Flashcard Notation

A detailed definition of the term "flashcard notation" in the context of "vocabulary & meaning".

Flashcard Notation

A coherent set of rules and symboles used to create langauge flashcards for study. This system can help you remember vocabulary, grammar rules, and just about any other information.

Below are a few guidelines to help you create effective flashcards for language study, for example with

Anki
. Following these conventions consistently will result in a coherent set of cards that are easy to read and understand.

1. Use lowercase, no punctuation, for individual words and phrases

Examples

Front: das ist empfehlenswert
Back: it is recommended

2. Use sentence case, with punctuation, for complete sentences

Examples

Front: これはなんですか。
Back: What is this?

3. Include articles with correct case and gender

Examples

Front: die Schwellenangst
Back: fear of entering a place; fear of starting something new

4. Separate distinct definitions with a semicolon (;)

Examples

Front: der Stoß
Back: hit; jab; thrust; burst; stroke; push

5. Separate closely linked alternatives with a forward slash (/)

Examples

Front: hinter jeder Ecke lauert Gefahr / Überraschung
Back: a risk / surprise lurks behind every corner

6. Show continuations, incomplete thoughts, or idiomatic lead-ins with an ellipsis (...)

Examples

Front: es liegt nahe, dass …
Back: it stands to reason that …

7. Spell out full words

Examples

Front: ¿Qué es tu número de teléfono?
Back: What is your phone number?

8. Use abbreviations to indicate grammar hints or to tag nuances

Examples

Abbreviations:
jd. = jemand
jdn. = jemanden
jdm. = jemandem
etw. = etwas
[+Nom.] = nominative
[+Akk.] = accusative
[+Dat.] = dative
[+Gen.] = genitive

Tags:
[ugs.] = umgangssprachlich (colloquial)
[geh.] = gehoben (elevated/formal)


Front: etw. [+Akk.] gewährleisten
Back: to guarantee sth.

Front: jdn. anspornen
Back: to spur sb. on

9. Write idioms in their natural form in the source language; translate them with natural, idiomatic equivalents in the reference language

Examples

Front: die Kirche im Dorf lassen
Back: to be reasonable; keep things reasonable