Read short stories in a new language from day one

Frequently asked questions

How the stories work

Can I start with no knowledge of the language?

Yes. That's what A0 is for: very short sentences, everyday words, and a lot of repetition. A1 then adds more everyday words and simple joined sentences.

What is the A0 level?

A0 is Stichos's own level for early beginners, just below the CEFR's first level, A1. Stories use sentences of three to five words, in the present tense, with everyday words and a lot of repetition. You can start reading on day one, before you study any grammar.

Are Stichos levels the same as CEFR levels?

Not exactly. Stichos levels use the familiar CEFR names, from A0 to B2, and are modeled on the CEFR (the Common European Framework of Reference), so a Stichos B1 is meant to feel close to a B1 in your course book. They aren't an official CEFR rating, and different books and exams draw the lines in slightly different places. A0 is our own addition, just below the framework's first level.

How closely does Stichos keep to the verb tenses for my level?

Each level has its own grammar limits. At A1, for example, stories in most languages use the present and a first past form (such as the French passé composé or the German Perfekt) but leave out conditionals, the subjunctive, and subordinate clauses, so you should rarely meet structures beyond your chosen level. The stories are written with AI, so an occasional slip is possible.

Are the stories written by AI, and how accurate are they?

Yes. Stories are generated by AI and then checked by further automated steps against the grammar and vocabulary rules for your level. That catches most problems, but it isn't a human editor, so an occasional unnatural phrase or slip can get through. Treat Stichos as practice material, and check anything you're unsure of with a teacher or a reference.

Are the stories translated from English?

No. Each story is written directly in the language you're learning, within your level's limits. A text translated from English tends to carry over English word order and idioms.

Why not just use ChatGPT or generic AI tools to write stories?

General AI chatbots can write a story, but a plain prompt doesn't hold a level. They can slip in tenses, cases, or idioms a beginner hasn't met, and a beginner can't spot the mistakes. Stichos writes each story to your level's grammar and vocabulary, and checks every line automatically before you see it.

How is Stichos different from apps like Duolingo or LingQ?

Course apps like Duolingo teach words and phrases in short lessons. Reading apps like LingQ let you import real-world text to read. Stichos writes a new story at your level every time, so you meet the words you've learned in context.

Does Stichos teach grammar, or is it reading practice?

Mostly reading. Stichos doesn't stop to teach grammar tables. Each level uses a set range of grammar, so you meet the same patterns again and again in new stories, and you can tap any word to see what it means in that sentence. It works well alongside a course or a tutor for the explanations.

Reading

Can I read stories with explanations in my own language?

Yes. Any of the 40 languages works with any other: read a Croatian story with explanations in French, or a German story with explanations in Spanish.

How does word lookup work while reading?

Tap or click any word for its meaning in that sentence, explained in your own language. With an account, you can save it to your Word Bank to review later, or look up any word there and pick the meaning you want.

Does Stichos support non-Latin scripts?

Yes. Each language appears in its own script: Greek, Cyrillic (Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian and others), Arabic script (Arabic, Persian), Hebrew and Korean Hangul, right to left where the language needs it. At A0 and A1, tapping a word for its meaning helps while you're still learning the letters.

Can I choose specific topics or themes for the stories?

In the preview, pick one of nine everyday topics, or Random. At launch, Learner Plus and Educator Studio let you name any topic, from history to science fiction, and the story still keeps to your level.

Do stories include audio or narration?

Story narration isn't part of the preview. At launch, the Premium Audio add-on reads every story aloud in a natural-sounding AI voice, in all 40 of our languages. Esperanto is read by Polish voices, so it has a Polish accent.

For tutors and teachers

Can teachers or tutors use Stichos for their students?

Yes. Tutors can try the A0 and A1 reader now and get 3 free sample stories (with a PDF) by joining the Reading List. At launch, Educator Studio adds word lists, tense controls, printable worksheets, and share links for your students.

Can I use Stichos with students under 18?

Not yet. Stichos is for adults 18 and over, including tutors and teachers, who can print stories to use with their own learners.

Do you offer C1–C2 texts or exam prep?

Not yet. Stichos covers A0 to B2. If your students need advanced texts, for C1 exam prep for example, email info@stichos.com and tell us what you teach, so we know what to build next.

The preview and the launch

Is the preview free, and what happens to my email?

Yes. The preview is free and needs no account. If you join the Reading List, we use your email to send your 3 free sample stories (PDF, after you confirm your address) and to let you know when we fully open. Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle it.

Will Stichos stay free after launch?

Yes, there will be a Free plan: 10 stories a month (up to 2 a day), levels A0 to B2. Learner Plus ($/€/£ 10 a month or $/€/£ 89 a year) adds more stories, exports, and a Word Bank with no word cap. Educator Studio ($/€/£ 19 a month or $/€/£ 179 a year) adds the tutor tools. Prices are shown in US dollars, euros and pounds (the euro and pound prices include VAT) and may change before launch.

When does the full version open?

We're aiming for later in 2026, once the full reader and Premium Audio are ready. Reading List members hear first, by email.

Do Reading List members get anything at launch?

Yes. The first 500 people to join the Reading List and confirm their email get their first month of Learner Plus (or Educator Studio, for tutors) free at launch, with Premium Audio included. We email you a personal code when Stichos opens. No card needed, and it doesn't renew. The full terms are on the founding member offer page.

Which levels can I read in the preview?

The preview covers A0 and A1, where the grammar limits are tightest. A2, B1 and B2 open at launch.

How long are the stories?

Preview stories are short on purpose: about 30 to 50 words at A0 and 70 to 100 at A1, usually 8 to 20 lines. Most readers finish one in a couple of minutes.

Can I export or print stories for offline reading?

In the preview, you can get 3 free sample stories as a PDF by joining the Reading List. At launch, Learner Plus and Educator Studio add PDF and EPUB exports, for printing and for e-readers like Kindle or Kobo.

Is the reader accessible?

The reader is built with high contrast, adjustable text size, and screen readers in mind. Our Accessibility page has the details, and we welcome reports of anything that gets in your way.

What do you keep when I make a story without an account?

No name and no email. To keep the free daily limit fair, we store a scrambled code made from your connection and device, never the address itself, and delete it within a few days. A story that passes our quality checks may be kept, with nothing that identifies you, as a sample for other readers. Analytics run only if you allow them in the cookie banner.