German Vocabulary by Topic
267 themed word packs built from our curated 7,047-word German catalogue — the vocabulary for a specific situation, in one place. Every pack shows der/die/das, the plural, an example sentence with its English translation and audio, and can be studied as browser flashcards or downloaded for Anki. Free, no account.
Society & Abstract
52 packs · 1492 wordsArt & Artistsart, painting, sculpture, artist, gallery, exhibition50Cause & Effectcause, reason, consequence, effect, result15Change & Developmentchange, development, progress, transformation, trend26Charity & Donationsdonation, charity, aid, support for the needy12Coloursred, blue, green, colour words and shades21Common Adjectivesgeneral-purpose adjectives that fit no narrower theme12Community & Volunteeringcommunity, club, membership, volunteering, association20Comparison & Differencesame, different, similar, contrast, comparison19Conflict & Cooperationconflict, dispute, cooperation, compromise, negotiation20Crime & Policecrime, police, theft, arrest, prison, offender76Culture & Traditionsculture, tradition, custom, festival, heritage13Data & Statisticsdata, statistics, survey, average, figures, evidence13Decisions & Choicesdecision, choice, option, alternative, deciding18Economy & Economicseconomy, inflation, growth, industry, market economy16Elections & Votingelection, vote, candidate, party, campaign, majority17Energy & Resourcesenergy, electricity, fuel, resources, consumption12Equality & Discriminationequality, discrimination, racism, prejudice, fairness30Ethics & Moralitymoral, ethics, right and wrong, values, virtue13Growth & Declineincrease, decrease, rise, fall, expansion, reduction16History & the Pasthistory, century, era, ancient, historical events47Immigration & Integrationimmigration, migrant, integration, residence, foreigner22Importance & Priorityimportant, essential, main, priority, significance16Law & Justicelaw, court, judge, lawyer, trial, verdict, legal162Linking Words & Connectorsconnectors: however, therefore, although, moreover36Maths & Numbersnumber, calculation, sum, percentage, figure18Measurements & Unitsmetre, kilo, litre, degree, weight, measuring20Memory & Forgettingmemory, remember, forget, recall, reminder20Military & Defencearmy, soldier, defence, troops, alliance21Necessity & Obligationmust, need, necessary, duty, obligation, requirement17Organisation & Planningplan, organisation, schedule, preparation, arrangement16Permission & Prohibitionallowed, forbidden, permission, ban, may, licence16Philosophy & Ideasphilosophy, theory, concept, meaning, existence53Politics & Governmentgovernment, minister, parliament, policy, state83Possibility & Probabilitypossible, probable, chance, likelihood, perhaps18Power & Influencepower, influence, authority, control, leadership17Problems & Solutionsproblem, difficulty, solution, solving, obstacle20Quantity & Amountmuch, little, several, enough, amount, portion29Religion & Beliefreligion, church, god, faith, prayer, belief106Rights & Freedomhuman rights, freedom, liberty, civil rights, protection15Risk & Safetyrisk, danger, safety, security, protection, threat14Rules & Regulationsrule, regulation, requirement, standard, compliance19Science & Researchscience, experiment, theory, discovery, laboratory16Shapes & Formscircle, square, round, straight, shape, form19Size & Dimensionsbig, small, long, wide, height, depth, dimension12Society & Social Classessociety, class, poverty, wealth, social status34Sustainability & the Environmentsustainability, climate policy, waste, conservation20Systems & Structuressystem, structure, network, organisation, framework19Technology & Innovationtechnology, machine, invention, progress, engineering17Theatre & Performancetheatre, stage, play, performance, opera, dance36Thinking & Knowledgethink, know, knowledge, idea, understanding, awareness34Truth & Liestruth, lie, honesty, deception, fake, reality22War & Peacewar, peace, conflict, treaty, refugee, weapon59
