Privacy Policy for "Learn German with Practice"

Introduction: This Privacy Policy explains how Nextstapp UG (Haftungsbeschränkt) ("Nextstapp", "we", or "us"), as the developer of the mobile application Learn German with Practice (the "App"), collects, uses, and protects user data. By using the App, you agree to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy.

No Personal Information Collected

We do not collect any personally identifiable information (PII) about you. This means we do not ask for or store your name, email address, phone number, or any other information that can identify you as an individual.

Data We Collect (Anonymous Usage Data)

The only data we collect from the App is anonymous usage statistics and information about your interactions with the App’s AI features. This usage data may include, for example, how often you use the App, which lessons or exercises are accessed, and general trends in how users answer or practice. Any AI interaction data (such as the prompts or responses you provide during practice sessions) is also collected anonymously. We collect this information for educational purposes and to improve the App’s features and content. None of this data contains personal details, and it cannot be used to identify you.

Third-Party Services

To operate and enhance the App, we rely on a few trusted third-party services. These services process data on our behalf, but no personal data is shared with them. The third-party services we use are:

• Google Analytics: Used to track and analyze aggregate usage information (e.g., number of users, session duration, screens viewed). This helps us understand how the App is used and improve user experience. Google Analytics collects usage data such as device information and app interactions, but this data is anonymized.
• Firebase: Used as our cloud backend to store anonymous data (such as usage statistics, progress, or preferences) and to support app functionality. All data stored in Firebase is anonymous and not linked to your identity. We keep this anonymous data in Firebase indefinitely, or as long as needed to support the App and monitor its performance.
• OpenAI ChatGPT API: Used to generate learning exercises and process your responses during AI-driven practice sessions. When you use the AI practice features, your exercise prompts and answers may be sent to the OpenAI ChatGPT service so that the AI can generate a reply or feedback. This data exchange is anonymous – we do not include any information that could identify you. We retain ChatGPT interaction data (for example, the questions you asked and the AI’s replies) for up to 3 months. We do this to review and improve the educational content and AI performance. After 3 months, such interaction data is deleted from our systems.
• RevenueCat: Used to manage subscription purchases and in-app purchases. RevenueCat helps us determine if you have an active subscription and what features to unlock. It processes purchase data from the app stores (Google Play or Apple App Store). No personal payment information (such as your name or credit card details) is ever seen or stored by us – all payment processing is handled by the app stores. RevenueCat only provides us with anonymous identifiers and subscription status (e.g., whether your subscription is active or expired) so we can grant access to premium features.

Data Storage and Retention

All anonymous data collected by the App is stored securely using the third-party services mentioned (for example, on Firebase servers). We retain anonymous usage data in Firebase indefinitely, since it helps us track long-term trends and improve the App over time. ChatGPT interaction data is kept for a shorter period (up to 3 months) as noted above. These retention periods mean that, unless we delete it sooner, usage logs and AI interaction records may remain in our database for those durations. However, remember that this data is not linked to you personally.

Data Security

We take data security seriously. All data transmissions between the App and our third-party providers are encrypted via SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). This means that whenever data (such as your usage activity or AI session content) is sent from your device to our servers (or to our service providers), it is protected and cannot be easily intercepted by others. We also rely on the security practices of Google Analytics, Firebase, OpenAI, and RevenueCat to safeguard the data they process or store for us. Nextstapp UG does not maintain separate servers for user data; we do not store any user data on our own servers outside of the third-party systems described. Because we do not collect personal information, there is a minimized risk in terms of data sensitivity. Nevertheless, we will promptly notify users in the unlikely event of any data security incident affecting the App.

Data Sharing

We do not share or sell any data about our users with any third-party companies, advertisers, or marketers. The anonymous data we collect is used solely for our own analysis and to improve the App. It is only processed by the third-party services listed above on our behalf. We do not provide your data to any external parties except as needed for the services outlined in this policy, or if required by law (for example, if we are compelled by a legal process to provide data, though since we have no personal data, we generally would have nothing identifiable to provide).

Children’s Privacy

Children may use this App to learn German; however, the App is not specifically directed toward children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from users, regardless of age. Since the data collected is anonymous and not tied to an identity, the App complies with privacy protections for all ages. Parental supervision is advised for young children using the App, to ensure the content is appropriate and to assist in their learning process. If you are a parent or guardian and you have concerns about your child’s use of the App, feel free to contact us. Because we do not collect personal data, there is no personal information about your child in our systems.

