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Captionz - major update to make youtube more useful for language learning.
Hey! Hope you had an awesome weekend.
Just wanted to share an update Iâm really excited about: Iâve been working on Captionz, and it just got a major upgrade! đ It now supports language-specific search, which means you can search for words spoken in a particular language inside YouTube videos.
So, for exampleâif youâre learning Swedish like I amâyou can type in any Swedish word (or English word?), and Captionz will show you YouTube videos where people are actually speaking Swedish. No more digging through irrelevant content. Itâs like turning YouTube into your own personal language-learning search engine.
Ever tried using YouTube to learn a language?Maybe you're following some cool SFI teachers or native speakers on YouTubeâmaybe itâs French, Spanish, Japanese, whatever. Thatâs awesome, but YouTube doesnât really give you good tools to learn from those videos, right? That's where Captionz comes in. Itâs made specifically for language learners who want to use real, native content to study smarter.
Hereâs what it can do:
Dual subtitles? Yep. See both the original language and your native language side-by-side. Super helpful for understanding context and structure.
A-B repeat? You got it. Replay a sentence or phrase over and over until it sticks. (Yes, itâs that good olâ A-to-B loop feature from back in the day!)
Search any word or phrase? Big yes. Want to hear how native speakers say âhej dĂĽâ or âça vaâ? Search it and boomâreal people saying it in real videos.
Add notes? Kind of. Right now, you can add notes during the video, and theyâll fly across the screen like flying bullets. Itâs a fun start, but still in developmentâprivate notes and better note management are on the roadmap.
Why this mattersThis project really means a lot to me. I love YouTube, and I genuinely believe itâs one of the best tools for language learning. Thereâs always someone out there creating exactly what you need to hear or seeâyou just need a better way to find it. Thatâs the whole idea behind Captionz.
Whether you're just starting out or you're already deep into your language journey, I hope Captionz makes it easier, more interactive, and honestly, more fun.
A few quick tips to get the most out of Captionz
Use dual subtitles to compare sentence structure and learn natural phrasing.
Loop tricky sentences with A-B repeat and shadow them until they sound natural.
Search new words you encounter in lessons and see how theyâre actually used by native speakers.
Follow channels in your target language and combine them with Captionz for a powerful study combo.
Thanks for reading this far! đ Iâd love for you to try it out and let me know what you think. More features are in the works, and your feedback helps shape where this goes next.
By the wayâwhat language are you learning right now? And do you have a favorite YouTube channel for it? Comment under the topic. Iâm always looking for good recommendations!
Happy learning!
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OrdbĂścker: The all-in-one dictionary app for learning Swedish.
Hi everyone,
I hope you've had a great week of learning languages and coding! As someone learning Swedish myself, I know how tough it can beâespecially if you're shy like me and feel awkward speaking with native speakers. Reading news articles? Even harder, with all the unfamiliar words.
Thatâs exactly why I built OrdbĂścker: an all-in-one dictionary app to make Swedish learning easier and less intimidating.
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With OrdbĂścker, you can instantly look up any word on a webpageâjust double-click it. Youâll get definitions from multiple trusted sources with one click on the icon. Vocabulary is the biggest challenge when reading Swedish newsâthatâs exactly what OrdbĂścker helps with.
For example, my wife, whoâs an intermediate learner, prefers svenska.se for SwedishâSwedish definitions. Iâm still a beginner, so I stick with Glosbe.
Here are some dictionaries I find helpful and set as default, but you can suggest more:
đš Beginner-friendly:
Glosbe (SwedishâEnglish)
Reverso (context examples)
Captionz (YouTube examples)
đš Intermediate:
Svenska.se (SAOL, SO, SAOBâall in one)OrdbĂścker also lets you export your word history to Anki flashcards with just one clickâsuper handy if youâre serious about remembering what youâve learned.
If you havenât tried Anki yet, itâs a fantastic app that helps you review words over time using spaced repetition (a fancy way of saying it reminds you just before youâre about to forget).
Honestly, Anki is my secret weapon for learning languages. I owe half my Swedish vocabulary to itâand now with OrdbĂścker, adding new words takes less effort.
Swedish verbs change differently, so I also wanted it to find the root form of wordsânot all dictionary tools can do that. Certainly Dictionariez is more focused on English, and donât really prioritize Swedish. For example, when I look up the word fart, I want the Swedish meaning to show up first in OrdbĂścker.
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If youâre already using Dictionariez and mainly learning Swedish through English, I recommend switching to OrdbĂścker. It offers most of the same features but prioritizes Swedish over English.
My tip? Donât take on too many new words at onceâstay motivated, not overwhelmed.
Focus on words you actually see and hear often. Itâs more useful to really know 10 common words than to half-remember 100 rare ones.When you add words to Anki, keep the cards simple. Just the word, a short definition, maybe an example sentence. If a card feels like homework, youâll end up skipping it.
Try to review a little bit every day. Even 5â10 minutes of Anki goes a long wayâconsistency really is the secret.
And remember, you donât have to understand everything right away. Getting the general idea is already a win!
If you try out OrdbĂścker, Iâd love to hear what you think. Got suggestions, ideas, or something thatâs not working? Your feedback helps me make it better for everyone learning Swedish!
Download links OrdbĂścker on Chrome OrdbĂścker on Microsoft Edge OrdbĂścker on Firefox -
You Asked, I Listened: PDF Support is Finally Here in Dictionariez!
Hi everyone! If youâve been using Dictionariez, you probably know that Iâve been working on this project as a solo developer for quite some time now. Over the years, one of the most requested features has been PDF support. Many of you have reached out, asking for a way to use Dictionariez with PDFsâwhether for reading eBooks, studying papers, or reviewing work documents.
