Remember what certain words mean and being able to use them in sentences, is the most difficult part of every language.
My suggestion would be: watch as many films, read as many books as possible in that language. Try to fully immerse yourself in that language. When you encouter a word you didn't know before, note it down on a booklet.
Keep this booklet thoughout your studies, and keep annotating it whenever a new word comes up. You'd be surprised how easily it can be filled up!
Remembering the meaning of the words is the hardest past. I personally used to write out sentences with that particular word in order to fully understand the meaning. However, a more tedious technique, is also repetition. Repeat to youself or to someone else i.e. mom or dad, what the word is and what it means.You will be able to pick up vocabs very easily.
If you want to improve quickly, my best suggestion would be to experience the life in the country where the language you are learning is spoken. For example, go on holiday and try to make friends or speak with the local. People are always welcoming towards students who are trying to learn their language