German B2 — Upper intermediate: debate, work, culture

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The whole German B2 level as one readable page: 3 units, 9 lessons, 63 words, 289 questions with every answer shown, a worksheet and a 10-item level test. Nothing here is behind JavaScript, and nothing needs an account.

What you can do when B2 is finished

• Express wishes politely with würde and hätte
• Report news and write formal business German
• Understand idioms and build hypothetical stories

B2, unit by unit

Opinion and debate

Polite wishes (würde + verb)

WÜRDE softens everything: ICH WÜRDE SPRECHEN (I would speak). DU WÜRDEST, ER WÜRDE + verb-at-end. Extras: ICH HÄTTE GERN (I would like to have), ICH WÄRE GERN (I would like to be).

Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.

Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.

What this German practice tests. multiple choice, fill in the blank, translation, reverse translation, matching, reorder, sentence building, word selection, error correction, dialogue completion, reading comprehension, paragraph comprehension. Every exercise works on German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register.

1. multiple choicePractice 1 [multiple choice] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Choose the contextual meaning of der Wunsch (an).

   1. wish
   2. hope
   3. doubt
   Show the answer

   wish

2. fill the gapPractice 2 [fill in the blank] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Type the complete Latin script expression meaning “hope”.

   Show the answer

   die Hoffnung

3. translatePractice 3 [translation] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Read der Zweifel (dehr TSVY-fel) and give its lesson meaning.

   Show the answer

   doubt

4. translate into the languagePractice 4 [reverse translation] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Produce “advice” in Latin script, not romanisation alone.

   Show the answer

   der Rat

5. matchingPractice 5 [matching] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Match die Erlaubnis to its contextual meaning.

   1. proposal
   2. permission
   3. solution
   Show the answer

   permission

6. put it in orderPractice 6 [reorder] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Rebuild this model with correct German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register: I would like to join.

   Show the answer

   Ich wäre gern dabei.

7. build the sentencePractice 7 [sentence building] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Rebuild this model with correct German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register: I would like to come.

   Show the answer

   Was soll ich tun?

8. choose the wordPractice 8 [word selection] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Select the correct target form for “agreement”.

   1. der Wunsch
   2. die Hoffnung
   3. die Einigung
   Show the answer

   die Einigung

9. find the mistakePractice 9 [error correction] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Replace a script, morphology, particle, or register error with the lesson model for “I would like to join.”.

   Show the answer

   Ich wäre gern dabei.

10. finish the dialoguePractice 10 [dialogue completion] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Complete Lena’s turn in the taught register: I would like to come.

    Show the answer

    Was soll ich tun?

11. readingPractice 11 [reading comprehension] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Read Ich würde mich freuen, wenn du mit dem Chef sprichst. (eekh VEWR-duh meekh FROY-en, ven doo mit dehm shef shpreekhst.). What exact detail is communicated?

    Show the answer

    I would be glad if you talk to the boss.

12. paragraphPractice 12 [paragraph comprehension] — Polite wishes (würde + verb): Read the complete dialogue and explain this turn’s function: Einverstanden.

    Show the answer

    Agreed.

Quick check (5).

1. quick checkICH WÜRDE GERN KOMMEN means…

   1. I come gladly
   2. I would like to come
   3. you want me to come
   4. we come
   Show the answer

   I would like to come

   Würde + gern + verb.

2. quick checkICH HÄTTE GERN means…

   1. I have gladly
   2. I would like to have
   3. I had
   4. I want now
   Show the answer

   I would like to have

   Hätte gern = would like.

3. quick checkDER RAT is…

   1. wish
   2. advice
   3. doubt
   4. hope
   Show the answer

   advice

   Rat = advice.

4. quick checkICH WÄRE GERN DABEI means…

   1. I am there
   2. I would like to join
   3. I was there
   4. I leave
   Show the answer

   I would like to join

   Wäre gern = would like to be.

5. quick checkAfter WÜRDE the verb goes…

   1. second
   2. to the end
   3. first
   4. nowhere
   Show the answer

   to the end

   Ich würde … KOMMEN.

Worksheet: Wishes worksheet

Review list. der Wunsch · die Hoffnung · der Zweifel · der Rat

News and reported speech (dass)

Report with DASS (that): ER SAGT, DASS ER KOMMT (he says he is coming). DASS kicks the verb to the END! Past: ER SAGTE, DASS ER GEKOMMEN IST.

Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.

Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.

What this German practice tests. main idea, detail identification, inference, listening comprehension, dictation, listen and choose, listen and reorder, listen and fill, repeat after audio, pronunciation, shadowing, guided speaking. Every exercise works on German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register.

1. the main ideaPractice 2 [main idea] — News and reported speech (dass): What is the central communicative purpose of “News and reported speech (dass)”?

   Show the answer

   Report with DASS (that): ER SAGT, DASS ER KOMMT (he says he is coming).