Iâm excited to share that the wait is finally over! Iâve built a PDF Reader Web Application that works seamlessly with Dictionariez. Itâs lightweight, secure, and designed to make your reading experience as smooth as possible. And for language learners, this is a productive toolâespecially if youâre studying books, academic papers, or other materials in PDF format.
Whatâs New?Hereâs what the new PDF Reader Web Application brings to the table:
Dictionariez Integration
Highlight words or phrases in your PDF and instantly look them up or translate them using Dictionariez. It works just like it does on web pages.Drag-and-Drop Simplicity
You can drag and drop your PDF files into the app, and theyâll load instantly. No extra steps, no hassle.Privacy First
Your files never leave your browser. Everything is processed locally, so you donât have to worry about your data being uploaded to a server.Integration with PNL Reader
If youâre already using PNL Reader, my browser extension that enhances the reading experience on any webpage, youâll love this integration. When you open a PDF directly in your browser, you can click on the PNL Reader extension, and it will automatically redirect the PDF to the PDF Reader Web Application. This makes opening PDFs locally a more seamless experience.Responsive Design
Whether youâre on a desktop, tablet, or phone, the app adapts to give you the best experience.Advanced PDF Viewer
Why This is Perfect for Language Learners
Powered by ngx-extended-pdf-viewer and PDF.js, the app supports zooming, text selection, and even searching within your PDFs.If youâre learning a new language, reading is one of the best ways to improve your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. But letâs face itâreading in a foreign language can be tough, especially when youâre constantly looking up words. Thatâs where this new feature shines.
Hereâs why the PDF Reader Web Application is especially helpful for language learners:
Study Authentic Materials
Many language learners rely on textbooks or graded readers, but real-world materials like novels, academic papers, or even manuals are often in PDF format. Now, you can read these materials while using Dictionariez to look up unfamiliar words instantly.Build Vocabulary Faster
Highlighting and translating words directly in the PDF saves time and keeps you focused. You can even create flashcards or notes from the words you look up.Learn in Context
Seeing words in their natural context (like in a book or article) helps you understand how theyâre used in sentences, making it easier to remember them.Perfect for Students
If youâre a student studying in a foreign language, you probably deal with a lot of PDFsâtextbooks, research papers, lecture notes, and more. This tool makes it easier to navigate those materials without constantly switching between apps.Immersive Learning
Language Learning Tips for Using the PDF Reader
By reading full texts in your target language, youâre immersing yourself in the language, which is one of the most effective ways to learn.Here are a few tips to get the most out of the PDF Reader Web Application as a language learner:
Start with Materials at Your Level
Choose PDFs that are slightly above your current level. This way, youâll encounter new words without feeling overwhelmed.Create a Vocabulary List
Use Dictionariez to look up unfamiliar words and write them down in a notebook or app. Review them regularly to reinforce your learning.Focus on Context
Instead of translating every word, try to understand the meaning of sentences based on context. Use Dictionariez only for words or phrases that are critical to understanding the text.Revisit Texts
After reading a PDF once, come back to it later. Youâll be surprised at how much more you understand the second time around.Combine with Other Tools
Use the words youâve learned in flashcard apps like Anki to reinforce your memory.Set Goals
How It Works
For example, aim to read one chapter of a book or one article per week. Setting small, achievable goals will keep you motivated.Using the PDF Reader Web Application is super straightforward:
Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop your file into the app, or click to select it from your device.Start Reading
The PDF loads instantly, and you can scroll, zoom, and search through it.Use Dictionariez
Highlight any word or phrase in the PDF to look it up or translate it, just like you would on a webpage.Redirect PDFs with PNL Reader
If you open a PDF directly in your browser, just click on the PNL Reader extension, and it will redirect the PDF to the PDF Reader Web Application. No need to download the file or manually open the appâitâs all handled seamlessly.Stay Secure
Why It Took Time
All file processing happens locally in your browser. Your data stays with youâalways.As a solo developer, Iâve always tried to prioritize features that matter most to you, the users. Adding PDF support wasnât just about displaying filesâit was about making sure the experience was smooth, secure, and worked seamlessly with Dictionariez and PNL Reader.
I wanted to get it right, and that meant taking the time to ensure:
Privacy: No file uploads, no serversâjust local processing in your browser. Performance: Fast and responsive, even with large PDF files. Integration: A seamless experience with Dictionariez and PNL Reader, so you can use the tools you love without interruption. Whatâs Next?This is just the beginning! Here are a few features Iâm planning to add in the future:
Annotations: Highlight text, add notes, and mark up your PDFs. Bookmarks: Save your place in long documents for easy navigation. Dark Mode: A more comfortable reading experience for night-time use. Try It OutThe PDF Reader Web Application is live and ready for you to use. Click here to check it out! Whether youâre a student, a professional, or just someone who loves reading, this tool is here to make your life easier.
Wrapping UpAs a solo developer, every feature I build is a labor of love, and this one is no exception. Iâve poured a lot of time and effort into making PDF support a reality because I know how much it means to so many of you.
If youâve been waiting for this feature, give it a try and let me know what you think! Your feedback is what keeps me going, and Iâd love to hear your thoughts on how I can make it even better.
Thank you for supporting Dictionariez and for being part of this journey. Iâm excited to see how youâll use the new PDF feature!
Spread the WordIf you love the new PDF feature, share it with your friends and colleagues. Every bit of support helps me continue improving Dictionariez for all of you.
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