The 1000 most-used German words

About 1000 words cover 75% of everyday German speech. Master these first — everything else builds on top.

The 80/20 rule applies to language learning. A relatively small vocabulary covers the vast majority of everyday conversation. In German, around 1000 high-frequency words handle most of what you'll encounter in daily life — news, conversations, errands, and work.

This list is drawn from our A1 and A2 curriculum, which follows Goethe-Institut frequency priorities. Words are ordered by lesson sequence — earlier lessons introduce the most fundamental vocabulary. It's a reliable learning order, though not a formal corpus analysis.

1,000 words

TypeFlashcard
1 amon (days/times) preposition
2der Artikelarticle noun
3 Auf Wiedersehen!Goodbye! phrase
4 ausfrom, out of preposition
5der Automatmachine, vending machine noun
6der BankautomatATM noun
7das Bildpicture, image noun
8das Buchbook noun
9der Buchstabeletter (of the alphabet) noun
10 buchstabierento spell verb
11der Computercomputer noun
12 deutschGerman adjective
13 DeutschlandGermany noun
14der DienstagTuesday noun
15der DonnerstagThursday noun
16die Familiefamily noun
17 femininfeminine adjective
18die Fragequestion noun
19 fragento ask verb
20der FreitagFriday noun
21 glaubento believe verb
22 Guten Tag!Good day! phrase
23 Hallo!Hello! phrase
24das Heftnotebook, exercise book noun
25 heißento be called verb
26die Konjugationconjugation noun
27der Kuliballpoint pen noun
28 leichteasy, light adjective
29 lernento learn verb
30 maskulinmasculine adjective
31der Menschperson, human being noun
32der MittwochWednesday noun
33der MontagMonday noun
34 neinno adverb
35 neutralneuter adjective
36 nochstill, yet adverb
37das Nomennoun noun
38das Papierpaper noun
39die Personperson noun
40das Radioradio noun
41der SamstagSaturday noun
42der Satzsentence noun
43 schreibento write verb
44der SonntagSunday noun
45 sprechento speak verb
46der Stiftpen, pencil noun
47 supersuper, great adjective
48die Tafelblackboard noun
49die Taschebag noun
50die Uhrclock, watch noun
51das Verbverb noun
52der Vormittaglate morning noun
53 wannwhen adverb
54 werwho adverb
55 wiehow adverb
56 willkommenwelcome adjective
57 woherwhere from adverb
58die Wortstellungword order noun
59 alleinalone adjective
60die Antwortanswer noun
61 arbeitento work verb
62der Architektarchitect (male) noun
63die Architektinarchitect (female) noun
64 auchalso, too adverb
65das Auslandabroad, foreign country noun
66der Bruderbrother noun
67der Cousincousin (male) noun
68die Cousinecousin (female) noun
69 dannthen adverb
70 deinyour (informal) phrase
71der Designerdesigner (male) noun
72die Designerindesigner (female) noun
73 dochyes (contradicting), but adverb
74 dreißigthirty phrase
75 eins / einone phrase
76das Einzelkindonly child noun
77die Elternparents noun
78 eueryour (plural informal) phrase
79das Fotophoto noun
80der Fotografphotographer noun
81die Frauwoman noun
82der Freundfriend noun
83die Freundinfriend (female) noun
84 Fußball (spielen)to play football phrase
85 gerngladly, with pleasure adverb
86 geschiedendivorced adjective
87die Geschwistersiblings noun
88die Großelterngrandparents noun
89die Großmuttergrandmother noun
90der Großvatergrandfather noun
91 gutgood adjective
92 hörento hear verb
93 hunderthundred phrase
94 ihr (Pl.)their phrase
95der InformatikerIT specialist (male) noun
96die InformatikerinIT specialist (female) noun
97der Ingenieurengineer (male) noun
98die Ingenieurinengineer (female) noun
99 interessieren (sich für)to be interested in verb
100 internationalinternational adjective
101 jayes adverb
102 jetztnow adverb
103das Kindchild noun
104 kleinsmall adjective
105der Kochcook, chef (male) noun
106 kochento cook verb
107die Köchincook, chef (female) noun
108der Kollegecolleague (male) noun
109die Kollegincolleague (female) noun
110das Landcountry, land noun
111das Lebenlife noun
112 ledigsingle (unmarried) adjective
113der Lehrerteacher noun
114die Liebelove noun
115das Lieblingsthemafavorite topic noun
116das Mammom noun
117 manone (impersonal pronoun) pronoun
118der Managermanager (male) noun
119die Managerinmanager (female) noun
120der Mannman noun
121 meinmy phrase
122 meinento mean/think verb
123der Musikermusician (male) noun
124die Musikerinmusician (female) noun
125die Muttermother noun
126 nichtnot adverb
127die Niederlandethe Netherlands noun
128 nullzero phrase
129die Operopera noun
130 ÖsterreichAustria noun
131der Partnerpartner noun
132der Pluralplural noun
133das Puzzlepuzzle noun
134das Schiffship noun
135 schönbeautiful adjective
136die Schwestersister noun
137 schwimmento swim verb
138 sehrvery adverb
139 seinto be verb
140 selbständigindependent, self-employed adjective
