# A1 vs Der Kestner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: A1 at none against Der Kestner's 9. A1 also leads on iOS requirement (12.1 vs 16.6). Der Kestner's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 24 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Der Kestner sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. A1 asks for nothing beyond the download.

A1 ships an update every 24 months, Der Kestner every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | A1 | Der Kestner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a1-deutsch/id1465253269/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **24** | — |
| Positive reviews | 68.3% of reviews | **73.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 24 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 31 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.1** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband e.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/796434153) | [Verlag Karin Kestner GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1673366576) |

## What reviewers say

### A1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a1-deutsch/id1465253269)

Learn German for free at the A1 level with this mobile application. It offers 12 lessons, vocabulary trainers, and practice for all language skills. The app can be used offline and is recognized as a teaching aid.

**Highlights:** 12 German lessons, Vocabulary and phrase trainer, Reading, writing, listening, speaking practice, Offline functionality, Menu navigation in 20 languages, Recognized teaching aid

**In-app purchases:** none


### Der Kestner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/der-kestner-dgs/id6445823997)

This app is a comprehensive dictionary for German Sign Language (DGS), offering over 29,000 terms and 400 sign videos. It includes learning tools, custom list creation, and image editing for educational materials. Accessible across devices with regular updates.

**Highlights:** Extensive DGS vocabulary with over 29,000 terms, 400+ sign language videos, Vocabulary trainer and custom list creation, Image editor for creating educational materials, Search and filter functions, Cross-device accessibility (app and web)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basis | $3.99 | per month |
| Premium | $6.99 | per month |
| Für Familien | $11.99 | per month |
| Veraltetes Abo | $14.99 | per month |
| Stufe 5 | $39.99 | per month |
| Basis | $44.90 | per year |
| Premium | $69.90 | per year |
| Für Familien | $119.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is A1 free?

A1 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Der Kestner free?

Der Kestner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do A1 or Der Kestner have ads?

Neither A1 nor Der Kestner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, A1 or Der Kestner?

A1 ships an update every 24 months, and Der Kestner every 3 weeks. Most recently, A1 was updated on October 25, 2026 and Der Kestner on October 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*