school Learning Guide

Master German with Smart Flashcards

Learn how our adaptive spaced repetition system helps you memorize German vocabulary efficiently and permanently.

What is Spaced Repetition?

The science behind efficient memorization

Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals. Instead of cramming, you review cards just before you're likely to forget them, which strengthens long-term memory formation.

Why it works:

  • Forgetting Curve: Reviews happen at optimal moments before memory fades
  • Active Recall: Testing yourself strengthens neural pathways
  • Efficiency: Focus time on difficult words, less on easy ones
  • Long-term Retention: Information moves to permanent memory

Review Schedule Example

1
1 day

First review after initial learning

2
3 days

If recalled correctly

3
1 week

Confidence building phase

4
2 weeks

Long-term memory formation

5
1 month

Permanent retention check

6
3+ months

Mastered - occasional review

The SM-2 Algorithm

How our system optimizes your learning schedule

Our flashcard system uses the proven SM-2 (SuperMemo 2) algorithm, developed by Piotr Wozniak. This algorithm calculates the optimal time to review each card based on how well you remember it.

How it works:

1
Rate Your Confidence

Choose how well you knew the answer

1 = Didn't know, 2 = Barely knew, 3 = Knew with effort, 4 = Knew easily

2
Calculate Easiness

Algorithm adjusts difficulty based on your rating

Higher ratings increase easiness factor, lower ratings decrease it

3
Determine Next Review

Schedule when you'll see this card again

Easy cards: longer intervals. Difficult cards: shorter intervals

4
Track Progress

Monitor your learning journey

Cards move through stages: New → Learning → Reviewing → Mastered

Quality Ratings (1-4 Scale)

When you review a card, rate how well you knew the answer. This helps the algorithm schedule your next review at the perfect time.

1
Again

Complete blackout - didn't remember at all

2
Hard

Incorrect response but remembered upon seeing answer

3
Good

Correct response with some hesitation

4
Easy

Perfect response with no hesitation

Pro tip: Be honest with your ratings! The algorithm works best when you accurately assess your knowledge. Don't worry about getting things wrong - that's how you learn!

Card Status System

Track your progress through different learning stages

Our system automatically tracks each card's learning status based on your performance. Cards progress through different stages as you master them, with the algorithm adjusting review intervals accordingly.

Learning Progression:

New

Cards you haven't studied yet

Fresh cards waiting for your first review

📚 Learning

Cards you're actively learning

Short intervals, building initial memory

🔄 Reviewing

Cards in regular review cycle

Longer intervals, reinforcing knowledge

Difficult

Cards that need extra attention

Marked as hard or failed - shorter intervals

🎯 Mastered

Cards you know very well

Long intervals, occasional maintenance

Practice Modes

Choose different practice modes based on your learning goals. Each mode filters cards to help you focus on specific aspects of your vocabulary.

Due Cards

Review cards scheduled for today

Benefit: Maintains your learning schedule

💪
Difficult Cards

Focus on challenging vocabulary

Benefit: Improves weak areas quickly

🔄
Recent Cards

Review recently studied cards

Benefit: Reinforces fresh learning

💬
Vocabulary Cards

Practice words from STEFai conversations

Benefit: Contextual learning from real conversations

Recommendation: Start with "Due Cards" for your daily review, then use "Difficult Cards" to tackle challenging vocabulary. Mix in other modes based on your learning preferences!

Get Started

Ready to begin your flashcard journey?

Follow these steps to make the most of your flashcard learning experience. Our spaced repetition system will guide you through an optimized learning path.

1

Start with Due Cards

Begin your daily review with cards scheduled for today

2

Create Vocabulary from Conversations

Chat with STEFai and save new words as flashcards

3

Focus on Difficult Words

Use targeted practice to improve challenging vocabulary

Tips for Success

Maximize your learning effectiveness with these proven strategies for spaced repetition and flashcard study.

🎯
Be consistent

Review cards daily, even if just for 5-10 minutes

💭
Think before revealing

Try to recall the answer before flipping the card

📝
Rate honestly

Accurate ratings help the algorithm schedule reviews optimally

🔄
Review regularly

Don't skip reviews - consistency builds long-term memory

Ready to start learning?

Jump into your flashcard practice and experience the power of spaced repetition. Your German vocabulary will improve faster than you ever thought possible!