Question 1

How many words do I need to know for the DET?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your target score. DET uses an adaptive system — the more words you recognize correctly in Read and Select, the harder the next word becomes. Based on the CEFR-DET score mapping, B2 vocabulary (roughly 5,000–7,000 words) typically gets you 100–125. For 130+, you need C1-level precision — not just knowing more words, but using collocations and less common terms accurately. Our vocabulary tool tracks 15,000+ words specific to DET question types so you can focus on what actually appears on the test.

Question 2

What vocabulary is tested on the DET?

Accepted Answer

DET tests vocab in two ways. First, Read and Select shows you words one at a time and you have 5 seconds to decide if each is a real English word or a fake one. Second, Fill in the Blanks and Read and Complete give you partial words and you type the missing letters — correct spelling required. Beyond these, every writing and speaking response is scored on "lexis" — your word diversity, precision, and accuracy.

Question 3

How does this vocabulary check work?

Accepted Answer

You'll see 20 English words at different difficulty levels — from everyday terms to advanced academic vocabulary. For each, you tap "I know this word" or "I don't." Based on your results across four CEFR levels (A2 through C1), we estimate your total vocabulary size and map it to a DET score range. It takes about 2 minutes and doesn't require an account.

Question 4

Can I study DET vocabulary for free?

Accepted Answer

You can take this vocabulary level check for free, no account needed. To study the full word lists — 15,000+ words organized by question type, CEFR level, and test frequency — you'll need a free DET Practice account. The vocabulary tool includes definitions, pronunciation, and a mastery tracker so you can focus on words you haven't learned yet.

Question 5

What's the difference between knowing a word and scoring well on DET?

Accepted Answer

DET doesn't just test if you recognize a word. For Read and Select, you need to distinguish real words from convincing fakes in 5 seconds. For Fill in the Blanks, you need to spell the word correctly from partial clues. And for writing and speaking, the scoring criteria look at whether you use words precisely, avoid repetition, and choose natural collocations — not just whether you use big words.

Question 6

How does vocabulary affect my DET subscores?

Accepted Answer

Vocabulary impacts both your Reading and Writing/Speaking subscores. Read and Select, Fill in the Blanks, and Read and Complete all feed directly into Reading. For Writing and Speaking, "lexis" is one of the scoring criteria — it covers word diversity, sophistication, accuracy, and word formation. At the 130–150 range, the scoring guide expects "wide and appropriate word use, some idiomatic language and common collocations."

Duolingo English Test Vocabulary Level Check

DET Vocabulary Built for the Test

How Vocabulary Affects Your DET Score

3 of 13 DET question types test vocabulary directly

"Lexis" impacts every writing and speaking score

Your CEFR level maps directly to your DET score

What low vocabulary actually looks like on the DET

DET Vocabulary FAQ

How many words do I need to know for the DET?

What vocabulary is tested on the DET?

How does this vocabulary check work?

Can I study DET vocabulary for free?

What's the difference between knowing a word and scoring well on DET?

How does vocabulary affect my DET subscores?

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