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I. General
“How do I learn how to learn?” – In this introduction, you will discover how to learn more effectively and holistically.
Even learning itself needs to be learned. Therefore, below you will find some recommendations that, based on my experience, have proven to be helpful for most language learners in practice. Naturally, every language learner is different, and everyone has different goals, as well as varying amounts of time and money at his disposal. Hence, not all language learning tips will be equally suitable for everyone.
In general, it is better to break down the learning material into several smaller “portions” rather than trying to learn everything in one exhausting, massive study session.
Whenever possible, engage all your senses while learning: listen to new vocabulary and example sentences (by reading aloud, listening to CDs/MP3s/videos/podcasts/streams, or having a native speaker read them to you), read them, write them down (in a vocabulary notebook, on flashcards, in an Excel/Calc spreadsheet, or in a practice notebook), and “feel” them (use gestures, facial expressions, role-playing, speaking in front of a mirror, dancing or singing along to foreign-language songs).
Don’t let seemingly “wasted” time, or time not originally intended for language learning, pass by without purpose. Always have an MP3 player/smartphone (for example, with lesson texts from your textbooks), a vocabulary notebook (or flashcards), or a foreign-language book with you. This way, you can make good use of time spent on train rides or waiting in offices or at the doctor’s. Even frustrating train delays may be easier to endure when you know you’ve used that time productively for language learning.
Regularly apply your language skills, preferably with native speakers. Take every opportunity to use your newly acquired, improving, or refreshed language skills actively or at least passively outside of class. Passively, for instance, by watching TV shows, online videos, or reading magazines and newspapers in your target language, and actively by conversing with native speakers in the respective country or at universities, at work, at international events, or in restaurants, clubs, and discos run by or catering to foreigners. If you don’t have the chance to converse with native speakers, arrange regular meetings with other foreign language students who are also learning the same language and use it together – even if it involves making mistakes.
II. Vocabulary and grammar are both important – but which one is “more important”?
No question: If you want to master a foreign language very well, read literature in that language, understand complex films, or even work in a "sophisticated" foreign-language environment or study at a university in the language you have learned, you must undoubtedly have both an excellent vocabulary and profound knowledge of grammar.
Of course, vocabulary and grammar are generally interconnected, and a good vocabulary learner will ideally always learn (some) grammar alongside, such as learning the correct article and plural form with a German, Arabic, or Spanish noun. Optimally, he will also learn words in context (e.g., "die Schule besuchen" – "to attend school"; "am Kurs teilnehmen" – "to attend the course"; "von jemandem geliebt werden" – "to be loved by someone"), as well as many important complete sentences and phrases ("Ich heiße ..." – "My name is..."; "Wie ist Ihr Name?" – "What is your name?"; "Wie geht es Ihnen?" – "How are you?"; "Ich bin von Beruf..." – "I work as..."). In this way, if you learn vocabulary correctly, you also automatically "pick up" some grammar along the way.
But if you are struggling more with one of the two areas (vocabulary or grammar), or if you want or need to achieve your learning goal quickly and must prioritise either vocabulary acquisition or grammar, which should you prioritise?
In the discussion about the importance of vocabulary and grammar in foreign language learning, an increasing number of studies suggest that a large, solid vocabulary is often more crucial for communication than perfect grammar. This is because an extensive vocabulary allows learners to understand and convey meanings, even if the grammar is not entirely correct. The figures that support this vary depending on the study and language skill level, but there are some concrete data that illustrate how significant a large vocabulary is.
For example, studies show that vocabulary accounts for 50 to 70% of language proficiency, while grammar plays a less dominant role. This distribution is often referred to as the rough rule of thumb of 60% vocabulary to 40% grammar.
(Transparent Blogs: https://blogs.transparent.com/language-news/2013/11/25/5-reasons-why-language-learners-should-acquire-more-vocabulary/
Text Inspector: https://textinspector.com/vocabulary-in-language-learning/
Vocabulary forms the foundation upon which all other linguistic skills are built. Without sufficient vocabulary, one cannot speak or understand, even if one has perfect grammar. Conversely, with a large vocabulary and simple grammatical structures, communication is often much more effective.
