# Lectia > Free language learning app with authentic native speaker content and progress tracking. (iPhone/iPad app by University of Maryland.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lectia/id1563064274 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [University of Maryland](https://appshunter.io/developer/375852766) - Category: Education - Price: Free - Rating: 4.39/5 from 38 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.1 · 86 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2021-12-08 - Data updated: 2026-07-07 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lectia/id1563064274/reviews.md ## What is Lectia? Don’t just learn a new language, master it! Completely free with no ads, Lectia is the first language learning app to offer in-depth content using real-life audio, video, and reading passages from countries where the target language is spoken. Developed by language experts at the National Foreign Language Center at the University of Maryland, Lectia features: - Language learning activities to build comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar that increase in difficulty as you progress - Cultural, historical, and vocabulary notes - Transcript and translation - Highlighted text-tracking to help you follow along - Extensive glossary Choose from seven languages Arabic | Chinese | French | Korean | Persian | Russian | Spanish | more languages coming in 2022! Authentic materials created by and for native speakers: - Local and national news reports - Expert interviews - Weather reports - Apartment listings - Product and service ads - Recipes, and more! Benefits of Lectia: - No hidden costs or in-app purchases. Ever! - No ads - For all language levels (beginner, intermediate or advanced)! - Proficiency test at the end of each level - No wifi? No problem! Download lessons for offline study. - Goal tracking feature to measure your progress - Whether you’re already comfortable with the language or just starting out, Lectia has an option for you! For 35 years, the National Foreign Language Center at the University of Maryland has been helping people understand each other and the world around them. To learn more about our work, visit us at www.nflc.umd.edu. Connect with us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umdnflc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NationalForeignLanguageCenter Twitter: @NFLC_UMD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-foreign-language-center Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nflc.umd.edu/ Got an idea? We want to hear from you! Share your feedback with us at nflc-feedback@umd.edu. ## Key features - Authentic audio, video, and reading passages - Language learning activities for comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar - Cultural, historical, and vocabulary notes - Transcript and translation - Offline study options - Goal tracking and proficiency tests ## Recent user reviews (9 of 9) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lectia/id1563064274/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Great app *2026-03-15* This is a great learning tool app, currently learning portuguese, and the pronounciations are spot on, great for learning listening fluency, and reading cmprehension. Underrated app. ### 5/5 — Focused on Meaning *2023-05-25* As a language teacher and acquirer, I am beyond thrilled by the Lectia app. I actually can't believe it's free, to be honest. The app's different levels and focus on meaning of authentic resources rather than grammar is a breath of fresh air. I appreciate the way that I can get to different speeds in the recordings, read the transcript as well as the translation, and that the notes are so interesting for both language and culture. This app doesn't let a learner get frustrated by the lack of a critical word. Thank you many times over for doing this! ### 1/5 — Application is unresponsive *2023-02-16* The application doesn’t proceed past the tutorial or swipe to continue page. Was intrigued as to what this app might offer. ### 1/5 — Doesn't work *2022-11-08* The app simply didn't work. No sound no video nothing. ### 5/5 — Love this app! *2022-08-05* Definitely a step above the rest. Challenging lessons, new and current slang, and background info really make me feel like I’m making huge strides. No other language learning app like it. Get this if you’re serious about learning a language but can’t get boots on the ground. ### 5/5 — I am so happy I have this app! *2022-02-02* I must admit, this app is quite challenging. But that’s what I need… A step above an English-made Chinese learning book. I love how it has authentic Chinese related situations. I definitely give this five stars because of its authenticity and push. ### 5/5 — I love this app! *2022-02-02* I have been waiting for this type of app. It’s refreshing to see content sourced directly from countries where the language is spoken and not just random vocab and grammar structures put together for a cheesy conversation that is unlikely to be had in real life. I use this to improve my professional expertise and I’ve already improved a lot. ### 5/5 — Engaging and fun way to learn *2022-01-11* This is the most fun I’ve ever had learning a language. The lessons and activities are engaging and challenging. I opened the app to check it out and do one lesson and two hours later I was still going. I couldn’t put it down. Great app for high school students looking to improve their proficiency and for adult learners who want to reconnect with a language they may have first studied years ago. ### 4/5 — Perfect for Intermediate & Advanced; won’t help learn a new language from scratch *2021-12-21* This app deserves tons of praise in terms of its technical design, content, and feedback. But it’s not for absolute beginners. If you already know how to read and have elementary grammar skills in a chosen language, then this app will help you progress; otherwise, this app is not for you; at least, this is the case with Persian, Russian, and Spanish. ## Frequently asked questions about Lectia ### What languages does Lectia offer? Lectia currently offers Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Spanish. More languages are planned for release in 2022. ### Is Lectia free to use? Yes, Lectia is completely free to use with no hidden costs or in-app purchases. The app is also ad-free. ### Can I use Lectia offline? Yes, Lectia allows you to download lessons for offline study, making it convenient to learn without an internet connection. ### What is the learning methodology of Lectia? Lectia uses authentic materials like news reports, interviews, and ads created by native speakers to build comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. Lessons increase in difficulty as you progress. ### Does Lectia track user progress? Yes, Lectia features a goal tracking feature to measure your progress. A proficiency test is also available at the end of each level. ### What age rating does Lectia have? Lectia has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of learners. ### How often is Lectia updated? The latest version of Lectia is 1.2.79, and it was last updated on August 10, 2022. Updates typically include new features and improvements. ### What devices is Lectia available on? Lectia is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. ## Version history (last 3 releases) ### 1.2.79 — 2022-08-10 bug fixes ### 1.1 — 2022-03-30 Improvements, bug fixes. ### 1.0 — 2021-12-08 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Lectia | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [TCB \| Read Chinese to Learn](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tcb-read-chinese-to-learn/id1074317405) | 4.6 (546) | Free | Education | | [OpenRussian Russian Dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openrussian-russian-dictionary/id6448980686) | 5.0 (11) | Free | Education | | [Culture Guide](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/culture-guide/id1001309672) | 4.3 (15) | Free | Education | | [Russian Verb Trainer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/russian-verb-trainer/id622913705) | 4.2 (17) | $4.99 | Education | | [CL-150](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cl-150/id1435190662) | 4.8 (81) | Free | Education | | [Byki Mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/byki-mobile/id674700766) | 2.5 (19) | Free | Education | ## More apps by University of Maryland - [Terp Life](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terp-life/id874681090) - [WMUC Radio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wmuc-radio/id1208559448) - [Science Everywhere Stickers](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/science-everywhere-stickers/id1353601257) - [NextNOW Fest 2025](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nextnow-fest-2025/id1479238312) - [Maryland Athletics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maryland-athletics/id1511985422) - [University of MD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/university-of-md/id1526752249) All apps by University of Maryland: https://appshunter.io/developer/375852766 --- *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 2026-07-07.*