A trick I've learned is to write out translations in English (or your native language) for texts being read in the target language. It's often amazing how much that you think you understand isn't really understood at all. "False friends" especially can throw you into guessing an incorrect meaning.
A caveat though. Don't dwell on the translation once completed. Learn the words in the target language and try not to look at the translation when you're re-reading the original text.
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