Feelings & Character
27 packs · 739 wordsAnger & Frustrationangry, rage, annoyed, furious, irritation34Basic Emotionsfeeling, emotion, mood in general15Boredom & Indifferenceboredom, boring, indifferent, apathy22Calm & Relaxationcalm, relaxed, peaceful, rest, serenity19Confidence & Self-Esteemself-confidence, insecurity, self-image, self-worth18Courage & Braverycourage, brave, daring, cowardice19Curiosity & Interestcurious, interest, fascination, enthusiasm17Describing Personalitycharacter, personality, behaviour, typical of someone55Disappointment & Regretdisappointment, regret, remorse, pity, let down18Fear & Anxietyfear, afraid, anxiety, panic, worry, scared24Happiness & Joyhappy, joy, glad, cheerful, delight, luck35Hope & Optimismhope, optimism, confidence in the future, expectation14Humour & Funhumour, joke, laughing, funny, fun, teasing20Jealousy & Envyjealousy, envy, resentment, begrudging18Kindness & Sympathykindness, compassion, sympathy, comfort, caring20Love & Affectionlove, affection, tenderness, romance, liking someone18Moods & Temperamentmood, temperament, sensitive, moody, nature of a person17Motivation & Willpowermotivation, will, determination, discipline, effort19Negative Character Traitslazy, rude, selfish, stubborn, mean, unfriendly121Patience & Tolerancepatience, tolerance, impatience, understanding others16Positive Character Traitsfriendly, generous, reliable, polite, hardworking72Pride & Arrogancepride, proud, arrogance, vanity, showing off21Sadness & Griefsad, sorrow, crying, grief, misery, unhappy21Shame & Guiltshame, guilt, embarrassment, conscience20Stress & Pressurestress, pressure, overload, tension, hectic21Surprise & Shocksurprise, astonishment, shock, amazement22Trust & Honestytrust, honesty, sincerity, loyalty, betrayal23
Work & Education
26 packs · 664 wordsApplying for a Jobapplication, CV, cover letter, vacancy, applicant18Apprenticeship & Trainingapprenticeship, trainee, vocational training, internship13At the Officeoffice, desk, department, workplace, office life17Business & Managementmanagement, director, strategy, corporate structure26Career & Promotioncareer, promotion, ambition, professional development17Classroom & School Thingspen, exercise book, blackboard, ruler, satchel19Colleagues & Teamworkcolleague, team, cooperation, boss, staff20Contracts & Employmentcontract, employer, employee, notice, probation, dismissal19Degrees & Qualificationsdegree, diploma, bachelor, master, doctorate, qualification17Healthcare Professionsnurse, carer, doctor as a job, medical staff, clinic work17Jobs & Professionsnames of jobs and professions68Learning & Studyinglearning, revising, practising, memorising, understanding20Meetings & Presentationsmeeting, agenda, presentation, slides, minutes14Office Equipmentprinter, folder, stapler, copier, office supplies22Paperwork & Formsform, document, signature, application, file, stamp32Professional Skillscompetence, experience, expertise, responsibility, reliability20Research & Academiaresearch, study, thesis, publication, academic work113Retirement & Pensionpension, retirement, retiring, pensioner21Salary & Benefitssalary, wage, bonus, holiday entitlement, benefits21School Subjectsmaths, biology, history, geography and other subjects13Teachers & Pupilsteacher, pupil, class, headteacher, classmate12Trades & Manual Workcraftsman, builder, electrician, workshop, manual trades22Unemployment & Job Huntingunemployment, job centre, redundancy, job search13University & Studyinguniversity, lecture, semester, professor, student, campus59Working Hours & Shiftsworking hours, shift, overtime, part-time, break19Workplace Safetysafety at work, protective gear, accident at work, risk12
