Make German Vocabulary Stick with Spaced Repetition
Have you ever found yourself learning new German words one day, only to forget them the next? You’re not alone. Research shows that we forget nearly 75% of new information within a week if we don’t review it regularly—a phenomenon known as the Forgetting Curve (Ebbinghaus, 1885).
The good news? There’s a science-backed way to transfer vocabulary into your long-term memory—without endless cramming. It’s called spaced repetition, and it’s a go-to method for polyglots and language learners around the world.
🔍 What Is Spaced Repetition (and Why Does It Work So Well)?
Spaced repetition involves reviewing words at carefully timed intervals—just before you’re about to forget them:
Learn a new word → Review after 1 day
Still remember it? → Review after 3 days
Still solid? → Review after 7 days
Forgotten it? → Start again with shorter intervals
Why it works: Your brain starts to see the word as important because it keeps showing up at just the right moment. This strengthens the memory and makes forgetting less likely.
📖 Digital or Handwritten? The Best of Both Worlds
Both methods have their advantages. The best strategy? Combine them!
✍️ Handwritten Techniques (Great for Deep Learning)
Studies show that writing by hand activates more areas of the brain than typing, helping words stick more effectively.
Notebook Method – Write down new words, example sentences, and short definitions.
Flashcards – One side: German word. Other side: translation + example sentence.
Mind Maps – Organise words by themes, associations, or grammar categories.
📱 Top Vocabulary Apps (Great for Speed & Flexibility)
Anki – AI-powered, highly customisable, ideal for serious learners.
Quizlet – Interactive quizzes, fun and user-friendly, but lacks spaced repetition algorithms.
Memrise – Engaging, with native speaker audio, though less flexible.
Drops – Visually appealing, excellent for visual learners, but light on grammar.
🔹 Pro tip: Start with handwritten notes to internalise the vocabulary, then use apps for ongoing review.
🧠 Smart Strategies to Maximise Retention
1️⃣ Group Words by Category
Avoid learning random words. Organise them by:
✅ Topic (e.g. Essen: Apfel, Brot, Käse)
✅ Grammatical gender (e.g. der Tisch, der Stuhl, der Schrank)
✅ Word families (e.g. schreiben, Beschreibung, Schrift)
2️⃣ Learn Words in Context
Memorising isolated words is tough. Context makes them stick.
🎙️ Say them aloud – Reinforces memory and improves pronunciation.
📖 Read them in context – Stories, dialogues, or articles help with retention.
🧠 Create a mind map – Visualise links between words, synonyms, or categories.
✍️ Write a short story – Personal or imaginative contexts deepen understanding.
💬 Use them in real life – Try slipping new words into conversations or journal entries.
💡 The secret? Mix and match methods to keep your learning dynamic and engaging.
3️⃣ Let AI Be Your Personal Language Coach
On-demand example sentences – Ask ChatGPT: “Give me 3 A2-level sentences with ‘verabreden’.”
Instant definitions & translations – Use tools like DeepL or Linguee.
Voice feedback – Use Speechling or Google Translate for pronunciation help.
Smart flashcards – Apps like Anki adjust to your learning pace and memory patterns.
🛠️ Troubleshooting: What If It’s Not Working?
❌ “I keep forgetting words, even with spaced repetition!”
✔️ Use them in full sentences.
✔️ Engage multiple senses—read, write, say, and hear the words.
❌ “I get bored reviewing vocabulary!”
✔️ Turn it into a game: crossword puzzles, memory cards, or ask your AI tutor to create mini-games.
✔️ Use the words in conversation—it’s far more fun than flashcards!
🚀 Your 7-Day Challenge: See It in Action
1️⃣ Choose 10 new German words today
2️⃣ Write them down and group them by theme
3️⃣ Add them to Anki, Quizlet, or Memrise
4️⃣ Use them in a sentence or AI-generated quiz
5️⃣ Stick to the spaced repetition schedule above
After one week, test yourself—how many can you still remember?
💬 I’d love to hear from you—what’s your favourite way to learn vocabulary?
Viel Erfolg und happy learning! 🚀