141der Singularsingular noun
142der Sohnson noun
143 spielento play verb
144der Stewardflight attendant (male) noun
145die Stewardessflight attendant (female) noun
146der Tagday noun
147der Tanzdance noun
148 tanzento dance verb
149 Tennis (spielen)to play tennis phrase
150das Thematopic, subject noun
151die Tochterdaughter noun
152 tollgreat, awesome adjective
153die TürkeiTurkey noun
154die UkraineUkraine noun
155 unserour phrase
156der Vaterfather noun
157 verheiratetmarried adjective
158 weilbecause conjunction
159die Wocheweek noun
160die Zahlnumber noun
161 zeichnento draw verb
162 zwanzigtwenty phrase
163der Abendevening noun
164der Apfelapple noun
165 bestellento order verb
166das Bierbeer noun
167 bioorganic adjective
168das Brotbread noun
169die Butterbutter noun
170der Durstthirst noun
171 Durst habento be thirsty phrase
172das Eiegg noun
173 ein / eine / einena/an (indefinite article) phrase
174 essento eat verb
175der Fischfish noun
176das Fleischmeat noun
177das Gemüsevegetables noun
178 geöffnetopen (of a shop/restaurant) adjective
179 geschlossenclosed adjective
180das Getränkdrink, beverage noun
181 getrenntseparately (paying) adverb
182die Hauptspeisemain course noun
183der Hungerhunger noun
184 Hunger habento be hungry phrase
185die Kartoffelpotato noun
186der Käsecheese noun
187 kaufento buy verb
188 kein / keineno, not a adjective
189 leckerdelicious, tasty adjective
190 lesento read verb
191das Menüset menu / menu noun
192die Minuteminute noun
193der Mittagnoon, midday noun
194 mittagsat midday, at lunchtime adverb
195 mögento like (general preference) verb
196der Morgenmorning noun
197der Nachtischdessert noun
198 nehmento take verb
199 nicht so gernnot really (like) phrase
200das Obstfruit noun
201die Pastapasta noun
202die Pizzapizza noun
203der Saftjuice noun
204der Salatsalad / lettuce noun
205das Schnitzelschnitzel (breaded meat cutlet) noun
206die Speisedish, food item noun
207die Stundehour noun
208die Suppesoup noun
209der Teetea noun
210die Tomatetomato noun
211 treffento meet verb
212 trinkento drink verb
213die Uhrzeittime (clock time) noun
214 umat (clock time) preposition
215 von ... bisfrom ... to preposition
216das Wasserwater noun
217der Weinwine noun
218 wichtigimportant adjective
219die Wurstsausage / cold cuts noun
220 zusammentogether adverb
221der Akkubattery (device) noun
222 anziehento get dressed, to put on verb
223die Arbeitwork noun
224 aufmachento open verb
225 aufräumento tidy up verb
226 aufstehento get up verb
227die Besprechungmeeting noun
228das Bürooffice noun
229der Chefboss, manager (male) noun
230die Chefinboss, manager (female) noun
231 downloadento download verb
232 einkaufento go shopping, to buy groceries verb
233 erlaubtallowed, permitted adjective
234 frühearly adjective
235 frustriertfrustrated adjective
236 funktionierento work, to function verb
237die Hausordnunghouse rules noun
238das Haustierpet noun
239 helfento help verb
240 heutetoday adverb
241 immeralways adverb
242 könnencan/be able to verb
243 ladento charge / to load verb
244das Laptoplaptop noun
245 lautloud, noisy adjective
246 möchtenwould like (polite request) verb
247 morgentomorrow adverb
248 müdetired adjective
249 müssenmust/have to verb
250 nervösnervous adjective
251 normalerweisenormally, usually adverb
252 parkento park verb
253das Passwortpassword noun
254das Problemproblem noun
255 rauchento smoke verb
256die Regelrule noun
257die Satzklammersentence bracket (grammar term) noun
258 spätlate adjective
259 surfento surf (internet) verb
260das Tablettablet noun
261der Tagesablaufdaily routine noun
262 verbotenforbidden, not allowed adjective
263die Wäschelaundry, washing noun
264 waschento wash verb
265die WLAN-VerbindungWiFi connection noun
266 wollento want verb
267 wütendangry adjective
268 zufriedencontent, satisfied adjective
269 zumachento close verb
270 abbiegento turn (direction) verb
271die Bankbank noun
272das Bettbed noun
273die Bibliotheklibrary noun
274 brauchento need verb
275das Cafécafé noun
276 dennbecause (coord. conjunction) conjunction
277 dichyou (accusative, informal) adverb
278 dortthere adverb
279die Eckecorner noun
280 entlangalong preposition
281 esit pronoun
282das Fensterwindow noun
283 findento find verb
284 fürfor preposition
285 gegenüberopposite, across from preposition
286 geradeausstraight ahead adverb
287das Geschenkgift, present noun
288 hierhere adverb
289 ihnhim (accusative) adverb
290 in der Nähenearby, in the vicinity phrase
291das Krankenhaushospital noun
292 liegento lie (position) verb
293 linksleft adverb
294 michme (accusative) adverb
295 nicht weitnot far phrase
296der Parkpark noun
297der Platzsquare, plaza noun
298die Postpost office noun
