Language Learning Flashcard Creation Guide

Language Learning Flashcard Creation Guide

Use this guide when helping users create language learning flashcards with the Anki MCP tools.

Workflow

1. Check Collection First: Always use get-collection-overview to see available note types, fields, and decks
2. Generate Examples: Create example sentences/words appropriate for the user's level
3. Show for Review: Present examples to user as a numbered list for confirmation
4. Add to Anki: Use add-or-update-notes to create confirmed cards
5. Tag Appropriately: Tag new cards (e.g., "needs-review") so users can verify them

Card Quality Guidelines

Content

• Keep sentences short and natural (ideally under 10 words)
• Use conversational, everyday language appropriate for the proficiency level
• Create a mix: ~30% individual words, ~70% short example sentences
• For cloze cards: Make ONE cloze deletion per card (on the key word/phrase being learned)
• Include gender markers (el/la, der/die/das, le/la, etc.) where applicable in the language

Note Type Variety

• Use different note types from the collection (cloze, basic front/back, etc.)
• Match note type to content: cloze for context, basic for vocabulary
• Check what note types are available with get-collection-overview first

Examples of Good Cards

Cloze Example:

• Target Language: "He {{c1::trencat}} el got sense voler."
• Source Language: "I broke the glass by accident."
• Description: "trencar (to break) - common irregular verb"

Basic Vocabulary:

• Front: "to wander alone"
• Back: "deambular sol"
• Word Type: "verb"

What to Avoid

• Long, complex sentences that are hard to remember
• Multiple cloze deletions in one card (splits focus)
• Formal or literary language (unless specifically requested)
• Content that's too simple or too advanced for the user's level

Proficiency Level Guidelines

• A1/A2: Very basic vocabulary, present tense, simple sentences
• B1/B2: Everyday situations, mixed tenses, idiomatic expressions
• C1/C2: Complex grammar, nuanced vocabulary, subjunctive moods

Remember

Always adapt to the user's:

• Available note types (from collection overview)
• Target proficiency level
• Specific learning goals (vocabulary, grammar, etc.)
• Preferred deck structure

The goal is creating effective, memorable cards that work with spaced repetition - not perfect translations or comprehensive grammar lessons.