How to learn new words with ease: 6 tips

Tips for learning vocabulary

It’s fun when you have the right vocabulary ready at the right moment, isn’t it? Whether you’re on vacation, on the job, or even just learning vocabulary, it’s cool to know it. We’re going to show you a refreshing way to learn vocabulary easily and effectively in your everyday life.

1. Connect words to your life. How? Think of a specific situation in your everyday life. How could you use the word? Would it be practical to know it? What would you say? If you associate words with specific situations, it will be easier for you to remember them.
2. Use your muscles. The phenomenon is called massive muscle memory. Scientists have discovered that muscle movements can support memory. What gesture would match the word? It needs to be an exaggerated, powerful gesture. Say the new vocabulary word out loud and make the gesture to go with it. Repeat it several times and do it so over the top that it makes you laugh. I guarantee you won’t forget the vocabulary.
3. Use visual aids. Use learning aids like flashcards or picture cards to learn vocabulary. This has helped me personally (I’m a very visual learner). What picture can you think of for the word? Can you draw it? (It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece 😉) Just thinking about a picture to match the word is an excellent exercise for your brain. And if you can also draw it – perfect! With every stroke you put on paper, the word becomes more deeply imprinted. I know this from personal experience.
4. Use similarities. Does the new word have any similarities to one you already know? Maybe it rhymes? Or does it sound similar in any way? Does it remind you of a word you already know? Then use that! This is a brilliant memory aid for the brain.
5. Keep it short. Spread vocabulary learning over several short bursts rather than one long one. It’s best to plan short daily sessions to review words. The consistency will make the difference, not the length.
6. Make it fun. Make learning vocabulary a fun experience. This also works great with children! Learning games, quizzes, competitions with friends or family – you’ll find that the competitive spirit motivates you (and them too 😊).
7. Less is more. Set realistic goals and don’t expect too much from yourself. Concentrate on a manageable number of new words. The brain hates feeling overwhelmed, and it hates boring cramming. But anything that is manageable and doable triggers positive emotions in the brain. And these create an optimal learning atmosphere.

Put the tips into practice and watch as you master new vocabulary with ease and become more comfortable in your new language. Good luck on your language journey!

Which app is the best for learning vocabulary? 

I’ve tested many apps. Here are three very good apps for vocabulary learning:

Many apps use spaced repetition to learn vocabulary easily and quickly. This approach is ideal for our memory because vocabulary is repeated just before it is forgotten.

The principle is simple: You learn a new word and repeat it shortly after. Then you repeat it again, but this time after a slightly longer period. With each successful repetition, the interval until the next repetition increases. This keeps the vocabulary fresh in your memory and anchors it in your long-term memory.

Regardless of which app you choose, using the spaced repetition method is helpful for learning vocabulary effectively and retaining it in your memory long term. Why not combine this method with other learning techniques? Over time, you’ll find out what works best for you. And the best thing is that you will continuously improve your vocabulary and be able to remember the right words at the right moment more often.