2. spot the detailPractice 3 [detail identification] — News and reported speech (dass): Read Sagte sie, dass es ernst ist? (ZAHK-tuh zee, dahss ess ehrnst ist?). What exact detail is communicated?

   Show the answer

   Did it say it is serious?

3. what is meantPractice 4 [inference] — News and reported speech (dass): Infer the intended meaning or social force of Er sagt, dass er kommt. without overclaiming.

   Show the answer

   He says he is coming.

4. listeningPractice 5 [listening comprehension] — News and reported speech (dass): Play the synthetic audio and give its precise contextual meaning.

   audio drill — play it in the course player

   Show the answer

   What does the paper say?

5. dictationPractice 6 [dictation] — News and reported speech (dass): Play the labeled synthetic German audio and type the complete line in Latin script.

   audio drill — play it in the course player

   Show the answer

   Sie sagt, dass ein Sturm kommt.

6. listen and choosePractice 7 [listen and choose] — News and reported speech (dass): Play the synthetic audio and select its contextual meaning.

   1. Did it say it is serious?
   2. No, it said it is mild.
   3. truth

   audio drill — play it in the course player

   Show the answer

   Did it say it is serious?

7. listen, then orderPractice 8 [listen and reorder] — News and reported speech (dass): Rebuild this model with correct German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register: He said he came.

   audio drill — play it in the course player

   Show the answer

   Er sagte, dass er gekommen ist.

8. listen and fillPractice listen and fill — News and reported speech (dass): Play the synthetic audio and complete the line beginning “Was…”.

   audio drill — play it in the course player

   Show the answer

   Was sagt die Zeitung?

9. repeat itPractice 10 [repeat after audio] — News and reported speech (dass): Repeat the synthetic model with accurate phrase grouping; no microphone score is claimed.

   audio drill — play it in the course player

   Show the answer

   Sie sagt, dass ein Sturm kommt.

10. pronunciationPractice 11 [pronunciation] — News and reported speech (dass): Practise das Interview (dahss IN-ter-vyoo) with the language-specific sound pattern. Self-check only.

    audio drill — play it in the course player

    Show the answer

    das Interview

11. shadow the audioPractice 12 [shadowing] — News and reported speech (dass): Shadow the synthetic German model, preserving target rhythm and sound contrasts. Self-check only.

    audio drill — play it in the course player

    Show the answer

    Nein, sie sagte, dass es leicht ist.

12. guided speakingPractice 13 [guided speaking] — News and reported speech (dass): Produce a spoken response demonstrating “News and reported speech (dass)”; compare with the model.

    Show the answer

    Er sagt, dass er kommt.

Quick check (5).

1. quick checkER SAGTE, DASS ER GEKOMMEN IST means…

   1. he says he comes
   2. he said he came
   3. he will come
   4. he comes daily
   Show the answer

   he said he came

   Sagte (past) + gekommen ist.

2. quick checkDIE SCHLAGZEILE is…

   1. article
   2. headline
   3. reporter
   4. source
   Show the answer

   headline

   Schlagzeile = headline.

3. quick checkAfter DASS the verb goes…

   1. second
   2. to the end
   3. first
   4. nowhere
   Show the answer

   to the end

   Dass … KOMMT (last!).

4. quick checkDIE QUELLE is…

   1. fact
   2. source
   3. truth
   4. lie
   Show the answer

   source

   Quelle = source.

5. quick checkDASS needs…

   1. no comma
   2. a comma before it
   3. past tense
   4. plural
   Show the answer

   a comma before it

   Sagt, DASS — comma!

Worksheet: News worksheet

Review list. die Zeitung · die Schlagzeile · das Interview · der Journalist

Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits

The German rebuttal gives ground in a marked first clause: ZWAR IST DIE REGEL KLAR, ABER DER AUFWAND IST HOCH. The concession is a grammatical slot, not an apology.

Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.

Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.

What this German practice tests. German. Every exercise works on verb-second word order, four cases with article agreement, separable prefixes, Perfekt vs Präteritum, modal particles, and Konjunktiv register — measured by clause architecture and by choosing du or Sie before the first verb..

1. multiple choicePractice 1: [multiple choice] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Choose the meaning of zwar (tsvar) in this lesson.

   1. admittedly (opens the concession)
   2. but
   3. on the one hand
   4. on the other hand
   Show the answer

   admittedly (opens the concession)

2. fill the gapPractice 2: [fill in the blank] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Type the German expression meaning “but”.

   Show the answer

   aber

3. translatePractice 3: [translation] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Interpret the German in context: Zwar ist die Regel klar, aber der Aufwand ist hoch. (tsvar ist dee RAY-gel klar, AH-ber dair OWF-vant ist hokh.).

   Show the answer

   Admittedly the rule is clear, but the effort is high.

4. translate into the languagePractice 4: [reverse translation] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Write in German: On the one hand it saves time; on the other it costs staff..