Communication & Media
24 packs · 596 wordsAdvertising & Marketingadvert, campaign, brand, slogan, promotion19Agreeing & Disagreeingagreement, objection, contradiction, yes/no, consent14Apologies & Thankssorry, apology, forgiving, thanking, gratitude18Asking Questionsquestion words, asking, enquiry, answering19Books & Literaturebook, author, novel, poem, chapter, publisher54Computers & Softwarecomputer, program, file, data, keyboard, screen, software45Email & Lettersemail, letter, envelope, stamp, post, sending mail24Films & Cinemafilm, cinema, actor, scene, director, subtitle17Gossip & Rumoursrumour, gossip, secret, telling on someone17Greetings & Goodbyeshello, good morning, goodbye, welcome, see you25Internet & Websitesinternet, website, link, browser, online, search engine21Languages & Translationlanguage, translation, interpreter, dictionary, mother tongue28Listening & Understandinglisten, hear, understand, misunderstand, pay attention12Newspapers & Journalismnewspaper, article, journalist, headline, editor, press61Opinions & Argumentsopinion, argument, debate, viewpoint, convincing50Phones & Devicesmobile phone, tablet, charger, battery, device13Photography & Videophoto, camera, filming, picture, recording20Public Speakingspeech, audience, lecture, announcement, addressing a crowd20Social Mediasocial network, post, follower, like, profile, sharing13Speaking & Talkingspeak, say, tell, mention, chat, conversation, discuss37Telephone & Callsphone call, ringing, hanging up, voicemail, number14Television & RadioTV, channel, programme, radio, broadcast, series18Texting & Messagingmessage, chat, texting, app messages, emoji12Writing & Spellingwrite, spelling, handwriting, note, text, grammar of writing25
Body & Health
18 packs · 521 wordsArms, Hands & Legsarm, hand, finger, leg, foot, knee, shoulder21At the Doctordoctor, practice, appointment, examination, diagnosis23At the Hospitalhospital, ward, surgery, operation, nurse, patient15Dentist & Teethteeth, dentist, toothache, brushing teeth19Disability & Caredisability, wheelchair, nursing care, blind, deaf20Emergencies & First Aidemergency, ambulance, rescue, first aid, accident21Fitness & the Bodyfitness, strength, weight, diet, healthy living22Head & Facehead, face, eye, ear, nose, mouth, hair24Hygiene & Personal Careshower, soap, toothbrush, hairdresser, grooming16Illness & Symptomsillness, fever, cough, cold, flu, symptoms99Medicine & Treatmentmedicine, pills, pharmacy, therapy, treatment, healing46Mental Healthpsyche, depression, therapy, burnout, wellbeing31Organs & Inside the Bodyheart, lung, stomach, blood, brain, nerves, muscles56Pain & Injurypain, wound, injury, broken bones, bruise, hurt31Parts of the Bodygeneral body parts: body, back, chest, skin, bone22Pregnancy & Birthpregnancy, birth, midwife, newborn20Senses & Perceptionseeing, hearing, smell, taste, touch, senses19Sleep & Tirednesssleep, tired, dream, wake up, exhaustion16
Nature & Weather
15 packs · 484 wordsAnimalsgeneral and farm animals: cow, horse, pig, sheep, animal23Birdsbird, wing, nest, feather, species of bird21Environment & Climateenvironment, climate, pollution, recycling, nature protection64Farming & Agriculturefarm, harvest, field, crops, tractor, farmer21Flowers & Garden Plantsflower, rose, blossom, grass, garden plants19Insects & Small Creaturesbee, fly, spider, ant, mosquito, worm23Landscape & Terrainmountain, valley, hill, desert, island, landscape50Natural Disastersflood, earthquake, fire, drought, catastrophe22Petsdog, cat, hamster, pet care18Sea Life & Fishfish, whale, shark, shell, sea creatures21Sky, Sun & Starssky, sun, moon, star, cloud, space, planet21Trees & Plantstree, leaf, branch, root, forest, plant, wood29Water, Rivers & Seariver, lake, sea, coast, wave, stream, water34Weather & Forecastweather, rain, snow, sun, wind, storm, forecast70Wild Animalsbear, wolf, fox, lion, deer, wild animals48