299das Rathauscity hall noun
300 rechtsright adverb
301 sieshe pronoun
302der Stadtplancity map noun
303die Straßestreet noun
304der Stuhlchair noun
305 suchento search verb
306der Supermarktsupermarket noun
307der Tischtable noun
308die Türdoor noun
309 wissento know (fact) verb
310 wowhere (location) adverb
311das Augeeye noun
312 besserbetter adjective
313 blaublue adjective
314 braunbrown adjective
315der Doktordoctor (informal title) noun
316 einema/an (dative, masc./neut.) adverb
317 erkältethaving a cold adjective
318 erstethe first (ordinal) phrase
319 gelbyellow adjective
320 gesternyesterday adverb
321 graugrey adjective
322 grüngreen adjective
323die Handhand noun
324 hattehad (past tense of haben) verb
325der Hustencough noun
326 keinemno (dative, masc./neut.) adverb
327der Kopfhead noun
328die Kopfschmerzen (Pl.)headache noun
329 letzte Wochelast week phrase
330 letzten Monatlast month phrase
331 lilapurple / lilac adjective
332 meinemmy (dative, masc./neut.) adverb
333 orangeorange adjective
334die Praxisdoctor's office / practice noun
335 rotred adjective
336die Ruherest, quiet noun
337 schlimmbad, terrible adjective
338die Schmerzen (Pl.)pain (plural) noun
339 schwarzblack adjective
340 Trink!Drink! (to one person, informal) verb
341 Trinkt!Drink! (to a group, informal) verb
342der Verbandbandage noun
343 von + Dativfrom, of (+ dative) preposition
344 vorgesternthe day before yesterday adverb
345 warwas / were (past tense of sein) verb
346 weißwhite adjective
347der Zahntooth noun
348die Altstadtold town noun
349 an dento the (lake/sea/river) phrase
350 auf dento the (mountain) phrase
351der Bahnhoftrain station noun
352 fantastischfantastic adjective
353 fotografiertphotographed (Partizip II of fotografieren) verb
354 geflogenflown (Partizip II of fliegen) verb
355 gegesseneaten (Partizip II of essen) verb
356 gekauftbought (Partizip II of kaufen) verb
357 gelesenread (Partizip II of lesen) verb
358 gemachtdone (Partizip II of machen) verb
359 genommentaken (Partizip II of nehmen) verb
360 geschriebenwritten (Partizip II of schreiben) verb
361 gesehenseen (Partizip II of sehen) verb
362 getroffenmet (Partizip II of treffen) verb
363 getrunkendrunk (Partizip II of trinken) verb
364der Graddegree noun
365 habento have verb
366 in dieto the (countries with feminine article) phrase
367 insinto the phrase
368der Kaffeecoffee noun
369 kühlcool adjective
370 liebe Grüßekind regards, love from phrase
371 nachto (cities/countries without article) preposition
372die Nachtnight noun
373 reservierento reserve verb
374 reserviertreserved (Partizip II of reservieren) verb
375die Rezeptionreception, front desk noun
376das Schlosscastle, palace noun
377der Schlüsselkey noun
378die Sonnesun noun
379 viele Grüßemany greetings from phrase
380 wunderschönwonderful, gorgeous adjective
381 wurdebecame (Präteritum of werden) verb
382der Zugtrain noun
383 aufwachento wake up verb
384 bleibento stay/remain verb
385 dieserthis (demonstrative article) adjective
386 diryou (dative, informal) adverb
387 einschlafento fall asleep verb
388 euchyou all (accusative) adverb
389 fahrento drive/travel verb
390der Filmfilm, movie noun
391 fliegento fly verb
392 gefallento please/like verb
393 gehento go/walk verb
394die Handschuhegloves (plural) noun
395 ihmhim (dative) adverb
396 ihnenthem (dative) adverb
397 ihryou (plural) pronoun
398der KarnevalCarnival / Mardi Gras noun
399 kommento come verb
400 laufento run verb
401 mirme (dative) adverb
402die Mützehat, woolly hat noun
403die Nachrichtennews (always plural) noun
404das OktoberfestOktoberfest noun
405 onlineonline adverb
406 passierento happen verb
407der Podcastpodcast noun
408der Schalscarf noun
409 schmeckento taste (good/bad) — used with Dativ person verb
410 schonalready adverb
411die SerieTV series noun
412 stehento stand verb
413 unsus (accusative) adverb
414 warumwhy adverb
415der WeihnachtsmarktChristmas market noun
416 welcherwhich (question word for nouns) adjective
417die Zeitschriftmagazine noun
418die Zeitungnewspaper noun
419die Abkürzungabbreviation noun
420die Absagecancellation, decline noun
421 absagento cancel, decline verb
422 anfangento begin, to start verb
423 anrufento call (phone) verb
424die Ansageannouncement, outgoing message noun
425die Appapp noun
426 aufhörento stop, to cease verb
427 bekommento receive, to get verb
428 beleidigento insult verb
429 benutzento use verb
430der Briefletter noun
431der Chatchat noun
432 chattento chat verb
433das Cybermobbingcyberbullying noun
434 dassthat (conjunction) conjunction
435 diskutierento discuss verb
436 dringendurgent adjective
437die E-Mailemail noun
438 einladento invite verb
439 entwickelnto develop verb