Data Deletion and User Rights

Because we do not collect or store personal data, there is no personal user information for you to request or delete. In other words, data deletion requests are not applicable in this case – we simply have no personal records to remove. The usage data we keep is aggregate and anonymous, so it cannot be tied back to you for us to delete upon request. If you wish to stop sharing usage information altogether, you can discontinue using the App or turn off analytics sharing if your device settings allow (some platforms let you opt out of analytics, which the App will respect). Uninstalling the App will stop any future data collection.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update or modify this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make significant changes to how we collect or use your data, we will notify you by a prominent means. This may include an in-app notification, a message on the app’s interface, or an update in the app store listing notes. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the App after any modifications to the Privacy Policy will signify your acceptance of the updated terms.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback about this Privacy Policy or the data practices of the App, please contact us. Our contact details are as follows:

Nextstapp UG (Haftungsbeschränkt)
Attn: Serdar Degirmenci (Representative)
Address: Heilmannring 14, 13627 Berlin, Germany
Mobile Phone: +49 178 616 65 81
Email: [Please contact via the app or official store contact information]

Subscription Information

This section explains our App’s subscription service and how it relates to your usage and data.

• The App offers an optional monthly subscription plan. This subscription is designed to unlock unlimited AI-driven practice sessions and other premium features to enhance your learning experience. The exact pricing for the monthly subscription is displayed within the App at the time of purchase (pricing may vary depending on your region or app store requirements).
• Users who do not subscribe can still use the App with some limitations. Free users have a limit of 3 AI practice attempts per day. These daily free attempts allow you to practice and get feedback, but if you reach the limit, you will need to wait until the next day or consider subscribing for more practice.
• The subscription is auto-renewing. This means that once you subscribe, your subscription will automatically renew each month on its renewal date, and your app store account (Google Play or Apple App Store) will be charged for the next month, unless you cancel the subscription beforehand.
• Cancellation of the subscription can be done at any time. You are always in control: if you decide you no longer want the subscription, you can cancel through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store account settings on your device. Once canceled, the subscription will not renew for the next period. You will still have access to the premium features until the end of the current paid month, after which your account will revert to the free version limitations.
• Payments and Billing: All subscription payments are handled through the respective app store platforms. We (Nextstapp UG) do not process your payment information directly and do not store any credit card or billing details. Google Play or Apple handle the transaction securely on their side, and we simply receive a notification that you have purchased or canceled a subscription (via RevenueCat, as mentioned above, which provides us the subscription status).
• Refunds: Any refund requests for subscriptions or in-app purchases are subject to the policies of the app store where you made the purchase. This means if you require a refund or have a billing issue, you will need to request it through Google or Apple support. We, as the developer, do not have the ability to issue refunds directly since all transactions are controlled by the app stores.
• By purchasing a subscription, you gain immediate access to the premium content (unlimited AI practice sessions, etc.). Please note that if you do not cancel at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing cycle, the subscription will auto-renew for the next month. The cost of renewal will be the same as the original price (unless we notify you of a change in price and you agree to it, or you cancel).
• We do not share any information about your subscription outside of the services needed to provide it (i.e., the app stores and RevenueCat for verification). Subscription status is treated as part of your app usage data and thus is anonymous from our perspective (we only see an anonymous user has a valid subscription, not who that user is).

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Terms of Use for "Learn German with Practice"

Introduction: These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Learn German with Practice mobile application (the "App") provided by Nextstapp UG (Haftungsbeschränkt) ("Nextstapp", "we", or "us"). By downloading or using the App, you agree to abide by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you should not use the App.

License to Use

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to install and use the App on your personal device for personal, non-commercial purposes only. This license is provided to you for your own individual learning use and is subject to your compliance with these Terms. You may not transfer this App to anyone else, resell the App, or make commercial use of it without our permission. Because this license is revocable, we reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to the App at our discretion if you violate these Terms or misuse the App.

Usage and Subscription Tiers

The App offers two usage tiers – a free tier and a subscription tier – with different levels of access to features:

• Free Users: If you are using the free version of the App (no subscription), you are allowed up to 3 AI-driven practice attempts per day. These attempts let you use the App’s AI to practice German a few times each day at no cost. After you have used your three daily free attempts, you will need to wait until the next day for more attempts, unless you choose to subscribe.
• Subscribers (Premium Users): If you purchase the monthly subscription, you become a premium user with the benefit of unlimited AI practice sessions. This means you can use the AI features as much as you want without a daily limit, along with any other premium features we may offer. A subscription is required to unlock these unlimited practice sessions and possibly additional content or advanced features. Both free and premium users have access to the basic learning content, but premium users enjoy the extended practice capability.

Purchases and Payments

All subscriptions and any in-app purchases are managed through the official app stores (Google Play Store for Android devices or Apple App Store for iOS devices). When you subscribe or make a purchase, you will be prompted to pay through the respective store’s payment system. We do not directly handle your payment information – all billing is processed by Google or Apple. Ensure that you abide by your app store’s payment terms and that your payment information is up to date to avoid interruptions. If you need to cancel or modify your subscription, you must do so through the app store’s subscription management settings. (For example, on Google Play, you would go to your account’s subscriptions section; on iOS, you would go to your Apple ID subscriptions settings.) Any issues with payment, billing failures, or refund requests should be addressed through Google or Apple support, as those are the platforms that process your transactions.

