Here's a breakdown:
* Basic Conversation: You could probably manage with around 500-1000 words to understand simple greetings, ask basic questions, and hold a short conversation about familiar topics. Think of it as the vocabulary needed for daily interactions like ordering food, asking for directions, and making small talk.
* Reading and Understanding: To read simple texts like news articles or children's books, you might need 1500-2500 words. This allows you to grasp the gist of what's being written, but you might still need to look up some words.
* Functional Language: To function in everyday situations, including work, travel, and social life, you'll likely need 3000-5000 words. This level allows you to understand more complex conversations, navigate different situations, and express yourself with a wider range of vocabulary.
* Fluency: To achieve fluency in German, you'd need to expand your vocabulary significantly beyond 5000 words. This also involves mastering grammar, understanding cultural nuances, and getting comfortable with spoken and written German.
It's important to remember:
* Vocabulary is just one part of language learning. You need to focus on grammar, pronunciation, and listening comprehension as well.
* Learning new words gradually is more effective than trying to memorize a huge list. Focus on using words in context and building connections with other vocabulary.
* The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. Use German resources like books, movies, music, and podcasts to expand your vocabulary naturally.
Rather than focusing on a specific number of words, set realistic goals based on your needs and interests. Start with basic vocabulary and gradually expand your knowledge as you progress.