dict.cc vs Van Dale Online

dict.cc is an online dictionary for looking up translations across language pairs, including English-German and English-French. The web dictionary is free for private and business use. Its vocabulary is maintained by volunteers, and users can suggest, correct, and confirm translations; correcting entries does not require registration. The maker says its Android and iPhone or iPad apps provide the complete vocabulary offline. The vocabulary database is also available as a downloadable text file for personal use. For Mac, the download page lists a third-party dictionary plugin for Mac OS X 10.5 and later, with separate downloads for 10.5 and 10.6. The FAQ provides code for adding a search field or an iframe translation box to another website. However, automated server-side parsing is not allowed, and the FAQ says no API is available or planned. The privacy page says cookies are used for settings, vocabulary lists, and login status; registered-user details, postings, and vocabulary trainer lists are stored permanently.

Van Dale Online provides access to online dictionaries for professionals, secondary and higher education, and NT2 learners. A search checks all available sources together, with further searching available within results. Van Dale says it continues to add words and improve definitions, translations, expressions and example sentences. The professional workspace brings dictionaries in major European languages and professional reference sources onto one screen. The school edition covers Dutch, English, French, German and Spanish, with spelling, meanings, translations, examples, idioms and grammatical explanations. Its school environment has no distracting advertisements and is described as a safe learning environment. The service runs on web, iOS and Android. The mobile app requires a Van Dale Online account and an internet connection; it does not let users download dictionaries. An account can be used on one mobile device at a time, although it can be installed on multiple devices. Eligible students and staff at participating Dutch higher education institutions can sign in through SURFconext without registering. Plans include a school licence at €3 a year and professional dictionary subscriptions at €19.80 a month or €198 a year.