Money & Shopping
11 packs · 305 wordsAt the Supermarketsupermarket, trolley, checkout, shelf, shopping list14Banking & Accountsbank, account, transfer, card, ATM, IBAN29Bills, Invoices & Taxesinvoice, bill, tax, VAT, fee, charge30Business & Tradetrade, company, customer, supplier, market, contract of sale59Debt, Credit & Loansdebt, loan, credit, borrowing, instalment, bankruptcy21Discounts & Bargainssale, discount, offer, bargain, reduced, voucher17Insuranceinsurance, policy, claim, cover, premium19Money & Currencymoney, euro, cent, cash, coin, note, currency23Online Shopping & Deliveryordering online, parcel, delivery, shipping, returns14Prices & Payingprice, paying, receipt, cost, expensive, cheap, change38Saving & Investingsaving, savings, interest, investment, shares, profit41
City & Places
10 packs · 286 wordsBuildings & Architecturebuilding, house, tower, roof, wall, floor, entrance78Countries & Nationalitiescountries, nationalities, capitals, regions, states20Countryside & Rural Placesvillage, farm, field, countryside, rural life16Directions & Orientationleft, right, straight on, opposite, near, map, direction50Neighbourhood & Living Areasdistrict, suburb, neighbourhood, residential area20Places in Towntown square, park, station, church, market, city places16Public Services & Officestown hall, post office, library, authorities, public office14Shops & Businessesshop, bakery, butcher, pharmacy, kiosk, shopping centre20Sightseeing & Landmarksmuseum, castle, monument, sights, tourism32Streets & Roadsstreet, road, pavement, crossing, corner, alley20
Food & Drink
12 packs · 285 wordsAt the Restaurantrestaurants, ordering, menu, waiter, bill23Bread & Bakerybread, rolls, cake and baked goods21Cooking & Preparing Foodcooking, frying, baking and preparing food33Dairy & Eggsmilk, cheese, butter, eggs and dairy22Describing Food & Tastetaste words: sweet, sour, fresh, tasty, hungry, full37Drinksdrinks, juice, coffee, tea, beer and wine20Fruitfruits and berries23Herbs, Spices & Condimentssalt, pepper, herbs, spices, sauces, oil23Meals & Mealtimesbreakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, courses20Meat & Fishmeat, sausage, poultry and fish as food22Sweets & Dessertssweets, chocolate, ice cream, dessert22Vegetablesvegetables, salad and legumes19
Everyday Actions
16 packs · 280 wordsBreaking & Repairingbreak, damage, repair, fix, destroy22Carrying & Moving Thingscarry, bring, put, place, lift, transport18Cleaning & Tidyingclean, wash, wipe, tidy up, sort out15Cooking Actionscook, fry, boil, cut, mix, bake as actions14Daily Routineeveryday routine actions across the day28Eating & Drinkingeat, drink, bite, swallow, chew, serve13Giving & Takinggive, take, hand over, receive, lend, borrow15Helping & Supportinghelp, support, look after, take care of, serve16Holding & Touchinghold, grab, touch, push, pull, press12Looking & Seeinglook, see, watch, notice, observe, search, find21Making & Buildingbuild, construct, produce, create, assemble15Opening & Closingopen, close, lock, unlock, shut17Starting & Stoppingbegin, start, finish, stop, continue, interrupt18Travelling & Moving Abouttravel, drive, fly, ride, set off as actions19Waiting & Stayingwait, stay, remain, stand, sit, lie15Working & Doingdo, make, work, manage, handle, deal with22
Travel & Transport
