German Vocabulary Lists by Topic: A1 to B2 (57 Free Lists with Articles)

German Vocabulary Overview: This page lists 57 topic-based vocabulary lists for German learners from A1 (beginner) to B2 (upper intermediate). Each list includes essential words with example sentences, a short story, and a free quiz to test yourself.

I’ve organized all my vocabulary articles by topic and level. Pick a list that matches your level, learn the words, then take the quiz. That’s the fastest way to build your German vocabulary — topic by topic, not random word lists.

Every list includes the most important words with example sentences. Most articles also link to a free quiz and to a short story so you can practice right away.

💡 Teacher’s Tip from Niko:

You’re about to learn hundreds of new nouns. That’s great — but here’s the thing: every German noun has a gender (der, die, or das). Most students skip this and regret it later.

Don’t just memorize words. Learn why it’s der Tisch but die Lampe. There are rules for this.

Learn the Article Rules →

🧠 Want to test yourself?

Don’t just read — practice actively with free quizzes for every topic.

Go to the Vocabulary Quizzes Overview

Beginner Vocabulary (A1)

Start here if you’re just beginning to learn German. These are the most basic topics you’ll need for everyday situations.

Beginner–Elementary Vocabulary (A1-A2)

Ready for the next step? These topics build on the basics and expand your vocabulary for common situations.

Elementary–Intermediate Vocabulary (A2-B1)

At this level, you can handle more specific topics — from going to the doctor to ordering at a restaurant.

Every Noun Has a Gender. Do You Know Them?

You’ve seen dozens of nouns on this page — der Arzt, die Bank, das Hotel. The Article Trainer teaches you the patterns behind German genders, so you stop guessing.

Try the Article Trainer →

Intermediate Vocabulary (B1-B2)

At this level, you need vocabulary for more complex topics — work, media, daily responsibilities, and more.

Upper Intermediate Vocabulary (B2-C1)

These topics are for advanced learners who want to discuss specialized subjects like finance, healthcare, or geography in German.

Complete A-Z List (All 57 Topics)

Looking for a specific topic? Here’s the full list in alphabetical order:

Click to open full A-Z list ▼

57 Topics. Hundreds of Nouns. Can You Get the Articles Right?

Every noun on this page has a gender — der, die, or das. The Article Trainer teaches you the rules behind German genders, so you stop guessing and start knowing.

Try the Article Trainer →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these vocabulary lists free?

Yes. All 57 vocabulary articles, short stories, and quizzes are completely free to use.

What levels do these vocabulary lists cover?

The lists cover A1 (complete beginner) through B2 (upper intermediate), with some topics reaching C1. Each article is labeled with its level so you can pick the right one for you.

How should I use these vocabulary lists?

Pick a topic that matches your level and interests. Read the vocabulary with the example sentences, then read the short story for context. After that, take the quiz to test yourself. Come back after a few days and retake the quiz — repetition is the key to remembering words long-term.

How do I learn the correct article (der, die, das) for each noun?

German noun genders follow patterns and rules — they’re not completely random. For example, nouns ending in -ung are always feminine (die). The Article Trainer teaches you these rules and lets you practice with 600+ nouns until the correct article becomes automatic.

Can I test my vocabulary with quizzes?

Yes. Most vocabulary articles include a free quiz at the end. You can also find all quizzes in one place on the Vocabulary Quizzes Overview page.

Do you have grammar articles and quizzes too?

Yes. You can find all grammar topics on the Grammar Articles Overview and test yourself with the Grammar Quizzes Overview.