   Show the answer

   Einerseits spart es Zeit, andererseits kostet es Personal.

5. matchingPractice 5: [matching] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Match einerseits to its lesson meaning.

   1. on the one hand
   2. admittedly (opens the concession)
   3. but
   Show the answer

   on the one hand

6. put it in orderPractice 6: [reorder] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Reconstruct the lesson model in coherent German: I understand the objection but see a risk..

   Show the answer

   Ich verstehe den Einwand, sehe aber ein Risiko.

7. build the sentencePractice 7: [sentence building] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Build the sentence with the lesson pattern (zwar … aber · einerseits … andererseits): Admittedly the rule is clear, but the effort is high..

   Show the answer

   Zwar ist die Regel klar, aber der Aufwand ist hoch.

8. choose the wordPractice 8: [word selection] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Select the German form for “on the other hand”.

   1. andererseits
   2. der Einwand
   Show the answer

   andererseits

9. find the mistakePractice 9: [error correction] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Correct the model the lesson warns about: Zwar ist die Regel klar, der Aufwand ist hoch.

   Show the answer

   Zwar ist die Regel klar, aber der Aufwand ist hoch.

10. finish the dialoguePractice 10: [dialogue completion] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Complete the exchange with the studied response to: What do you think of the rule?

    Show the answer

    Zwar ist die Regel klar, aber der Aufwand ist hoch.

11. readingPractice 11: [reading comprehension] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Read “Und Ihr Vorschlag?” (unt eer FOR-shlahk?). What does it mean?

    Show the answer

    And your proposal?

12. paragraphPractice 12: [paragraph comprehension] Conceding and rebutting: zwar … aber, einerseits … andererseits — Read the lesson dialogue as a whole and give its key move: On the one hand test it; on the other document it.

    Show the answer

    Einerseits testen, andererseits dokumentieren.

Quick check (5).

1. quick checkWhich meaning best fits zwar?

   1. admittedly (opens the concession)
   2. but
   3. on the one hand
   4. on the other hand
   Show the answer

   admittedly (opens the concession)

   zwar (tsvar) means admittedly (opens the concession) in this lesson.

2. quick checkWhich meaning best fits aber?

   1. but
   2. admittedly (opens the concession)
   3. on the one hand
   4. on the other hand
   Show the answer

   but

   aber (AH-ber) means but in this lesson.

3. quick checkWhich meaning best fits einerseits?

   1. on the one hand
   2. admittedly (opens the concession)
   3. but
   4. on the other hand
   Show the answer

   on the one hand

   einerseits (EYE-ner-zites) means on the one hand in this lesson.

4. quick checkWhich meaning best fits andererseits?

   1. on the other hand
   2. admittedly (opens the concession)
   3. but
   4. on the one hand
   Show the answer

   on the other hand

   andererseits (AN-der-er-zites) means on the other hand in this lesson.

5. quick checkWhich meaning best fits der Einwand?

   1. objection
   2. admittedly (opens the concession)
   3. but
   4. on the one hand
   Show the answer

   objection

   der Einwand (dair INE-vant) means objection in this lesson.

Worksheet: Rebuttal worksheet

Review list. zwar · aber · einerseits · andererseits

Work and formal writing

Polite business German

Business runs on KÖNNTEN SIE…? (Could you…?): KÖNNTEN SIE MIR HELFEN? ICH WÜRDE MICH FREUEN (I would be glad). Close with MIT FREUNDLICHEN GRÜßEN (kind regards).

Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.

Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.

What this German practice tests. free response, roleplay, sentence writing, short writing, paraphrase, summary, guided composition, register transformation, tone identification, semantic distinction, contextual meaning, argument construction. Every exercise works on German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register.

1. answer in your own wordsPractice 3 [free response] — Polite business German: Produce a spoken response demonstrating “Polite business German”; compare with the model.

   Show the answer

   Wäre morgen möglich?

2. role playPractice 4 [roleplay] — Polite business German: Role-play Lena: Yes. Kind regards.

   Show the answer

   Ja. Mit freundlichen Grüßen.

3. write a sentencePractice 5 [sentence writing] — Polite business German: Write one accurate Latin script sentence using die Frist.

   Show the answer

   Ich würde mich freuen.

4. short writingPractice 6 [short writing] — Polite business German: Write 2–3 connected German sentences applying this lesson’s grammar and register.

   Show the answer

   Wäre morgen möglich? Könnten Sie mir helfen?

5. say it another wayPractice 7 [paraphrase] — Polite business German: Paraphrase without changing meaning, morphology, or politeness: Könnten Sie mir helfen?

   Show the answer

   Könnten Sie mir helfen?

6. summarisePractice 8 [summary] — Polite business German: Summarize the dialogue in one precise German sentence.

   Show the answer

   Ja. Mit freundlichen Grüßen.

7. guided compositionPractice 9 [guided composition] — Polite business German: Compose a short response using “könnten Sie + … + verb? · wäre … möglich?”.

