For me, the number of words you know is the clearest sign of where you really are in a language. But I don’t get there by drilling word lists or grinding through spaced repetition. I pick up most of my vocabulary by reading and listening to things I actually find interesting, and I only review in quick, low-pressure ways. Forgetting words and stumbling doesn’t worry me, it’s all part of getting better. How do you like to review the words you’re learning?