440 erfindento invent verb
441die Erfindunginvention noun
442die Feiercelebration, party noun
443 feiernto celebrate verb
444das Festcelebration, party, festival noun
445 formellformal adjective
446 früherin the past, formerly adverb
447die Geschichtehistory / story noun
448das Handymobile phone noun
449der Hauptsatzmain clause noun
450 herzlichheartfelt, warm adjective
451 heutzutagenowadays adverb
452 in Kontakt bleibento stay in contact phrase
453 indirektindirect adjective
454 informellinformal adjective
455das Internetinternet noun
456das Jahrhundertcentury noun
457 jeden Tagevery day phrase
458die Kommunikationcommunication noun
459die Mailboxvoicemail / mailbox noun
460 manchmalsometimes adverb
461 mitbringento bring along verb
462 mitteilento inform, communicate verb
463die Nachrichtmessage noun
464der Nebensatzsubordinate clause noun
465 nienever adverb
466 obwhether, if conjunction
467 oftoften adverb
468das Partizip IIpast participle noun
469 seitsince, for (time) preposition
470 seltenrarely adverb
471das Smartphonesmartphone noun
472der Smileysmiley, emoji noun
473die SMStext message noun
474die Technologietechnology noun
475das Telefontelephone noun
476 trennbarseparable (prefix) adjective
477 ungefährapproximately adverb
478 unhöflichimpolite, rude adjective
479 untrennbarinseparable (prefix) adjective
480das Videovideo noun
481 zurückrufento call back verb
482die Zusageacceptance (of an invitation) noun
483 zusagento accept (invitation) verb
484der Anzugsuit noun
485 aussehento look, to appear verb
486das Aussehenappearance / looks noun
487der Blogblog noun
488die Bluseblouse noun
489 dafür seinto be in favour phrase
490 dagegen seinto be against phrase
491das Demonstrativpronomendemonstrative pronoun noun
492 energischenergetic adjective
493 engtight / narrow adjective
494 erste Eindruckfirst impression phrase
495 gern → lieber → am liebstengladly → preferably → most of all phrase
496die Größesize noun
497 gut → besser → am bestengood → better → best phrase
498die Handtaschehandbag noun
499das Hemdshirt noun
500die Hosetrousers / pants noun
501 hübschpretty / good-looking adjective
502der Huthat noun
503 intelligentintelligent adjective
504die Jackejacket noun
505die Jeansjeans noun
506 jungyoung adjective
507das Kleiddress noun
508der Komparativcomparative noun
509der Konjunktiv IIsubjunctive II (for polite requests) noun
510 könntencould (subjunctive) verb
511 kurzshort adjective
512 langlong adjective
513der Mantelcoat noun
514die Meinungopinion noun
515die Operationoperation noun
516 optimistischoptimistic adjective
517 passento fit verb
518 pessimistischpessimistic adjective
519 probierento try (on) verb
520der Pulloverpullover / jumper noun
521der Rabattdiscount noun
522das Rauchverbotsmoking ban noun
523 recht habento be right phrase
524der Rockskirt noun
525 ruhigcalm / quiet adjective
526die Schneiderinseamstress / tailor (female) noun
527der Schönheitschirurgcosmetic surgeon noun
528die Schönheitsoperationcosmetic surgery noun
529die Schuheshoes noun
530 so ... wieas ... as phrase
531 sofortimmediately / right away adverb
532das Sonderangebotspecial offer noun
533 sportlichsporty / athletic adjective
534die Stiefelboots noun
535die Stimmevoice noun
536der Superlativsuperlative noun
537das T-ShirtT-shirt noun
538die Umkleidekabinechanging room / fitting room noun
539 ungefährlichnot dangerous / safe adjective
540 unsympathischunpleasant / unlikeable adjective
541der Verkäufersalesman noun
542 viel → mehr → am meistenmuch → more → most phrase
543 weitwide / loose adjective
544 zu groß / zu kleintoo big / too small phrase
545 abfahrento depart verb
546 ankommento arrive verb
547der Ausflugday trip, excursion noun
548der Bergmountain noun
549 besichtigento visit, to sightsee verb
550 bewölktcloudy adjective
551der Flugflight noun
552 fotografierento photograph verb
553 genießento enjoy verb
554das Gewitterthunderstorm noun
555 heißhot adjective
556das Hostelhostel noun
557 kaltcold adjective
558die Kameracamera noun
559die Kirchechurch noun
560 letzten Sommerlast summer phrase
561der Marktmarket noun
562der Nebelfog noun
563 packento pack verb
564der Passpassport noun
565die Postkartepostcard noun
566der Regenrain noun
567 regnerischrainy adjective
568 reisento travel verb
569die Reservierungreservation noun
570der Schneesnow noun
571 schönes Wetter habento have nice weather phrase
572die Sehenswürdigkeitsight, tourist attraction noun
573 sonnigsunny adjective
574das Souvenirsouvenir noun
575der Stammstem (of a verb) noun
576das Taxitaxi noun
577das Ticketticket noun
578der Touristtourist noun
579die Touristeninformationtourist information office noun
580 übernachtento stay overnight verb
581 unregelmäßigirregular adjective
