A progressive translation is a story told mostly in English, with foreign words introduced gradually. You learn new vocabulary simply by reading, without flashcards or stopping to study.

No — these books are designed for complete beginners. You’ll pick up new words through repetition and context.

Foreign words appear in bold italics, with an English meaning the first time they appear. As you read, the number of foreign words slowly increases, and recognition becomes automatic.

On average, you will learn 1-2 new words per page. This means that in a typical 200 page novel, you will be introduced to about 300 distinct foreign words. Each of these words is repeated numerous times so that you learn by repeated exposure.

We generally do not alter the underlying English grammar or sentence structure. When a foreign word appears, it’s chosen so it fits naturally into the meaning of the sentence without changing how the English works. Our goal is to keep the story smooth and readable while giving you gentle exposure to the new language.

We currently publish Dutch and German editions. Additional languages are in development.

You should choose a book that you will enjoy reading. Being invested in the story is the best way to stay motivated.

While there is overlap in the vocabulary introduced in each book, there are also unique words introduced in each. But more importantly, you’ll find that repeated exposure in multiple books will really reinforce what you are learning.

No. These are full, unabridged classics adapted to support beginner language learners.

Although we approach every NoveLang edition with care and precision, it’s important to remember that blending two languages inside a single narrative is never an exact science. Even when we maintain the English word order to support beginners, the structure of each sentence must still reconcile two linguistic systems that naturally handle meaning in different ways.

Because of these challenges, you may occasionally notice a translation that feels imperfect or not fully aligned with how a native speaker might express the idea in a fully translated version. These moments are not errors so much as compromises — deliberate decisions intended to protect the learner’s experience. Our goal is always the same: to make the foreign words feel approachable, recognizable, and memorable, without disrupting the flow of the story.

Just read normally. Don’t stop to memorize. Your understanding grows naturally as you meet each new word in context.

Not by itself — but it’s a great way to build vocabulary, reading flow, and confidence. Many readers pair these books with apps, classes, or tutoring.

Print editions are available now. Digital formats are in development.

Yes — teachers and groups can contact us for special pricing.