Vocabulary as the core of language competence
Research also shows that learning vocabulary often leads to faster progress in language competence. It emphasizes that both the breadth (the number of known words) and the depth of vocabulary (knowledge of different meanings and usage in context) are crucial for understanding and producing language. Even if grammar is not perfect, learners can communicate relatively successfully with a good vocabulary, which is much more challenging if the focus is solely on grammar without sufficient or good vocabulary.
(Frontiers: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2023.1210640/full
SpringerOpen:
https://sfleducation.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40862-018-0062-2)
Efficiency in language acquisition
A meta-analysis on foreign language learning also shows that vocabulary learning through various methods, such as reading or audiovisual media, is often more effective than pure grammar exercises. For example, the regular repetition and processing of words lead to a more sustainable learning effect, while "dry" grammar rule learning without sufficient vocabulary knowledge does not always result in practical progress.
(SpringerOpen: https://sfleducation.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40862-018-0062-2)
Practical application
In real-world communication, people who know many words but speak more grammatically incorrectly tend to have better chances of being understood than those who speak grammatically correct but with a limited vocabulary. Therefore, it is often recommended to focus on vocabulary first and gradually refine grammar.
(Springer: https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-58542-0_42-1)
In summary, many studies suggest that efficient vocabulary learning often has a more significant impact on communicative ability in a foreign language than a strict or prioritized focus on grammar. This makes vocabulary especially important for learners, as it forms the foundation for comprehension and expression in the target language.
In short: Vocabulary and grammar are both very important, but it is more sensible in language acquisition to focus first on building a solid vocabulary, especially in the early stages of learning.
III. Vocabulary learning
Efficient vocabulary learning is a key factor in successfully acquiring a foreign language. There are different methods that work better depending on the learning style. In this text, I will present six common approaches and provide tips on how to not only learn words individually but also in context. I will also present repetition techniques to you that support the learning process in the long term.
1. Vocabulary Learning with a Vocabulary Notebook
The vocabulary notebook is a traditional yet highly effective method. The classic layout of a vocabulary notebook consists of two columns: on the left, you write the vocabulary in the foreign language, and on the right, the corresponding translation in your native language.
Advantages of this method:
Handwritten learning: Writing by hand often helps anchor the vocabulary better in memory.
Clear structure: The defined columns make it easy to keep an overview.
Personalisation: You can make additional notes, such as example sentences or pronunciation tips.
Tips for learning with a vocabulary notebook:
Write words in context: Along with individual words, jot down short sentences or phrases to understand how the vocabulary is used. For example: run – laufen: He runs every morning – Er läuft jeden Morgen.
Regular repetition: Divide the notebook into learning sections and review old entries before learning new vocabulary.
Manageable quantities: Set yourself a daily goal, such as 10 new words, and review them after a set period (e.g., after a day, a week, a month).
2. Vocabulary Learning with Flashcards
Flashcards are a flexible and proven tool. On the front of the card, write the word in the foreign language, and on the back, the translation in your native language.
Advantages of this method:
Mobility: You can easily transport the cards and review them anytime.
Spaced repetition: With the flashcard system, you can optimise the intervals between repetitions. Popular methods like the Leitner system categorise cards according to how well you know them, ensuring they are reviewed at set intervals.
Active recall: Flipping the cards forces you to actively search for the answer, which reinforces memory retention.
Tips for learning with flashcards:
Create thematic sets: Group the cards by themes, such as “food,” “travel,” “work,” to learn them within a meaningful context.
Use example sentences: On the back of the card, not only write the translation but also an example sentence. This helps you learn how the word fits into sentence structure. For instance, to buy – kaufen: I need to buy some groceries – Ich muss Lebensmittel kaufen.
Targeted repetition: Use the flashcard system so that harder cards are reviewed more frequently, while easier ones are reviewed at longer intervals.
3. Vocabulary Learning with Digital Apps (e.g., Anki)
Digital learning apps like Anki use the principle of “spaced repetition,” which is scientifically proven to enhance learning. The app focuses on repeating vocabulary at increasing intervals, depending on how well you already know the word.