   Show the answer

   Wäre morgen möglich?

8. change the registerPractice 10 [register transformation] — Polite business German: Recast “Could you help me?” in the formal, polite, or everyday register taught here.

   Show the answer

   Könnten Sie mir helfen?

9. read the tonePractice 11 [tone identification] — Polite business German: Identify the tone or stance of Ich würde mich freuen..

   Show the answer

   The wording realizes KÖNNTEN SIE…? (Could you…?) in the lesson-appropriate register.

10. which one fitsPractice 12 [semantic distinction] — Polite business German: Distinguish der Betreff and die Frist in meaning and grammatical use.

    Show the answer

    der Betreff means “subject (line)”; die Frist means “deadline”. Context and grammar select between them.

11. meaning in contextPractice 13 [contextual meaning] — Polite business German: Explain the contextual force of die Frist here.

    Show the answer

    It contributes “deadline” within KÖNNTEN SIE…? (Could you…?).

12. build the argumentPractice 14 [argument construction] — Polite business German: Build a claim and supporting reason appropriate to “Polite business German”.

    Show the answer

    Ich würde mich freuen. Wäre morgen möglich?

Quick check (5).

1. quick checkKÖNNTEN SIE MIR HELFEN? means…

   1. Help!
   2. Could you help me?
   3. I help you
   4. He helps
   Show the answer

   Could you help me?

   Könnten = could (soft).

2. quick checkDIE FRIST is…

   1. budget
   2. deadline
   3. invoice
   4. mail
   Show the answer

   deadline

   Frist = deadline.

3. quick checkKÖNNTEN vs KÖNNEN: the difference is…

   1. I/you
   2. softer/polite vs plain
   3. past/future
   4. plural
   Show the answer

   softer/polite vs plain

   Könnten = would-be-able (soft).

4. quick checkMIT FREUNDLICHEN GRÜßEN closes…

   1. a phone call
   2. a formal email
   3. a party
   4. a book
   Show the answer

   a formal email

   Standard formal closing.

5. quick checkWÄRE MORGEN MÖGLICH? means…

   1. Is tomorrow free?
   2. Would tomorrow be possible?
   3. Tomorrow works!
   4. See you tomorrow
   Show the answer

   Would tomorrow be possible?

   Wäre … möglich = would be possible.

Worksheet: Email worksheet

Review list. die E-Mail · der Anhang · die Unterschrift · der Betreff

Dative prepositions (always dative!)

Nine prepositions ALWAYS take dative: AUS, BEI, MIT, NACH, SEIT, VON, ZU (+ gegenüber, außer). MIT DEM Bus (by bus), BEI DER Arbeit (at work), NACH DEM Essen (after dinner). Memorise the song: aus-bei-mit-nach-seit-von-zu!

Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.

Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.

What this German practice tests. discourse ordering, style rewriting, multiple choice, fill in the blank, translation, reverse translation, matching, reorder, sentence building, word selection, error correction, dialogue completion. Every exercise works on German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register.

1. order the textPractice 4 [discourse ordering] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Rebuild this model with correct German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register: I ride the bus. (with the bus)

   Show the answer

   Ich fahre mit dem Bus.

2. rewrite the stylePractice 5 [style rewriting] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Rewrite “She is at work.” in this lesson’s target style.

   Show the answer

   Sie ist bei der Arbeit.

3. multiple choicePractice 6 [multiple choice] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Choose the contextual meaning of das Mittel (dahss MIT-tel).

   1. means
   2. service
   3. change
   Show the answer

   means

4. fill the gapPractice 7 [fill in the blank] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Type the complete Latin script expression meaning “service”.

   Show the answer

   der Dienst

5. translatePractice 8 [translation] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Read der Wechsel (dehr VEK-sel) and give its lesson meaning.

   Show the answer

   change

6. translate into the languagePractice 9 [reverse translation] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Produce “gift” in Latin script, not romanisation alone.

   Show the answer

   das Geschenk

7. matchingPractice 10 [matching] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Match der Grund to its contextual meaning.

   1. cause
   2. reason
   3. goal
   Show the answer

   reason

8. put it in orderPractice 11 [reorder] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Rebuild this model with correct German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register: She is at work.

   Show the answer

   Sie ist bei der Arbeit.

9. build the sentencePractice 12 [sentence building] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Rebuild this model with correct German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register: The gift is from the kids.

   Show the answer

   Das Geschenk ist von den Kindern.

10. choose the wordPractice 13 [word selection] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Select the correct target form for “way / road”.

    1. das Mittel
    2. der Dienst
    3. der Weg
    Show the answer

    der Weg

11. find the mistakePractice 14 [error correction] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Replace a script, morphology, particle, or register error with the lesson model for “She is at work.”.

    Show the answer

    Sie ist bei der Arbeit.

