In this paper we present an interdisciplinary research project which aims at developing an electronic vocabulary acquisition system for the German and the Italian language (ELDIT). The basic dictionary will be enlarged with text and exercise units in order to support a systematic approach for studying and practicing the vocabulary. To ensure maximum effectiveness of the learning process, modern psycholinguistic methods are applied alongside with new media and technologies including adaptive hypermedia. The system is implemented as an adaptive hyperbook and runs on the WWW.