582 Urlaub war tollthe vacation was great phrase
583 vor einem Jahra year ago phrase
584die Vorvergangenheitnarrative past noun
585der Waldforest noun
586 wandernto hike verb
587 warmwarm adjective
588das Wetterweather noun
589der Windwind noun
590 zum ersten Malfor the first time phrase
591die Allergieallergy noun
592der Armarm noun
593das Aspirinaspirin noun
594 ausreichendsufficiently adverb
595der Bauchbelly, stomach noun
596das Beinleg noun
597 Bitteplease adverb
598die Brustchest, breast noun
599 dürfenmay, to be allowed to verb
600 Erhol dich!Get well! phrase
601das Fieberfever noun
602der Fingerfinger noun
603der Fußfoot noun
604die Grippeflu noun
605der Halsneck, throat noun
606die Halsschmerzensore throat noun
607der Imperativimperative (grammar) noun
608das Knieknee noun
609der Kopfschmerzheadache noun
610 kranksick, ill adjective
611die Krankenkassehealth insurance noun
612die Krankenversicherunghealth insurance noun
613der Mundmouth noun
614die Nasenose noun
615das Ohrear noun
616der Patientpatient (male) noun
617die Patientinpatient (female) noun
618der Ratadvice noun
619das Reflexivpronomenreflexive pronoun noun
620der Rückenback noun
621 Ruh dich aus!Get some rest! phrase
622 ruhento rest verb
623 schluckento swallow verb
624 Schmerzen habento have pain phrase
625die Schultershoulder noun
626 sich ausruhento rest, to relax verb
627 sich bewegento move, to exercise verb
628 sich erholento recover verb
629 sich erkältento catch a cold verb
630 sich ernährento eat, to nourish oneself verb
631 sich fühlento feel verb
632 sich Sorgen machento worry phrase
633 sollenshould, ought to verb
634die Sprechstundeconsultation hours noun
635das Symptomsymptom noun
636 täglichdaily adverb
637der Terminappointment noun
638 untersuchento examine verb
639 wehtunto hurt verb
640 wennwhen / whenever conjunction
641 am liebstenmost of all / best of all adverb
642 anat, on (vertical) preposition
643das Apartmentapartment noun
644 aufon (horizontal) preposition
645das Badezimmerbathroom noun
646 bauento build verb
647der Bodenfloor noun
648das Bücherregalbookshelf noun
649 dunkeldark adjective
650 einziehento move in verb
651die Farbecolour / paint noun
652 fertigfinished / ready adjective
653der Flurhallway noun
654das Gerichtdish / meal noun
655 günstigcheap / good value adjective
656der Handwerkercraftsman / tradesman noun
657 hängento hang verb
658 hättewould have (subjunctive) verb
659das Hauptgerichtmain course noun
660 hellbright / light adjective
661 hinterbehind preposition
662 idealideal adjective
663 inin, into preposition
664 kaputtbroken adjective
665der Kellnerwaiter noun
666die Kellnerinwaitress noun
667das Kissencushion / pillow noun
668die Küchekitchen noun
669die Lampelamp noun
670 legento lay, to put (flat) verb
671 lieberrather / preferably adverb
672der Malerpainter (decorator) noun
673die Mieterent noun
674die Möbelfurniture noun
675 modernmodern adjective
676die Nachspeisedessert noun
677 nebennext to preposition
678das Parkettparquet (flooring) noun
679der Quadratmeter (m²)square metre noun
680die Rechnungbill noun
681das Regalshelf / bookcase noun
682 renovierento renovate verb
683die Renovierungrenovation noun
684 reparierento repair verb
685das Restaurantrestaurant noun
686das Schlafzimmerbedroom noun
687der Schrankwardrobe / cupboard noun
688der Sesselarmchair noun
689das Sofasofa noun
690die Speisekartemenu noun
691 streichento paint (walls) verb
692das Studiostudio (flat) noun
693der Teppichrug / carpet noun
694 teuerexpensive adjective
695 überover, above preposition
696 umziehento move (house) verb
697 unterunder preposition
698der Vermieterlandlord noun
699die Vermieterinlandlady noun
700 vorin front of preposition
701die Vorspeisestarter noun
702die Wandwall noun
703 wärewould be (subjunctive) verb
704 werdento become verb
705die Wohnungflat / apartment noun
706das Wohnzimmerliving room noun
707der Wunschwish noun
708das Zimmerroom noun
709 zwischenbetween preposition
710das Abiturschool-leaving exam / A-levels (D) noun
711der Abschlussgraduation, qualification, degree noun
712 alsthan (in comparisons) conjunction
713 an deiner Stellein your position / if I were you phrase
714 an Ihrer Stellein your position (formal) phrase
715der Arztdoctor (male) noun
716die Ärztindoctor (female) noun
717der Astronautastronaut (male) noun
718die Ausbildungvocational training, apprenticeship noun
719der Berufprofession, job noun
720die Berufsschulevocational school noun
721die Bewerbungjob application noun
722 deshalbtherefore, that's why conjunction
723der Einsatzmission, operation, deployment noun
724das Feuerfire noun
725die Feuerwehrfraufirefighter (female) noun
726der Feuerwehrmannfirefighter (male) noun