12. finish the dialoguePractice 15 [dialogue completion] — Dative prepositions (always dative!): Complete Lena’s turn in the taught register: Since when?

    Show the answer

    Seit wann?

Quick check (5).

1. quick checkMIT DEM BUS means…

   1. without bus
   2. by bus (with the bus)
   3. near the bus
   4. big bus
   Show the answer

   by bus (with the bus)

   Mit + dem = with the.

2. quick checkZUR ARBEIT = …

   1. the work (plain)
   2. zu + der Arbeit (to work)
   3. two jobs
   4. at home
   Show the answer

   zu + der Arbeit (to work)

   Zur = zu + der.

3. quick checkVON DEN KINDERN: why DEN + N?

   1. it sounds nice
   2. dative plural
   3. accusative
   4. genitive
   Show the answer

   dative plural

   Dative plural: den + -N.

4. quick checkSEIT takes…

   1. accusative
   2. dative
   3. nominative
   4. nothing
   Show the answer

   dative

   Aus-bei-mit-nach-SEIT-von-zu!.

5. quick checkBEI DER ARBEIT means…

   1. after work
   2. at work
   3. without work
   4. good work
   Show the answer

   at work

   Bei + der = at the.

Worksheet: Dative worksheet

Review list. das Geschenk · der Grund · die Ursache · das Ziel

The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel

A German business email is short and framed: BETREFF with the subject and no verb, ANREDE with SEHR GEEHRTE FRAU / GUTEN TAG HERR, body, and «Mit freundlichen Grüßen».

Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.

Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.

What this German practice tests. German. Every exercise works on verb-second word order, four cases with article agreement, separable prefixes, Perfekt vs Präteritum, modal particles, and Konjunktiv register — measured by clause architecture and by choosing du or Sie before the first verb..

1. multiple choicePractice 1: [multiple choice] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Choose the meaning of der Betreff (dair beh-TREF) in this lesson.

   1. subject line
   2. salutation
   3. closing formula
   4. attached, enclosed
   Show the answer

   subject line

2. fill the gapPractice 2: [fill in the blank] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Type the German expression meaning “salutation”.

   Show the answer

   die Anrede

3. translatePractice 3: [translation] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Interpret the German in context: Betreff: Unterlagen für den Termin (beh-TREF: OON-ter-lah-gen fewr dayn ter-MEEN).

   Show the answer

   Subject: documents for the appointment

4. translate into the languagePractice 4: [reverse translation] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Write in German: Dear Ms Berger,.

   Show the answer

   Sehr geehrte Frau Berger,

5. matchingPractice 5: [matching] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Match die Grußformel to its lesson meaning.

   1. closing formula
   2. subject line
   3. salutation
   Show the answer

   closing formula

6. put it in orderPractice 6: [reorder] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Reconstruct the lesson model in coherent German: Kind regards.

   Show the answer

   Mit freundlichen Grüßen

7. build the sentencePractice 7: [sentence building] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Build the sentence with the lesson pattern (Betreff: … · Sehr geehrte Frau …, · Mit freundlichen Grüßen): Subject: documents for the appointment.

   Show the answer

   Betreff: Unterlagen für den Termin

8. choose the wordPractice 8: [word selection] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Select the German form for “attached, enclosed”.

   1. beiliegend
   2. um Rückmeldung bitten
   Show the answer

   beiliegend

9. find the mistakePractice 9: [error correction] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Correct the model the lesson warns about: Hallo Frau Berger!

   Show the answer

   Sehr geehrte Frau Berger,

10. finish the dialoguePractice 10: [dialogue completion] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Complete the exchange with the studied response to: Have you written the email?

    Show the answer

    Ja. Betreff: Termin am 12. Mai.

11. readingPractice 11: [reading comprehension] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Read “Und die Anrede?” (unt dee AN-ray-duh?). What does it mean?

    Show the answer

    And the salutation?

12. paragraphPractice 12: [paragraph comprehension] The formal email: Betreff, Anrede, Grußformel — Read the lesson dialogue as a whole and give its key move: 'Dear Ms Berger,' — and at the end 'Kind regards'.

    Show the answer

    «Sehr geehrte Frau Berger,» — und zum Schluss «Mit freundlichen Grüßen».

Quick check (5).

1. quick checkWhich meaning best fits der Betreff?

   1. subject line
   2. salutation
   3. closing formula
   4. attached, enclosed
   Show the answer

   subject line

   der Betreff (dair beh-TREF) means subject line in this lesson.

2. quick checkWhich meaning best fits die Anrede?

   1. salutation
   2. subject line
   3. closing formula
   4. attached, enclosed
   Show the answer

   salutation

   die Anrede (dee AN-ray-duh) means salutation in this lesson.

3. quick checkWhich meaning best fits die Grußformel?

   1. closing formula
   2. subject line
   3. salutation
   4. attached, enclosed
   Show the answer

   closing formula

   die Grußformel (dee GROOS-for-mel) means closing formula in this lesson.