Prohibited Uses

When using the App, you agree not to engage in any activities that are illegal, improper, or violate the rights of Nextstapp or others. Specifically, you must NOT:

• Reverse Engineer or Tamper: You must not attempt to reverse-engineer, decompile, disassemble, or hack the App, its software, or any of its features. Any attempt to access the App’s source code or to bypass security measures is strictly prohibited.
• Unauthorized Use: You must not use the App in any way that is not authorized by these Terms. This includes not using the App to transmit any harmful or offensive content, not using any automated systems (bots) to interact with the App beyond its intended use, and not attempting to disrupt the normal operation of the App (for example, by deliberately overloading the system or introducing viruses).
• Violation of Laws: You must not use the App to engage in any activity that violates any applicable laws or regulations. You are responsible for ensuring that your use of the App complies with all laws that apply to you (for instance, regarding content you input into the App’s AI, you should not use it for unlawful purposes).
• Resale or Commercial Use: You may not rent, sell, sublicense, or lease the App or access to the App to any other person. The App is for your personal use only. Any commercial exploitation of the App or its content without permission is not allowed.

Intellectual Property

All content, materials, and features provided within the App are the intellectual property of Nextstapp UG or its licensed partners. This includes (but is not limited to) the App’s design, text, graphics, logos, the software code, and all content generated by the App’s AI during your practice sessions. The Learn German with Practice name and Nextstapp UG’s logos and branding are also protected by intellectual property laws. You are granted a right to use these materials only as part of using the App in accordance with these Terms. You do not obtain any ownership rights over any part of the App or its content by using the App or by purchasing a subscription. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any part of the App or its content, except as permitted by us in writing or as allowed under law for personal, non-commercial use. If you wish to share something from the App (for example, a particular exercise or result), ensure that it’s for personal use or commentary and that you attribute it appropriately. Unauthorized use of our intellectual property is a breach of these Terms and may also violate copyright, trademark, or other laws.

Disclaimer of Warranties

The App is provided to you "as is" and "as available." While we strive to provide a high-quality learning experience, Nextstapp UG makes no warranties or guarantees of any kind about the App. We do not guarantee that the App or its content will meet your expectations, or that it will always be available, error-free, or uninterrupted. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, regarding the App and its operation. This includes, but is not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, and any warranty that might arise from a course of dealing or usage of trade. We do not warrant that the information or results you obtain from the App (for example, feedback from the AI or learning progress) will be accurate or reliable for your specific purposes. You assume all risk for any use of the App and any reliance on results or information provided through it. No oral or written information or advice given by Nextstapp UG or any authorized representative shall create any warranty. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties, so some of these disclaimers may not apply to you. However, in such cases we still only provide the App to the extent lawfully possible with limited warranty.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Nextstapp UG (Haftungsbeschränkt) and its representatives, officers, employees, and partners will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages that result from or relate to your use of (or inability to use) the App. This includes any loss of data, loss of progress, personal injury, harm to device, or any other damages or losses, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event shall our total liability to you for all claims arising under or relating to these Terms or the App exceed the amount you have paid to us for the App or any subscriptions in the last twelve (12) months, or if you have not made any payments, then zero dollars/euros. This limitation applies regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise. We provide educational content and exercises, but you are solely responsible for how you use the App and for any results. If you are dissatisfied with the App or any of its content, your sole remedy is to stop using it or cancel your subscription. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you in its entirety – in such cases, our liability is limited to the greatest extent permitted by law.

Changes to Terms

Nextstapp UG reserves the right to modify or update these Terms of Use at any time. If we make material changes to the Terms, we will provide notice to users in an appropriate manner, such as via an in-app notification or via an update note on the App’s store listing. It is your responsibility to review any updated Terms when we notify you of changes. By continuing to use the App after any changes to these Terms become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the new Terms, you must stop using the App. We may also update the App itself periodically, and the continued use of updated versions will still be subject to the then-current Terms.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms of Use and any dispute or claim arising from your use of the App are governed by the laws of Germany, without regard to its conflict of law principles. You agree that any disputes will be resolved exclusively in the courts of Berlin, Germany. If you are a consumer residing in the European Union or another jurisdiction with mandatory consumer protection laws, you may have the benefit of any applicable provisions of law that are required to apply to your locale, but in all cases, the governing law will be German law to the extent not overridden by such consumer protections. By using the App, you consent to the jurisdiction of the Berlin courts for any legal action arising out of or relating to the App or these Terms.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about these Terms of Use or the App itself, please contact Nextstapp UG. You can reach us using the contact details provided below (same as in the Privacy Policy):

Nextstapp UG (Haftungsbeschränkt)
Representative: Serdar Degirmenci
Address: Heilmannring 14, 13627 Berlin, Germany
Mobile Phone: +49 178 616 65 81
(You may also use the contact options provided in the app store or within the App to get in touch with us.)

By using the "Learn German with Practice" App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. If you do not agree with any part of the above policies or terms, please refrain from using the App.