06.11.2025 • 27 Min.

Hello!✨Welcome to Episode 48 of the Better German Podcast, where host Susi Blümel dives into one of the biggest challenges every learner faces: Why it’s so hard to remember German words — and what you can do to make them stick finally.She also shares some exciting updates about the show: new weekly episodes, a growing team, and easier access to free PDF companion guides — now available to everyone, not just community members!? Better German Podcast+ - Exclusive Podcast and CommunityEarly access exclusive PLUS content via your own private feed, all podcast resources in one place, ask questions and more. Free version is available if you just want to get started.? Join here: https://bettergerman.info/community? Want to Take a Course? – Free Placement ExamFree Placement with exam/questionnaire, personal program and interview to confirm placement and answer any questions. Courses are online, include materials and combine self study and live lessons. Pricing starts at €100/month, depending on your program. ? Take the placement exam: https://bettergerman.info/test? SummaryIn Episode 48 of the Better German Podcast, Susi Blümel tackles one of the biggest struggles in learning German — remembering vocabulary. She explains why word lists and flashcards often fail, and shares simple, proven ways to make new words truly stick. You’ll learn how your brain remembers language best and how to apply it in everyday practice. Explore more tips, free resources, and live courses inside the Better German Community — where real learners make real progress. ✨ IntroductionWelcome back to the Better German Podcast! In this episode, Susi Blumel shares some exciting updates about the show—including a new commitment to weekly episodes and easier access to the free PDF companion guides, now available to everyone, not just community members. But the heart of today’s episode tackles a common struggle that every German learner faces: why is it so hard to remember the words you’ve learned, and what can you do about it?Then she gets personal: remembering her own struggles as a student with long lists of Latin and French words that just wouldn’t stick — until she realized every learner faces this, and there’s a better way. And if you haven’t yet, check out the Better German Community — your space for extra resources, connection, and motivation on your learning journey. ?Key TopicsWhy “Vokabeln lernen” (learning word lists) doesn’t work the way we thinkThe surprising truth about how your brain actually remembers new wordsHow children naturally acquire words — and what adults can learn from thatTurning passive study into active use: the secret is repetition and contextPractical ways to use new German words every day:▫️ Make sentences (even if half of it’s still in English!)▫️ Use post-its for objects — but go beyond the label▫️ Write and say each new word in actionWhy “using” a word beats “memorizing” it every timeThe sentence-building trick that can transform your vocabularySusi’s “10 words a day” fluency plan — how real repetition leads to confidence?Related EpisodesEpisode 4: How to Learn GermanEpisode 6: Learn German Words — Body PartsEpisode 11: 7 Practical Tips for Learning German FasterEpisode 20: Easy Sentences in GermanEpisode 39: Conversation Practice in German?You May Also LikeEpisode 5: Introduction to ArticlesEpisode 30: “To Be” in GermanEpisode 38: German Word List — Family MembersEpisode 44: Learn & Describe Words in GermanEpisode 47: Practicing German Adjectives?Other ResourcesEmail your questions to podcast@bettergerman.info — Susi might answer them in an upcoming episode!Check out the Interactive German Movie Guide with curated shows and subtitles in your language — a fun way to build vocabulary naturally.Listen to all episodes of the Better German Podcast and follow along with the growing community of learners worldwide.? Better German Podcast+ - Exclusive Podcast and CommunityEarly access exclusive PLUS content via your own private feed, all podcast resources in one place, ask questions and more. Free version is available if you just want to get started.? Join here: https://bettergerman.info/community? Want to Take a Course? – Free Placement ExamFree Placement with exam/questionnaire, personal program and interview to confirm placement and answer any questions. Courses are online, include materials and combine self study and live lessons. Pricing starts at €100/month, depending on your program. ? Take the placement exam: https://bettergerman.info/test? Free Live Workshop | https://bettergerman.info/workshop? Website | https://bettergerman.info▶️ YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@Better-German/? TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@susibettergerman? Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/susibettergerman✉️ Contact | podcast@bettergerman.info? Start from Episode 1 | https://bettergerman.info/1⭐ Enjoyed this episode?A quick review or share helps more people find the podcast.