What is an electronic dictionary
Unlike conventional printed dictionaries, the content of electronic dictionaries is available to you in digital form. You can access the content with several end devices – for example, with your PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. So you always have your dictionary to hand and can also look things up spontaneously.
Up until 1990, dictionaries were mainly in printed form, but the trend changed with the arrival of the CD-ROM. There are many electronic dictionaries and with UniLex, you can make the most of them. We enable quick searches in several dictionaries and terminology databases. That way, you are guaranteed to get the translations or definitions that you need at that moment.
What are the advantages of an electronic dictionary?
The classic printed dictionary is a thing of the past. There are too many advantages to the digital version, which is faster and more efficient to use.
You can expect a great search function, for example. Instead of spending ages leafing through a book to find a word, you can get to your desired term in seconds – meaning that the definition or translation you need is instantly available. As electronic dictionaries are not limited by the number of pages they have, the scope of information they can offer is also impressive. Example sentences help you understand the language and use the designations correctly.
A search allows you to look something up in several dictionaries at the same time. This way, you can find a wide range of information on the designation you are looking for with minimal effort. In addition to translations, this can also include extensive definitions. The integration of the Duden dictionaries means that etymological correlations, details of grammar and usage, and synonymous designations are also immediately visible.
Language is constantly evolving. With a well-maintained dictionary in electronic form, you can still stay up to date. Good dictionaries are constantly updated because, in many languages, thousands of new words are added or adapted every year.
How does UniLex differentiate itself from other online dictionaries?
UniLex is the name of Acolada’s dictionary series spanning several publishers. The application enables quick searches in several dictionaries and terminology databases. High-quality content is an important issue, especially for professional use. This is where the advantage of qualified dictionaries comes into play, as the publisher and the authors guarantee the accuracy and up-to-dateness of the information.
In terms of scope, there is no comparable dictionary platform in the German-speaking world. Dictionaries from more than 20 publishers can be searched with UniLex. These include all the prestigious German dictionary publishers such as Duden, Pons, and Langenscheidt and the leading publishers of specialist dictionaries such as C.H.Beck Verlag, Oscar Brandstetter Verlag, and BDÜ Fachverlag.
With explanations and definitions, UniLex dictionaries provide the necessary context for a good understanding, even when the subject matter is complicated. Supplementary information on the language area and a list of synonyms and antonyms make your authoring work easier and help you find the right translation. Where literal translations are not possible, we still ensure a satisfactory result by providing additional information.
Besides the extensive range of dictionaries, our application brings you other valuable advantages. Benefit from the option of integrating your own dictionaries and glossaries as databases. This way, you can easily incorporate the required terminology. UniLex is also easy to use directly in a wide range of CAT and research tools with an integrated web search.
Dictionary platform – the differences between the online and offline options
UniLex dictionaries can be used in different ways.
With the online subscription, you access the dictionary via a browser. You don’t need to install any software and can access it from any device with internet access. With this option, you pay an annual fee for the dictionary and receive new data automatically.
The UniLex Pro download version is installed on Windows operating systems (Windows 8 or higher). With this option, you acquire the current status of a dictionary for a one-off purchase price. If any data is updated, you must purchase an update if you want to use the new data.
We have set out the differences between the online and offline versions below:
Online dictionaries are subscription products and are released under the UniLex IDS software. Offline dictionaries are download products and use the UniLex Pro Windows platform. You can find the differences between these two options here.
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Many dictionaries are also available for the UniLex App for iPhone/iPad and Android. Dictionaries for the UniLex App for Android can be purchased here in the Acolada Shop. The iPhone/iPad app can be found in the App Store and you can purchase the dictionaries in the app as in-app purchases.
What types of dictionaries do we offer?
Our range of dictionaries covers all major subject areas and languages. With more than 100 qualified publications, UniLex offers you the most comprehensive platform for digital dictionaries in the German-speaking world. Are you looking for a specialist dictionary for law, technology, finance, biology, chemistry or economics? We have something for almost every area. For general vocabulary, we have large dictionaries covering the world’s most important and popular languages.
Due to the huge variety, we can support you in many areas with our dictionaries in electronic form. These include the translation process, terminology work and authoring work.
How to find the right dictionary
In the Acolada Shop, you can find dictionaries in various ways. You can enter the author or title as a search term.
Alternatively, you can search in specific language combinations, subject areas or publishers. To do this, limit the search to the relevant languages, subject areas or publishers from which the content originates. Select the desired categories and press the “Filter” button. Your current filters will be displayed in the search at the top and can be easily deleted again by clicking on the cross on the right side of the filter.
The desired dictionary platform can also be selected, because there are dictionaries that are not available on all three platforms.