727die Gefahrdanger noun
728der Gegensatzcontrast, opposite noun
729die Grundschuleprimary school noun
730das Gymnasiumgrammar school / academic secondary school noun
731die Hauptschulelower secondary school (D) noun
732 in + Dativ (zeitlich)in (temporal, with dative) preposition
733 in einem Jahrin one year phrase
734 in zwei Wochenin two weeks phrase
735 jeder / jedes / jedeevery, each adjective
736 körperlichphysical adjective
737der LebenslaufCV, résumé noun
738 löschento extinguish verb
739die Maturaschool-leaving exam (A/CH equivalent of Abitur) noun
740der Nachteildisadvantage noun
741 obwohlalthough, even though conjunction
742der Pilotpilot (male) noun
743die Pilotinpilot (female) noun
744der Polizistpolice officer (male) noun
745die Polizistinpolice officer (female) noun
746 psychischpsychological, mental adjective
747der Quereinstiegcareer change, lateral entry noun
748der Ratschlagpiece of advice noun
749die Realschuleintermediate secondary school (D) noun
750 rettento save, to rescue verb
751 riskantrisky adjective
752 sich bewerbento apply (for a job) verb
753 sollteshould (subjunctive) verb
754 solltenshould (plural, subjunctive) verb
755 spannendexciting, thrilling adjective
756der Stressstress noun
757das Studiumuniversity studies noun
758der Traumberufdream job noun
759 trotzdemnevertheless, still, anyway adverb
760 überlegento consider, to think about verb
761 um ... herumaround phrase
762die Universitätuniversity noun
763der Vorteiladvantage noun
764 wechselnto change, to switch verb
765 würdewould (subjunctive) verb
766 würdenwould (subjunctive) verb
767das Amtgovernment office noun
768der Austauschexchange noun
769der AusweisID card noun
770die Beziehungrelationship noun
771das Blind Dateblind date noun
772der Charmecharm noun
773die Dating-Showdating show noun
774 ehrlichhonest adjective
775die Ehrlichkeithonesty noun
776die Eigenschaftcharacteristic, quality noun
777das Einwohnermeldeamtresidents' registration office noun
778das Formularform (document) noun
779die Freizeitfree time, leisure noun
780 frischfresh adjective
781die Geduldpatience noun
782 geduldigpatient adjective
783 gestresststressed adjective
784das Hobbyhobby noun
785der Humorhumour noun
786 langweiligboring adjective
787 lustigfunny adjective
788der Muttersprachler / die Muttersprachlerinnative speaker noun
789 nettnice, kind adjective
790 neugierigcurious, inquisitive adjective
791 offenopen, open-minded adjective
792der Partner / die Partnerinpartner noun
793die Persönlichkeitpersonality noun
794das Profilprofile noun
795 romantischromantic adjective
796die Schlangequeue / snake noun
797 sich anmeldento register verb
798 sich beeilento hurry verb
799 sich beschwerento complain verb
800 sich duschento shower verb
801 sich entspannento relax verb
802 sich erinnern anto remember verb
803 sich kämmento comb (hair) verb
804 sich kennenlernento get to know each other verb
805 sich setzento sit down verb
806 sich treffento meet up verb
807 sich verlieben into fall in love with verb
808 sich verstehento get along verb
809 sich vorstellento introduce oneself verb
810 sich wohlfühlento feel comfortable verb
811 sich wünschento wish for verb
812die Sprachelanguage noun
813 sympathischlikeable / pleasant adjective
814das Tandemtandem (language exchange partnership) noun
815 ungeduldigimpatient adjective
816die Wartenummerqueue number noun
817 zuverlässigreliable adjective
818 abendsin the evenings adverb
819der Balkonbalcony noun
820die Bergemountains noun
821 beschreibento describe verb
822die Breitewidth noun
823 buchento book verb
824das Campingcamping noun
825der Campingplatzcampsite noun
826 des Vaters / der Mutterof the father / of the mother phrase
827das Doppelzimmerdouble room noun
828das Einzelzimmersingle room noun
829die Erinnerungmemory, souvenir noun
830das Frühstückbreakfast noun
831das Fundbürolost property office noun
832der Genitivgenitive case noun
833 herhere (motion toward speaker) adverb
834 herkommento come from verb
835 hinthere (motion away from speaker) adverb
836 hinlegento put down verb
837die Höheheight noun
838das Hotelhotel noun
839 inklusiveinclusive, included adjective
840die Inselisland noun
841die Jugendherbergeyouth hostel noun
842die Kindheitchildhood noun
843der Koffersuitcase noun
844die Küstecoast noun
845die Längelength noun
846das Meersea noun
847 messento measure verb
848 montagson Mondays adverb
849 morgensin the mornings adverb
850das Portemonnaiewallet, purse noun
851der Regenschirmumbrella noun
852die Reisetrip, journey noun
853das Rekordrecord noun
854der Relativsatzrelative clause noun
855der Rucksackbackpack noun
856der Seelake noun
857die Sonnenbrillesunglasses noun
858der Strandbeach noun
859die Übernachtungovernight stay noun
