vocabulary
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vocabulary
The total set of words that a person knows and uses (individual vocabulary), or that belong to a particular language (total vocabulary).
Um eine neue Sprache zu lernen, muss man seinen Wortschatz ständig erweitern.
To learn a new language, you have to keep expanding your vocabulary.
'Wortschatz' (vocabulary) is a nice compound of 'Wort' (word) and 'Schatz' (treasure). It describes the words you know, figuratively as a personal 'treasure of words.'
Jedes neue Wort, das du lernst, vergrößert deinen Wortschatz.
Every new word you learn increases your vocabulary.
'Wortschatz' (vocabulary) is very often combined with verbs that describe growth or improvement: den Wortschatz 'erweitern' (to expand one's vocabulary), 'ausbauen' (to build up), or 'verbessern' (to improve).
Durch viel Lesen kannst du deinen Wortschatz schnell ausbauen.
By reading a lot, you can quickly build up your vocabulary.
For language learners, the distinction between 'aktiver Wortschatz' (active vocabulary: words you use yourself) and 'passiver Wortschatz' (passive vocabulary: words you only understand) is very useful.
Mein passiver Wortschatz ist viel größer als mein aktiver.
My passive vocabulary is much larger than my active vocabulary.
repertoire
Wortschatz refers to the words a person knows and uses. In the figurative sense, Repertoire is broader and can also include fixed expressions, strategies, or other ways of expressing oneself. If you mean only known words, Wortschatz is the right term; for various linguistic means, Repertoire is more appropriate.
Durch das Lesen hat er seinen Wortschatz um viele neue Wörter erweitert.
Reading has expanded his vocabulary by many new words.
Für schwierige Gespräche hat sie ein großes Repertoire an Wendungen und Strategien.
She has a large repertoire of expressions and strategies for difficult conversations.
