Lies mal is an educational reading app for primary school children, structured into 20 progressive levels for iOS and Android.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app removes the need for constant connectivity during literacy practice, serving users in environments where reliable internet access is not guaranteed.
For Primary school children learning to read and parents seeking curriculum-aligned educational tools for German-speaking regions.
What does it look like?
Key features
Curriculum structured into 20 distinct levels that increase in complexity from syllables to multi-part graphemes
Adjustable display options including syllable segmentation, all-caps mode, and audio playback toggles
Full functionality available without an active internet connection after the initial license purchase
In-app tracking of learning activity and task solutions for progress monitoring
Automatic switching between German school script and Austrian school print based on device location
How much does it cost?
Paid model anchored at $2.49 per year, requiring a new purchase if the device is replaced or the app is deleted.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentperformanceopaqueShow more...
The app exhibits a maintenance-level development cadence, with only two releases identified in the analyzed window. The latest version was released 37 days ago on Android, while the iOS platform has remained stagnant for 855 days. Development is currently limited to minor bug fixes and general optimizations, with no evidence of new features or live-ops content. The overall trend indicates a low-frequency update cycle focused strictly on stability.
Who built it?
jandorfverlag KG
3 apps tracked · Education
User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Fresh user feedback skews frustrated. Users appreciate the core reading exercises provide a high quality learning experience for children developing literacy skills.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- The core reading exercises provide a high quality learning experience for children developing literacy skills
- Inability to restart exercises forces users to resume from difficult sections, hindering the learning progression
2 of 2 recent reviews analyzed · limited sample
Read the full review analysisUnlock 1 more frustration theme, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Lies mal - Küken
How's the Education market?
Lies mal occupies a niche in the education category by anchoring its value in curriculum-aligned, offline-accessible literacy training. The annual license model ($2.49) requires a new purchase upon device replacement, which creates a high friction point for long-term retention.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
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Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Lies mal - Küken
Where is it heading?
The primary school literacy market is shifting toward more flexible, digital-first experiences that prioritize user autonomy. Lies mal remains exposed to churn due to its rigid progression design and maintenance-only update cadence, which limits its ability to compete with more agile entrants [1, 2].
- The development cadence remains in maintenance mode with no new feature builds in the last three months, signaling a lack of active investment.
- Rigid progression controls continue to drive negative sentiment, which compounds the risk of users abandoning the app for more flexible alternatives.
The SWOT
- Regional script support functions as a B2B distribution barrier into local school partnerships
- Implementing flexible exercise navigation would remove the primary usability blocker for learners
Next best moves
Pivot exercise navigation to allow manual restarts because users report being unable to reset content → increase daily active usage
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's offline-first design is a retention lever…
Read the full takeBottom line
Lies mal retains core value through its curriculum-aligned content, but the rigid progression design limits its utility as a digital tool. Addressing the exercise navigation would unlock the primary friction point currently suppressing user satisfaction and retention.
Unlock 1 critical friction, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Lies mal suitable for children with limited German skills?
Does Lies mal require an internet connection?
What happens if I change my device?
Sources
Report last updated