860die Unterkunftaccommodation noun
861 unvergesslichunforgettable adjective
862der Urlaubvacation, holiday noun
863 verbringento spend (time) verb
864 verlierento lose verb
865der Weltrekordworld record noun
866das Zelttent noun
867 aufschreibento write down verb
868 beeindruckendimpressive adjective
869der Cachecache (hidden object) noun
870 dafür / wofürfor that / for what adverb
871 darüber / worüberabout that / about what adverb
872 davon / wovonof/from that / of/from what adverb
873 einverstanden seinto agree, be in agreement phrase
874das Festivalfestival noun
875der Flash Mobflash mob noun
876das Geocachinggeocaching noun
877 interessantinteresting adjective
878die Karteikarteflashcard noun
879 kein Problemno problem phrase
880das Kinocinema noun
881 klappento work out, to go as planned verb
882das Konzertconcert noun
883die Kulturculture noun
884 kulturellcultural adjective
885die Kunstart noun
886 leiderunfortunately adverb
887 mitmachento participate verb
888das Museummuseum noun
889die Musikmusic noun
890 nachdenkento think about verb
891 öffentlichpublic adjective
892 organisierento organize verb
893 passtworks (for a time/date) verb
894 regelmäßigregular adjective
895 sich begeistern fürto be enthusiastic about verb
896 sich freuen aufto look forward to verb
897 sich freuen überto be happy about verb
898 sich interessieren fürto be interested in verb
899 sich verabredento arrange to meet verb
900das Sprachlernapplanguage learning app noun
901die Strategiestrategy noun
902das Theatertheatre noun
903der Tipptip, piece of advice noun
904 träumento dream of verb
905der Treffpunktmeeting point noun
906die Verabredungdate, appointment (informal) noun
907die Vokabelvocabulary word noun
908 vorhabento intend, to plan verb
909der Vorschlagsuggestion, proposal noun
910 vorschlagento suggest verb
911 wiederholento repeat verb
912 aggressivaggressive adjective
913die Ampeltraffic light noun
914die Apothekepharmacy noun
915der Ärgerannoyance, anger noun
916 ärgernto annoy, to anger verb
917 aufregendexciting adjective
918die Ausdauerendurance, stamina noun
919der Autofahrercar driver (male) noun
920die Autofahrerincar driver (female) noun
921 bremsento brake verb
922die Dosierungdosage noun
923 einerone (of them) phrase
924die Einladunginvitation noun
925 empfehlento recommend verb
926 entspannento relax verb
927die Entzündunginflammation, infection noun
928die Erkältungcold (illness) noun
929 erklärento explain verb
930die Erklärungexplanation noun
931das Extremsportextreme sport noun
932der Fahrerdriver (male) noun
933die Fahrerindriver (female) noun
934das Fahrradbicycle noun
935 fitfit, in shape adjective
936das Fitnessstudiogym, fitness studio noun
937der Fußgängerpedestrian (male) noun
938 gefährlichdangerous adjective
939der Gehwegpavement, sidewalk noun
940 gesundhealthy adjective
941die Gesundheithealth noun
942die Handlungaction, plot noun
943der Helmhelmet noun
944 hupento honk, to beep verb
945der Hustensaftcough syrup noun
946 keinernone, no one phrase
947 kletternto climb verb
948das Kletternclimbing (as activity noun) noun
949die Kreuzungintersection, crossroads noun
950die Lehrerinteacher (female) noun
951 leihento lend verb
952das Medikamentmedication, medicine noun
953 meinermine phrase
954der Mutcourage noun
955 mutigbrave, courageous adjective
956das Pflasterplaster, band-aid noun
957 plötzlichsuddenly adverb
958der Radfahrercyclist (male) noun
959die Radfahrerincyclist (female) noun
960das Rezeptprescription noun
961 rezeptpflichtigprescription-only adjective
962das Risikorisk noun
963die Salbeointment, cream noun
964die Schmerzenpain noun
965 sich ärgern überto be annoyed about verb
966die Situationsituation noun
967das Skydivingskydiving noun
968der Sportsport noun
969der Sportlerathlete (male) noun
970die Sportlerinathlete (female) noun
971der Stautraffic jam noun
972das Surfensurfing (as activity noun) noun
973die Tablettetablet, pill noun
974 trainierento train, to exercise verb
975 überholento overtake verb
976die Übungexercise, practice noun
977 ungesundunhealthy adjective
978die Untersuchungexamination, investigation noun
979die Verletzunginjury noun
980 verschreibento prescribe verb
981das Vitaminvitamin noun
982die Wortbildungword formation noun
983 wünschento wish verb
984 altold adjective
985 antwortento answer verb
986das Autocar noun
987 bedeutento mean verb
988 beginnento begin verb
989 beißento bite verb
990 besuchento visit verb
991 bezahlento pay verb
992 bietento offer verb
993 bittento ask, request verb
994 blasento blow verb
995die Blumeflower noun
996 bratento roast, fry verb
997 brechento break verb
998 brennento burn verb
999 bringento bring verb
1000 denkento think verb