4. quick checkWhich meaning best fits beiliegend?

   1. attached, enclosed
   2. subject line
   3. salutation
   4. closing formula
   Show the answer

   attached, enclosed

   beiliegend (BY-lee-gent) means attached, enclosed in this lesson.

5. quick checkWhich meaning best fits um Rückmeldung bitten?

   1. to ask for a reply
   2. subject line
   3. salutation
   4. closing formula
   Show the answer

   to ask for a reply

   um Rückmeldung bitten (oom REWK-mel-doong BIT-ten) means to ask for a reply in this lesson.

Worksheet: Email worksheet

Review list. der Betreff · die Anrede · die Grußformel · beiliegend

Stories and hypotheticals

Idioms and sayings

Idioms never translate word-for-word! SCHWEIN HABEN = to be lucky (to have pig!). Learn them whole — they make you sound truly German.

Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.

Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.

What this German practice tests. reading comprehension, paragraph comprehension, main idea, detail identification, inference, listening comprehension, dictation, listen and choose, listen and reorder, listen and fill, repeat after audio, pronunciation. Every exercise works on German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register.

1. readingPractice 5 [reading comprehension] — Idioms and sayings: Read Ich habe Schwein gehabt! (eekh HAH-buh shveyen guh-HAHPT!). What exact detail is communicated?

   Show the answer

   How was the exam?

2. paragraphPractice 6 [paragraph comprehension] — Idioms and sayings: Read the complete dialogue and explain this turn’s function: Ganz einfach. Ich habe Schwein gehabt!

   Show the answer

   Really easy. I was lucky!

3. the main ideaPractice 7 [main idea] — Idioms and sayings: What is the central communicative purpose of “Idioms and sayings”?

   Show the answer

   Idioms never translate word-for-word! SCHWEIN HABEN = to be lucky (to have pig!).

4. spot the detailPractice 8 [detail identification] — Idioms and sayings: Read Alles in Butter! (AH-less in BOOT-ter!). What exact detail is communicated?

   Show the answer

   All good!

5. what is meantPractice 9 [inference] — Idioms and sayings: Infer the intended meaning or social force of Du hast den Nagel auf den Kopf getroffen. without overclaiming.

   Show the answer

   You hit the nail on the head.

6. listeningPractice 10 [listening comprehension] — Idioms and sayings: Play the synthetic audio and give its precise contextual meaning.

   audio drill — play it in the course player

   Show the answer

   Really easy. I was lucky!

7. dictationPractice 11 [dictation] — Idioms and sayings: Play the labeled synthetic German audio and type the complete line in Latin script.

   audio drill — play it in the course player

   Show the answer

   Du hast immer Schwein!

8. listen and choosePractice 12 [listen and choose] — Idioms and sayings: Play the synthetic audio and select its contextual meaning.

   1. All good!
   2. How was the exam?
   3. to hit the nail on the head

   audio drill — play it in the course player

   Show the answer

   All good!

9. listen, then orderPractice 13 [listen and reorder] — Idioms and sayings: Rebuild this model with correct German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register: I was lucky!

   audio drill — play it in the course player

   Show the answer

   Wie war die Prüfung?

10. listen and fillPractice listen and fill — Idioms and sayings: Play the synthetic audio and complete the line beginning “Ganz…”.

    audio drill — play it in the course player

    Show the answer

    Ganz einfach. Ich habe Schwein gehabt!

11. repeat itPractice 15 [repeat after audio] — Idioms and sayings: Repeat the synthetic model with accurate phrase grouping; no microphone score is claimed.

    audio drill — play it in the course player

    Show the answer

    Du hast immer Schwein!

12. pronunciationPractice 16 [pronunciation] — Idioms and sayings: Practise Da steppt der Bär (dah shtept dehr behr) with the language-specific sound pattern. Self-check only.

    audio drill — play it in the course player

    Show the answer

    Da steppt der Bär

Quick check (5).

1. quick checkSCHWEIN HABEN means…

   1. to eat pork
   2. to be lucky
   3. to sleep
   4. to run
   Show the answer

   to be lucky

   Have pig = be lucky!

2. quick checkALLES IN BUTTER means…

   1. buttery food
   2. everything is fine
   3. time to cook
   4. melted
   Show the answer

   everything is fine

   All in butter = all good.

3. quick checkWhy learn idioms as chunks?

   1. they are short
   2. word-for-word fails
   3. they rhyme
   4. exams need them
   Show the answer

   word-for-word fails

   Pig-having ≠ farming!

4. quick checkSCHLAFEN WIE EIN MURMELTIER means…

   1. to nap lightly
   2. to sleep deeply
   3. to snore loudly
   4. to dream
   Show the answer

   to sleep deeply

   Sleep like a marmot = log.

