English Vocabulary Learning
Welcome to the vocabulary collection! Each page contains carefully curated words and phrases with examples, usage notes, and German translations where helpful.
Vocabulary by Theme
Business & Work
Essential vocabulary for professional contexts: workplace terms, business expressions, and formal language.
Expressions & Idioms
Common phrases and idioms that native speakers use daily. Master these to sound more natural!
Descriptive & Emotional
Vivid adjectives, emotional verbs, and powerful descriptive language to enrich your expression.
How to Use This Resource
Learning Strategy:
- Read examples aloud — pronunciation + memory work together
- Write your own sentences — active use beats passive recognition
- Note German equivalents — but avoid direct translation (context matters!)
- Practice in context — use new words in real conversations or writing
- Review regularly — spaced repetition is key to retention
Quick Reference
| Category | Word Count | Level | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business & Work | 15+ | Intermediate-Advanced | Professional communication |
| Expressions & Idioms | 20+ | Intermediate-Advanced | Natural speech patterns |
| Descriptive & Emotional | 18+ | Intermediate-Advanced | Vivid expression |
Study Tips
Active vs. Passive Vocabulary
Passive: Words you recognize when reading/listening
Active: Words you can use confidently in speaking/writing
The goal is to move words from passive → active through repeated use and practice!
Context is King
Don't memorize isolated words! Notice:
- What words appear together? (collocations: "take action", "rise sharply")
- What register? (formal/informal, written/spoken)
- What nuance? (positive/negative connotations)
The 80/20 Rule
Focus on high-frequency words and phrases first. A few well-used expressions beat dozens of obscure words you'll never use.
Suggested Learning Path
Week 1: Business Basics
- Read through Business & Work
- Pick 5 words/phrases that are relevant to your work or studies
- Write one paragraph using at least 3 of them
- Try to use them in a real conversation or email
Week 2: Natural Expression
- Explore Expressions & Idioms
- Choose 3-5 expressions that feel useful
- Notice when native speakers use them (YouTube, podcasts, etc.)
- Practice using them in casual contexts
Week 3: Rich Description
- Study Descriptive & Emotional
- Replace generic words (nice, good, bad) with precise alternatives
- Describe something you saw today using 3+ new words
- Keep a vocabulary journal — write one sentence per day