How to actually learn 1000 words

A list is just raw material. Memorizing definitions doesn't stick — you need a method. Spaced repetition schedules reviews so you see each word just before you'd forget it, compressing months of rote repetition into weeks of targeted practice.

Pair spaced repetition with memory palace images. Each noun in our system has a scene-based image that anchors it to a visual memory. When you see das Haus alongside a specific green-lit house image, you're encoding both the word and its gender in one shot.

Start with nouns — they're the most frequent, and gender is a fact you can only learn once. Then move to verbs. Adjectives and connectors come after you have a stable core vocabulary.

What's NOT in this list

These 1000 words are everyday vocabulary. You won't find:

  • Abstract/formal constructions — Konjunktiv II phrasing, formal subjunctive registers
  • Academic language — technical terminology, discipline-specific vocabulary
  • Specialized domains — medical, legal, trades vocabulary
  • B1 vocabulary — the next tier of frequency beyond A1/A2

For B1 words, see our B1 vocabulary list. For connectors (conjunctions that structure sentences), see German connectors.

Methodology note

Our ranking is based on lesson order in the A1 + A2 curriculum — not a statistical frequency corpus. Our curriculum follows Goethe-Institut frequency priorities, so the ordering is defensible as a learning sequence. But if you need academic-grade frequency data, use the Deutsches Referenzkorpus (DWDS).

When we add an explicit frequency_rank field to our database, this table will re-sort to true frequency order. Until then, lesson order is the best available proxy.

Learn these with memory palace images

Our A1 course covers the first 400 words in this list — with images, mnemonics, and spaced repetition built in.

Common questions