13 packs · 274 wordsAt the Airportairport, check-in, gate, boarding, terminal, flight16At the Hotelhotel, reception, room booking, key, check-out, hostel15Boats & Shipsship, boat, harbour, ferry, sailing, crossing26Booking & Ticketsticket, reservation, booking, fare, timetable16Bus, Tram & Undergroundbus, tram, underground, stop, public transport13Cars & Drivingcar, driving, licence, petrol, engine, parking, tyres49Cycling & Walkingbicycle, cycling, walking, pedestrian, footpath16Holidays & Vacationholiday, trip, beach, camping, tourist, excursion17Luggage & Packingsuitcase, rucksack, packing, baggage, lost luggage18On the Planeplane, pilot, seat, take-off, landing, cabin crew27Passport, Border & Customspassport, visa, border, customs, ID, control20Traffic & Road Signstraffic, traffic light, jam, speed limit, road sign, motorway20Train Traveltrain, platform, railway, station, compartment, connection21
Family & People
10 packs · 271 wordsBabies & Childrenbaby, toddler, childhood, raising children21Death & Mourningdeath, funeral, grave, mourning, inheritance24Describing Peopleappearance: tall, blond, slim, beautiful, hair, age64Friends & Acquaintancesfriend, neighbour, guest, acquaintance, company25Immediate Familymother, father, sibling, child, parents20Life Stages & Ageingyouth, adulthood, old age, generations, birthdays21Marriage & Weddingswedding, marriage, bride, engagement, spouse23Names, Titles & Forms of Addressname, surname, Herr/Frau, title, addressing people19Relationships & Couplespartner, dating, couple, separation, divorce28Relatives & Extended Familygrandparents, aunt, uncle, cousin, in-laws26
Leisure & Sport
10 packs · 270 wordsGames & Puzzlesboard games, cards, chess, puzzle, video games, playing21Going Out & Nightlifeparty, club, bar, disco, celebrating, going out18Gym & Fitnessgym, training, workout, weights, stretching17Hiking & the Outdoorshiking, climbing, camping, walk in nature, rucksack trips19Hobbies & Pastimeshobby, collecting, crafts, painting, free time35Individual Sportsrunning, tennis, athletics, boxing, gymnastics22Music & Instrumentsmusic, piano, guitar, band, concert, singing56Sports & Gamesgeneral sport words: match, team, score, competition45Water Sports & Swimmingswimming, diving, surfing, pool, rowing20Winter Sportsskiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledging, slopes17
Home & Household
10 packs · 260 wordsBathroombath, shower, toilet, mirror, towel, sink18Bedroombed, pillow, blanket, wardrobe, alarm clock14Furnituretable, chair, sofa, bed, cupboard, shelf28Garden & Balconygarden, lawn, fence, gardening, terrace20Household Applianceswashing machine, dishwasher, lamp, heating, electricity at home27Housework & Cleaningcleaning, tidying, vacuuming, rubbish, chores24In the Kitchenkitchen equipment: pot, pan, plate, knife, fridge, oven33Renting & Moving Houserent, flat, landlord, moving, deposit, lease30Rooms of the Houseliving room, kitchen, hall, cellar, balcony, rooms34Tools & DIYhammer, nail, screw, drill, repairs, workshop32
Time & Dates
8 packs · 198 wordsCalendar & Datescalendar, date, appointment, deadline, anniversary, holiday dates22Days of the WeekMonday to Sunday, weekday, weekend19Duration & Periodslasting, since, until, period, moment, while, decade21How Often — Frequencyalways, often, sometimes, never, daily, weekly, again23Months & SeasonsJanuary to December, spring, summer, autumn, winter20Parts of the Daymorning, midday, afternoon, evening, night, today13Past, Present & Futureyesterday, tomorrow, earlier, later, soon, meanwhile65Telling the Timeclock, hour, minute, quarter past, o clock, watch15
Clothing
5 packs · 122 wordsAccessories & Jewellerybags, hats, glasses, watches, rings, jewellery22Clothes & Garmentsitems of clothing: shirt, trousers, dress, coat31Getting Dressed & Laundrydressing, undressing, washing, ironing clothes15Shoes & Footwearshoes, boots, socks and footwear23Size, Fit & Stylesizes, fit, fabric, fashion and style of clothes31
Free to start · no credit card
Words fade fast — spaced reviews make them stick.
Based on Dr. Hermann Ebbinghaus · memory science, proven since 1885