5. quick checkKEIN BLATT VOR DEN MUND NEHMEN means…

   1. to stay silent
   2. to speak plainly
   3. to eat leaves
   4. to whisper
   Show the answer

   to speak plainly

   No leaf before mouth = blunt.

Worksheet: Idioms worksheet

Review list. Schwein haben · alles in Butter · Tomaten auf den Augen haben · den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen

Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich

Real plans: WENN + verb-second … , + verb-SECOND again! WENN ES REGNET, BLEIBE ICH (if it rains, I stay). Both halves start with the verb in second place — German symmetry!

Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.

Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.

What this German practice tests. shadowing, guided speaking, free response, roleplay, sentence writing, short writing, paraphrase, summary, guided composition, register transformation, tone identification, semantic distinction. Every exercise works on German case, gender, verb position, compounds, and formal versus informal register.

1. shadow the audioPractice 6 [shadowing] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Shadow the synthetic German model, preserving target rhythm and sound contrasts. Self-check only.

   audio drill — play it in the course player

   Show the answer

   Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich zu Hause.

2. guided speakingPractice 7 [guided speaking] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Produce a spoken response demonstrating “Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich”; compare with the model.

   Show the answer

   Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich.

3. answer in your own wordsPractice 8 [free response] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Produce a spoken response demonstrating “Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich”; compare with the model.

   Show the answer

   Wenn du kommst, helfe ich dir.

4. role playPractice 9 [roleplay] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Role-play Lena: If it rains, what do we do?

   Show the answer

   Wenn es regnet, was machen wir?

5. write a sentencePractice 10 [sentence writing] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Write one accurate Latin script sentence using die Bedingung.

   Show the answer

   Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich.

6. short writingPractice 11 [short writing] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Write 2–3 connected German sentences applying this lesson’s grammar and register.

   Show the answer

   Wenn du kommst, helfe ich dir. Wenn du lernst, wirst du bestehen.

7. say it another wayPractice 12 [paraphrase] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Paraphrase without changing meaning, morphology, or politeness: Wenn du lernst, wirst du bestehen.

   Show the answer

   Wenn du lernst, wirst du bestehen.

8. summarisePractice 13 [summary] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Summarize the dialogue in one precise German sentence.

   Show the answer

   Wenn es regnet, was machen wir?

9. guided compositionPractice 14 [guided composition] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Compose a short response using “wenn + …verb, + verb + subject”.

   Show the answer

   Wenn du kommst, helfe ich dir.

10. change the registerPractice 15 [register transformation] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Recast “If you study, you will pass.” in the formal, polite, or everyday register taught here.

    Show the answer

    Wenn du lernst, wirst du bestehen.

11. read the tonePractice 16 [tone identification] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Identify the tone or stance of Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich..

    Show the answer

    The wording realizes WENN: verb-second in BOTH halves in the lesson-appropriate register.

12. which one fitsPractice 17 [semantic distinction] — Wenn-plans: Wenn es regnet, bleibe ich: Distinguish wenn and die Bedingung in meaning and grammatical use.

    Show the answer

    wenn means “if / when”; die Bedingung means “condition”. Context and grammar select between them.

Quick check (5).

1. quick checkWENN ES REGNET, BLEIBE ICH means…

   1. It rains, I left
   2. If it rains, I stay
   3. Rain stays
   4. I like rain
   Show the answer

   If it rains, I stay

   Wenn + verb-2nd both halves.

2. quick checkAfter the comma the verb goes…

   1. last
   2. first (verb-second rule)
   3. nowhere
   4. twice
   Show the answer

   first (verb-second rule)

   …, BLEIBE ICH — verb first!

3. quick checkDER PREIS is…

   1. risk
   2. prize
   3. option
   4. result
   Show the answer

   prize

   Preis = prize (also price).

4. quick checkWENN DU LERNST, WIRST DU BESTEHEN: wirst is…

   1. present
   2. future helper
   3. past
   4. missing
   Show the answer

   future helper

   Wirst + bestehen = will pass.

5. quick checkWENN vs WANN: the difference is…

   1. none
   2. if vs when?
   3. loud vs quiet
   4. past vs future
   Show the answer

   if vs when?

   WENN = if; WANN = when?

Worksheet: Wenn-plans worksheet

Review list. wenn · die Bedingung · das Ergebnis · das Risiko

Reading the news: headline, source, claim

A German news item answers three questions fast: WHO says it (LAUT …, … ZUFOLGE), what is claimed, and what is still open. Headlines drop the verb: «Bahn streikt ab Montag».

Dialogue. Read it aloud twice — once for each speaker.

Practice (12). Answer first, then open the answer.

What this German practice tests. German. Every exercise works on verb-second word order, four cases with article agreement, separable prefixes, Perfekt vs Präteritum, modal particles, and Konjunktiv register — measured by clause architecture and by choosing du or Sie before the first verb..

1. multiple choicePractice 1: [multiple choice] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Choose the meaning of laut (lowt) in this lesson.

