German A2 is the second level of the **CEFR** scale (the Common European Framework of Reference) — the elementary stage that builds on A1. This page collects free, CEFR-aligned German A2 vocabulary word lists. Every set comes with native-speaker audio, IPA transcription, and translations in five languages.
What A2 German vocabulary covers
At A2 you talk about familiar, everyday matters: work and jobs, shopping, restaurants, travel and transport, health and doctor visits, household and technology, and extended family and hobbies. You can describe simple connections, talk about the past (Perfekt), and cope in predictable situations.
How many words you need at A2
Start Deutsch 2 (Goethe A2) is commonly said to expect around 1,300 words — roughly double A1. Treat that as a working target. Cefra groups the words into small themed sets so you learn them in context and recall them more easily later.
Study order
1. **Verbs and adjectives** — expand what you can do and describe.
2. **Shopping and restaurants** — everyday situations with money and orders.
3. **Travel, transport, airport, and hotel** — getting around.
4. **At the doctor and health** — describing symptoms and the body.
5. **Work and job applications** — talking about your job and working life.
How to use these sets
Open a set, listen to the native audio, and check the IPA. Then let spaced repetition schedule your reviews — a few minutes daily reliably moves words into long-term memory.
Start with these sets
These are real, published German A2 sets. Pick a theme and begin.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CEFR A2 level?
- CEFR A2 is the elementary stage. You can communicate in simple, routine situations, talk about familiar topics like work, shopping, and your surroundings, and describe the past in simple sentences.
- How many words do I need for German A2?
- Start Deutsch 2 (Goethe A2) is often said to expect around 1,300 words — roughly double A1. The number is a guideline; what matters more is using the words in real sentences.
- What is the difference between A1 and A2?
- A1 covers survival basics. A2 extends that to everyday topics — work, shopping, travel, health — and introduces the past tense (Perfekt), so you handle more than fixed, predictable questions.
- How long does it take to reach A2?
- From A1, most learners reach A2 in about two to four months with regular daily practice. Consistency matters more than long, infrequent sessions.