Everyone learns differently. You have to find out what works best for you, and then use this method. Things that help me (and may or may not help you): * I use Anki (http://ankisrs.net/) to learn words by repetition. * I remember words better if I encountered them in context. So I try to read texts (or watch films) that interest me. * If I make the same mistake repeatedly, I stop and try to figure out why I do so, and how I can avoid it. For example, if there are two words I keep confusing with each other, I sit down for five minutes and focus on the differences, and how I can use them to tell those words apart. * One standard method to improve memory is to make up little stories, or to visualize everything by putting it in some place that's well known to you. I use this method for Japanese Onyomi. For German, maybe it's helpful for the gender (der/die/das) and for irregular verbs. For example, imagine all the words with "der" being in one part of your hometown, and all the verbs with "die" being in another part, and so on. In the same way, visualize all verbs with a certain irregular pattern (i.e. i/a/u: singen/sang/gesungen, klingen/klang/geklungen) happening in one particular place.

I know how you feel, it is a frustrating aspect,when you forget the words you have learned already,I feel the same when trying to memorize the Chinese characters. Of course repetition is a key element as mentioned above. You can do that by applying concrete methods like using flash cards, mnemonic techniques ,a vocabulary box etc... You can as well keep yourself exposed to the language as much as you can through visual aids, by seeing the words repetitively in front of you as subtitles in a movie ,as part of an educational online course etc ,this will help you encounter the same words again and again and they will eventually be memorized by you. Travelling to Germany is a very good 3D visual aid, where all over you will see German writings, in the street , entertainment places ,in restaurants menus, instruction manuals etc..The experience will add up to your vocabulary enormously ,specially if you have some German native company ,who can assist you understand the words you come across everywhere you go. It is a matter of time and effort ,you should combine several methods,the concrete theoretical ones with the practical ones ,intensifying your efforts will make you progress quicker ,so don't give up and 加油；）

In order to remember your German vocabulary you can follow 2 methods. First is the repetition-based method, where you learn German words by writing them several times or saying them repeatedly until you remember them all. If you patiently follow the process, you will see your vocabulary extended very well. Secondly, you also need have to have a notebook with your own note-taking rules. Each time you log onto Italki, note down any new words in the Questions and Answers section. The only problem is whether you want a rich vocabulary or not. Your plan should answer 4 questions. 1.How many words will you learn a week: 5, 10, 15 or more? 2. When will you learn them? Every other morning or anytime you feel like learning? 3. How often will you review what you have learnt: weekly, monthly or before a test ? 4. What areas of German will you focus on? Sports, music, games or sciences? The answers may vary from one person to another depending on memory, schedules and interest. You can gain a big vocabulary and improve your skills by determining what field of words to learn, making a plan of learning, choosing a learning method and regularly practising your plan and method. Daily vocab learning is better than weekly or monthly. Memorize words by drawing small pictures next to them.