this post was submitted on 01 Mar 2026
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Hmmm. As a beginner I overrated the frequency list.
Yes, a vocabulary is necessary to grow. But it seems more important to have complete conversations. And the only way you complete a conversation is with using the words specific to a conversation.
To complete your shopping list might require more rare words. Fish (common word) isnt useful at all, grocery stores don't sell "fish". Instead, they sell "tilapia". (Specific kinds of fish).
To complete a hypothetical grocery discussion to a realistic level.... even as a beginner.... requires study of words in the 5,000+ or even 10,000+ or less frequently lists. Just one or two such words, but yes it's important.
The A2 vocabulary lists in any test include enough vocab to cover the expected discussions on a test. It might only be top1000 frequent words, and then 500+ more rare words needed to cover trains, airplane travel, hotels and other key test-based subjects.
The frequency list is IMO, the default study when you don't know what else to study. But if you are seeking A2 certificate, study the A2 lists specifically.
The real life talking and roleplay is your best guide if you can get one. The rarer words pop up naturally as roleplay progresses.
But yes, we language learners need thousands of words memorized. So we must have default study options every day. Frequency lists are great for that. But try to seek out roleplay situations and get a feel for the necessary rare words.