Vocabulary · GermanNotes Digital Library
German A1 Vocabulary List: Flashcards, Audio & Pronunciation
481 German A1 words, organized into 14 units, with interactive flashcards, audio pronunciation, English meanings, and an example sentence for every word. Browse chapter by chapter or see the whole list at once, free, no sign-up required.
The GermanNotes Digital Library
One free library, not just a word list
This vocabulary list is one part of a growing library, vocabulary, grammar, and practice exercises, all free and open, no sign-up required.
481+
words in the library
14
units covered
Free
audio on every word
0
sign-ups required
Chapter 1: Introductions
40 words
Chapter 2: Alphabet and pronunciation
19 words
Chapter 3: Family
26 words
Chapter 4: Home and objects
31 words
Chapter 5: Daily routine
23 words
Chapter 6: Food and ordering
47 words
Chapter 7: Shopping
49 words
Chapter 8: Directions and transport
24 words
Chapter 9: Work and schedule
35 words
Chapter 10: Health
48 words
Chapter 11: Free time
31 words
Chapter 12: Weather and small talk
38 words
Chapter 13: Travel and booking
36 words
Chapter 14: Full conversations
34 words
Where to start
Essential German Words for Beginners
Every unit here starts with the German language basic words you actually need first, not obscure vocabulary: greetings, numbers, family, food. This is basic German vocabulary for real beginners, organized by real-life topic instead of a random A-to-Z dictionary list.
Three questions we answer
How long does A1 vocabulary take?
There's no single right pace. Our live A1 course covers it over 8 weeks; studying the flashcards on your own, most people work through it unit by unit alongside the grammar for that same unit.
Does it include audio?
Yes. Every flashcard can read the word aloud using your browser's built-in text-to-speech, with a voice picker if your device offers more than one.
German words, organized by topic
German Vocabulary by Unit, Not a Random List
Instead of one long alphabetical list, our German A1 vocabulary is grouped by the real situations you'll use it in: greetings, family, food, shopping, health, and so on. Each unit's words match the grammar and exercises for that same unit, so you learn vocabulary in German connected to how you'll actually use it, not in isolation.
| Unit | Topic | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Introductions | 40 words → |
| Unit 2 | Alphabet and pronunciation | 19 words → |
| Unit 3 | Family | 26 words → |
Showing 3 of 14 units.
What's included
German A1 Vocabulary with Flashcards and Pronunciation
- ✓Audio pronunciation for every word, using your browser's built-in text-to-speech, with a voice picker when more than one is available
- ✓An example sentence for every word, so you see it used in context
- ✓Plural forms and the article (der/die/das) for every noun
- ✓English meanings shown alongside each word
- ✓Flashcard view or a full scrollable list, whichever you prefer
- ✓Browse chapter by chapter, or see all words at once
- ✓Free, downloadable PDF backup of the whole list
- ✓No sign-up required to browse or practice
This is the same A1 vocabulary list German learners usually piece together from several sources, a German vocabulary list and German words list in one: German basic words and vocabulary German for absolute beginners, right through to the fuller German vocabulary for beginners you'll want by the end of A1, all built from one A1 German vocabulary list, kept in one place.
Learning through context
Vocabulary in German Sticks Better in Context
Memorizing a bare word list is slow to recall later. When you see a German word inside a real sentence, your brain connects it to meaning and grammar at the same time, not just a translation to memorize.
Instead of just das Brot (bread), you also see it in a sentence: “Ich möchte das Brot.” (I want the bread.) Instead of just der Kaffee (coffee): “Der Kaffee ist heiß.” (The coffee is hot.) The word is never floating on its own.
FAQ
German A1 Vocabulary Questions
Yes. The German A1 vocabulary list PDF is free to download. It includes every word organized by unit, with plurals, English meanings, and an example sentence for each. You can print it, save it offline, or keep it on your phone.
Yes. Every flashcard can read the word aloud using your browser's built-in text-to-speech. If your device offers more than one German voice, you can pick which one to use. Hearing a word while you read it, and repeating it out loud, builds listening and speaking alongside vocabulary.
There's no single official number, but our A1 list covers the vocabulary used across all 14 units of the course. You don't need to learn it all at once: work through it chapter by chapter, alongside the grammar and exercises for that same unit.
Yes. Download the vocabulary list PDF and study without an internet connection, useful for travelling, commuting, or whenever you want to study without distractions. The flashcards themselves need a connection to load, but the audio uses your device's own voices.
Once you're comfortable with A1, the course continues into A2, B1, and B2, each with its own grammar and vocabulary. Take the free placement test if you want to confirm you're ready to move on.
Start Learning German Vocabulary Today
All 481 words are free to browse right now, with no sign-up. Download the PDF, work through the flashcards chapter by chapter, and enroll when you want live classes and speaking practice on top.