dict.cc

Overview

dict.cc is a translation dictionary backed by volunteer contributions, with browser lookup and mobile apps that work offline. It suits readers who want a free, community-maintained reference across many languages; the main trade-off is that offline use is much better served on mobile than on desktop.

Founded in 2002, the service is made by dict.cc GmbH in Vienna. Its vocabulary credits include material from TU Chemnitz and Mr Honey's Business Dictionary. For more options, browse Online Dictionaries.

Key features

Lookup with pronunciation and examples

Translation lookup is supported by audio pronunciation and usage examples, useful when a reader needs more than a bare equivalent. The site covers 26 languages, with pages for combinations including English-German and English-French.

Community-maintained vocabulary

Users can suggest, correct, and confirm translations, and corrections are open even to people without an account. That participation can help keep entries responsive to community input, but readers who prefer a centrally managed editorial process may want a different kind of reference.

Offline use and integration

The iPhone, iPad, and Android apps provide the complete vocabulary offline, making them the strongest option for travel or use without a connection. Desktop users do not get dict.cc's own offline software; they can download the vocabulary database as a text file for personal use instead. A download page also offers a third-party dictionary plugin for Mac OS X 10.5 and later, with separate downloads for 10.5 and 10.6.

For other websites, dict.cc provides code for a search field and an iframe-based translation box, both free to integrate. It does not offer an API, and automated or server-side parsing is not allowed, so it is a poor fit for software teams seeking programmatic access.

Pricing

The dict.cc web dictionary costs nothing and allows private and business use in a browser. The pricing model is freemium, and a 7-day trial is noted, but the mobile apps' pricing and trial terms are not established here. The free browser option is a straightforward fit for casual lookup; readers needing offline access should use the mobile apps, while desktop users must work with the downloadable text file rather than a dedicated PC product.

Platforms

dict.cc is available on the web, Android, iOS, and macOS. Its mobile apps support offline vocabulary. On desktop, downloadable vocabulary data is offered for personal use, and the listed Mac OS X plugin is third-party rather than dict.cc's own offline software.

Who it's for

dict.cc is a good fit for people who regularly look up translations, value pronunciation and examples, or want to help improve a shared dictionary. Mobile users who need offline access get the most complete offline option. It is less suitable for anyone who needs maker-provided desktop offline software, an API, or automated querying.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free browser use for private and business purposes makes routine translation lookup accessible without a paid plan.
• Pros: Complete offline vocabulary in the iPhone, iPad, and Android apps supports use away from a connection.
• Pros: Audio pronunciation, examples, and community corrections add useful context and participation beyond simple lookup.
• Cons: No maker-provided offline PC software; desktop users must download and use a text-file database themselves.
• Cons: No API, with automated and server-side parsing disallowed, limits integration into software workflows.
• Cons: A third-party Mac plugin is listed for older Mac OS X versions, not as a native dict.cc desktop app.

Alternatives

Choose MDBG Chinese Dictionary when Chinese dictionary and learning tools are the priority; its free online dictionary and learning tools are available free of charge, alongside a Chinese Reader Preview Edition listed as free.

ABBYY Lingvo is another freemium dictionary option for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.

GoldenDict is worth considering when a desktop dictionary application is the priority: its Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows version is free under GNU GPLv3+, with dictionary content downloaded separately.

Linguee is a free alternative for readers seeking a dictionary across Android, iOS, and the web.

Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries suits readers focused on learner dictionaries; free online access includes the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary and Oxford Advanced American Dictionary, plus a Text Checker and word lists.

The Free Dictionary is an alternative when broader reference material is useful, including multiple dictionaries, a thesaurus, encyclopedias, and translation content on its free website.

WordWeb is a freemium option for Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS, with its free Windows version subject to licensing terms.

Cambridge Dictionary is another free online option, with +Plus word lists and quizzes among its offerings.

Verdict

Choose dict.cc for free translation lookup with community-maintained entries, pronunciation, examples, and complete offline vocabulary on mobile. Its clearest advantage is that mobile offline access does not depend on a connection; look elsewhere if you need a dedicated desktop offline app or programmatic access.