To learn vocabulary easily, learn a few words at a time, always in both directions, by testing yourself and writing, and review them several times with spacing in between. You don't need an exceptional memory: you just need a good routine. Here's the one we recommend, for English, Spanish, German or any other language.
In short
- Small lists by topic (10 to 20 words).
- Test yourself in both directions: your language → the foreign language and the other way round.
- Write the words to lock in the spelling.
- Review a little every day, with spacing.
- Reuse the words in sentences.
1. Make short lists by topic
A word on its own is quickly forgotten. A word filed with its neighbors (the kitchen, the weather, emotions) is easier to recall. Keep lists of 10 to 20 words: enough to make progress, not enough to discourage you.
Remember to note what's tricky: the article (der, die, das in German), gender, an irregular plural, a false friend. For example: actually = "en fait" in French (not "actuellement", which means currently).
2. Learn in both directions
Knowing that the weather means "la météo" doesn't mean you'll be able to come up with it starting from French. Yet that's often what tests ask for, and what you need to speak. So test yourself:
- foreign language → your language : to understand;
- your language → foreign language : to express yourself. It's the hardest direction, and the most useful.
3. Test yourself, then write
Start with flashcards: you see the word, you think, you flip. Then move on to writing: you type the translation and check the spelling. Recognizing a word and knowing how to write it are two different things, and the second one is what counts in a written test.
In MemoCard.io, that's what Learn mode is for: every answer is checked, and several answers can be accepted (dog or the dog, for example).
4. Review a little every day
Ten minutes a day is better than an hour on Sunday. Go over a new list the next day, then a few days later, then the following week. That's spaced repetition, and it's what moves words into long-term memory.
5. Reuse the words
A word you use is a word that stays. A few ideas:
- write three sentences about your day using the week's words;
- say them out loud, for pronunciation;
- spot them in a TV series, a song or an article.
Sample routine for a 20-word list
| Day | Activity | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Create the list, flashcards in both directions | 10 min |
| Day 2 | Writing (your language → foreign language) | 8 min |
| Day 4 | Flashcards on the words you missed, then writing | 8 min |
| Day 7 | Write out the whole list, three sentences | 10 min |
| Day 15 | Quick refresher | 5 min |
Your vocabulary list, in your pocket: flashcards, writing and scheduled reviews with MemoCard.io, free on iPhone and Android.
Tips for parents
Quizzing your child out loud is still useful, as long as you ask in the direction your language → foreign language and have them write the difficult words. TheMemoCard.io PDF export lets you print the list for that. More ideas on our page for parents.
Frequently asked questions
How many vocabulary words should I learn per day?
Between 5 and 20 new words, depending on the time you have, while also reviewing the old ones. Beyond that, you forget faster than you learn.
Should I learn words on their own or in sentences?
Both. The word on its own to memorize it quickly (flashcards), the sentence to know how to use it. Add an example on the back for difficult words.
What's the best app for learning vocabulary?
The one you use every day. Look for an app that makes you test yourself, checks your spelling and spaces out your reviews. Our flashcard app comparison can help you choose.