diff --git a/app.py b/app.py
index b6e546d..b096ba6 100644
--- a/app.py
+++ b/app.py
@@ -157,7 +157,10 @@ def directus_picture_words(pic_id):
             if not title_de:
                 continue
             try:
-                wid, _ = _find_or_create_word(title_de, level, token)
+                wid, is_new = _find_or_create_word(title_de, level, token)
+                if not is_new:
+                    # Wort existiert bereits → Level aktualisieren
+                    _directus("PATCH", f"/items/words/{wid}", token, {"level": level})
                 _ensure_link(
                     "words_pictures",
                     {"words_id": wid, "pictures_id": pic_id},