In the digital age processes of both education and learning have changed – this includes also the role of human and computer when learning foreign languages. The idea of zApp came to life in March 2018 at a competition which was hosted by the Goethe Institute in order to come up with innovative solutions to learn foreign languages. Often times existing apps feel monotonous to the user and it’s hard to find authentic learning material which corresponds the user’s specific language level.

The concept of zApp is that the user improves their language skills while gaining new knowledge at the same time by watching interesting video content. Difficult words can be translated with the help of subtitles and individual exercises will practice those in the right context. This idea won the 4th place and was further refined during a design sprint.