm glad it lands that way.

### 5/5 — Great Download

*2026-07-28*

I feel like I am actually learning! Really impressed and have recommended to a few of my friends

**Developer response:** Thank you - and thanks for passing it on. For a one-person app, recommendations from real users matter more than anything else.

## Frequently asked questions about Halm

### What is Halm's learning methodology?

Halm uses short stories and adapted news articles to teach German and English. It focuses on contextual learning by allowing users to tap any word for instant translation within the sentence, and uses a Spaced Repetition System (FSRS) for vocabulary review.

### How does Halm track user progress?

Halm allows users to choose which words to keep for review. It then shows verifiable counts of these words, rather than invented percentages, to help users track their vocabulary retention.

### Does Halm offer certifications?

The provided information does not indicate that Halm offers any formal certifications upon completion of learning modules or stories.

### What devices does Halm support?

Halm is currently designed to work on iPhones, requiring iOS 26 or later.

### Is Halm suitable for younger learners?

Halm has an age rating of 12+, suggesting it is appropriate for teenagers and older users who can engage with reading comprehension and vocabulary learning.

### How often is Halm updated?

The latest version, 1.1.0, was released on August 11, 2026, indicating a recent update. Previous updates are not detailed, but this suggests active development.

### Does Halm have ads?

No, Halm is ad-free. The app explicitly states it has no third-party advertising and collects no data automatically.

### Can I use Halm offline?

Yes, Halm works offline, allowing you to read and learn without an internet connection.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.1.0 — 2026-08-11

· Episodes: narrated slideshow lessons that teach everyday cultural know-how: how things actually work in the country, not textbook dialogues. Cover art, voiced narration, tap any word.
· Rich word popup: one tap on any word gives the full picture: meaning in your language, real examples, conjugation/case info, audio, and one-tap save to your vocabulary.
· Redesigned Home: a daily-return screen instead of a menu: what to do now, what's due for review, your level and words known, and what you're ready for.
· Word Sets: curated word and phrase bundles you can add outside of stories, so building vocabulary isn't gated on finishing content.

### 1.0.1 — 2026-06-24

• Clearer pronunciation guides: IPA now shows stress marks and syllable breaks.
• UI refresh: updated Words tab, a dedicated Search tab, and Settings on Today.
• Better accessibility: improved contrast with Increase Contrast on, and VoiceOver polish.
• Smoother scrolling and performance improvements throughout.

### 1.0 — 2026-06-20

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-18.*
