How to learn vocabulary in a new language (and actually remember it)
Whether you're learning English, French, German or any other language, vocabulary is the foundation. You can't understand or say much without words. But writing a list ten times and hoping for the best isn't the way to learn them. Here's what works better.
1. Learn the most common words first
In most languages, a fairly small number of very common words make up a large share of what people say and write every day. Learning those first gives you the biggest payoff. Start with everyday words for people, places, food, time, numbers and common verbs before rare or specialised ones.
2. Learn words in context
A word on its own is hard to remember. A word in a sentence is easier, and teaches you how to use it.
- Instead of "apple – Apfel", learn "Ich esse einen Apfel" (I'm eating an apple).
- Write down the whole phrase where you met the word.
- Learn words in groups by topic: kitchen, school, weather, feelings.
3. Test yourself – in both directions
Don't just read your word list. Cover one side and try to recall the other:
- See the foreign word → say what it means.
- See the meaning → say the foreign word. (This is harder – and you need it to speak.)
This is active recall, and it works far better than re-reading.
4. Space your reviews
Review new words the same day, then a day or two later, then a week later. Words you keep forgetting should come back more often. Flashcard boxes (the Leitner method) or apps can do this for you. Spaced repetition explained · How to use flashcards.
5. Say it out loud
Saying a word – and hearing yourself say it – helps you remember it and gets you ready to speak. Listen to how native speakers pronounce it and copy them.
6. Use new words straight away
Write a short sentence with each new word. Use it in a message to a friend, a diary entry, or a conversation. Words you use are words you keep.
7. Read and listen a lot
Books, comics, songs, videos and podcasts in the language show you words again and again in real contexts. Choose things just a little above your level – you should understand most of it.
8. Make it personal and visual
Connect a word to a picture, a memory or something funny. A silly mental image linking the sound of the word to its meaning can make it stick. More memory techniques.
A little every day
Ten minutes a day beats an hour on the weekend. TONEC STUDY includes language subjects such as English, French and German alongside your other subjects – short questions with every answer explained.