Advantages of this method:
Automated repetition: The app automatically calculates when each card should be reviewed.
Varied learning formats: You can integrate not just vocabulary but also images, audio examples, and even full sentences.
Synchronisation across devices: You have access to your learning progress anytime, anywhere.
Tips for digital vocabulary learning:
Integrate full sentences: Don’t just input individual words, but also idiomatic phrases and typical sentence constructions. For example: to call someone – jemanden anrufen: I will call you later – Ich rufe dich später an.
Regular usage: Make sure to use the app regularly; otherwise, the learning rhythm will be disrupted.
Set daily goals: Anki allows you to define daily learning goals, such as 20 new cards per day. This helps maintain continuity in the learning process.
4. Vocabulary Learning with Excel Spreadsheets
For tech-savvy learners, an Excel spreadsheet can be an excellent solution. You can systematically organize your vocabulary and their translations, and update the list anytime or export it as a PDF to use on the go.
Advantages of this method:
Customisation: You can design the table to suit your needs, such as adding columns for example sentences or grammatical notes.
Digital learning: Excel spreadsheets can be synchronised across your smartphone, tablet, or laptop and used anywhere.
Combining with other tools: The tables can also be imported into learning apps like Quizlet for additional practice.
Tips for learning with Excel spreadsheets:
Categorise: Organise your vocabulary by themes, such as “business,” “leisure,” or “travel.”
Use colour-coding: Highlight vocabulary that you find particularly difficult so you can review them more often.
Use links: You can add hyperlinks to audio recordings or online dictionaries to quickly access pronunciations or more detailed explanations.
5. Audio Vocabulary Training via Smartphone
Here is
how it works:
Take your phone,
a voice recorder, or your computer with a microphone, and record
the vocabulary as follows: First, say the word in the foreign
language (for
example, German if you're learning German). Then, leave a short pause
so that when you listen to the recording later, you have time to
think about the translation. After that, speak the translation
in your native
language. Do this
for all the words you want to learn. Don’t forget to save the
recording at the end! Now you can start: Play the recording, listen
to the foreign word, and use the pause to think about the
translation.
Advantage: With headphones, you can learn anytime
and anywhere, even while on the go.
6. The Sticky Note Method
Materials:
Sticky notes
(Post-its), pen
Here’s how it works: Write
down each foreign
word you want to
learn, along with its translation in your native language, on a
sticky note. Find a suitable place in your home to stick the note.
For example, if you want to learn the word "Spiegel" in
English, write "Spiegel" and "mirror" on the note
and stick it on a
mirror. Every time
you see the mirror, you will also see the word. This way, you not
only learn the spelling but can also practice the pronunciation by
saying the word out loud. You can apply this method to other objects
like tables, chairs, televisions, doors, or windows to help memorize
the vocabulary more effectively.
General Tips for Efficient Vocabulary Learning
Learn in context: It’s important to learn individual vocabulary, but it’s even more effective to use them in sentences, phrases, and idiomatic expressions. This helps you not only understand the meaning but also the correct usage in conversation. For example: to break the ice – das Eis brechen: At the party, I told a joke to break the ice.
When learning – for example, when it comes to German as a foreign language –, always make sure to learn the grammatical gender (genus) of a new noun. For example: 'der Mann' (the man), 'die Frau' (the woman), 'das Kind' (the child).
Repetition is key: Learn in small units and review them regularly. The most effective method is to review “old” vocabulary before learning new words. This strengthens long-term memory.
Take breaks and vary your learning: Plan targeted breaks between learning sessions to help consolidate what you’ve learnt. Alternate between different methods (notebook, cards, apps) to make the learning process more varied.
Conclusion
Efficient vocabulary learning requires regular practice and a combination of different methods. Whether you use a vocabulary notebook, flashcards, digital apps, or Excel spreadsheets, it largely depends on personal preference. However, it is important not to learn vocabulary in isolation, but to use it in context and systematically review it. This way, you won’t just retain the words temporarily but will embed them in your long-term memory.