   1. according to
   2. according to (postposed)
   3. source
   4. headline
   Show the answer

   according to

2. fill the gapPractice 2: [fill in the blank] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Type the German expression meaning “according to (postposed)”.

   Show the answer

   zufolge

3. translatePractice 3: [translation] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Interpret the German in context: Laut Bericht steigen die Preise. (lowt beh-REEKHT SHTY-gen dee PRY-zuh.).

   Show the answer

   According to the report, prices are rising.

4. translate into the languagePractice 4: [reverse translation] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Write in German: According to the ministry, the figure is unconfirmed..

   Show the answer

   Dem Ministerium zufolge ist die Zahl unbestätigt.

5. matchingPractice 5: [matching] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Match die Quelle to its lesson meaning.

   1. source
   2. according to
   3. according to (postposed)
   Show the answer

   source

6. put it in orderPractice 6: [reorder] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Reconstruct the lesson model in coherent German: The headline names no source..

   Show the answer

   Die Schlagzeile nennt keine Quelle.

7. build the sentencePractice 7: [sentence building] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Build the sentence with the lesson pattern (laut + dative (laut Bericht) · noun + zufolge · das ist unbestätigt): According to the report, prices are rising..

   Show the answer

   Laut Bericht steigen die Preise.

8. choose the wordPractice 8: [word selection] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Select the German form for “headline”.

   1. die Schlagzeile
   2. unbestätigt
   Show the answer

   die Schlagzeile

9. find the mistakePractice 9: [error correction] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Correct the model the lesson warns about: Laut Bericht ist es sicher.

   Show the answer

   Laut Bericht ist es wahrscheinlich.

10. finish the dialoguePractice 10: [dialogue completion] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Complete the exchange with the studied response to: What does the headline say?

    Show the answer

    «Bahn streikt ab Montag» — laut Gewerkschaft.

11. readingPractice 11: [reading comprehension] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Read “Und die Quelle?” (unt dee KVEL-luh?). What does it mean?

    Show the answer

    And the source?

12. paragraphPractice 12: [paragraph comprehension] Reading the news: headline, source, claim — Read the lesson dialogue as a whole and give its key move: Only the union. The company has made no statement yet.

    Show the answer

    Nur die Gewerkschaft. Vom Unternehmen gibt es noch keine Aussage.

Quick check (5).

1. quick checkWhich meaning best fits laut?

   1. according to
   2. according to (postposed)
   3. source
   4. headline
   Show the answer

   according to

   laut (lowt) means according to in this lesson.

2. quick checkWhich meaning best fits zufolge?

   1. according to (postposed)
   2. according to
   3. source
   4. headline
   Show the answer

   according to (postposed)

   zufolge (tsoo-FOL-guh) means according to (postposed) in this lesson.

3. quick checkWhich meaning best fits die Quelle?

   1. source
   2. according to
   3. according to (postposed)
   4. headline
   Show the answer

   source

   die Quelle (dee KVEL-luh) means source in this lesson.

4. quick checkWhich meaning best fits die Schlagzeile?

   1. headline
   2. according to
   3. according to (postposed)
   4. source
   Show the answer

   headline

   die Schlagzeile (dee SHLAHK-tsy-luh) means headline in this lesson.

5. quick checkWhich meaning best fits unbestätigt?

   1. unconfirmed
   2. according to
   3. according to (postposed)
   4. source
   Show the answer

   unconfirmed

   unbestätigt (OON-beh-shtay-tikht) means unconfirmed in this lesson.

Worksheet: News worksheet

Review list. laut · zufolge · die Quelle · die Schlagzeile

Recall drills — 126 more questions from the B2 words

These 126 drills are generated from the German B2 vocabulary list — the words of “Opinion and debate” through “Stories and hypotheticals”, in both directions: recognition (word → meaning) and production (meaning → word). They re-ask what the course data already contains; no answer here was written by a machine, and a generated drill is practice, never a lesson.

The B2 test — 10 items

The 10-item test closes German B2. Answers are shown; in the course player the same test decides whether the next level unlocks.

1. translate into the languageSay: I would like to come

   Show the answer

   Ich würde gern kommen

2. fill the gapEr sagt, dass er ___ (is coming)

   Show the answer

   kommt

3. choose'Could you help me?'

   1. Hilfst du mir?
   2. Könnten Sie mir helfen?
   3. Hilf mir!
   4. Du hilfst?
   Show the answer

   Könnten Sie mir helfen?

4. translate into the languageSay: I ride the bus

   Show the answer

   Ich fahre mit dem Bus

5. translate into EnglishAlles in Butter!

   Show the answer

   Everything is fine! / All good!

6. fill the gapWenn es ___, bleibe ich. (rains)

   Show the answer

   regnet

7. put it in orderOrder: kommen / würde / gern / ich

   Show the answer

   ich würde gern kommen

8. say it out loudSay aloud: Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee.

   Show the answer

   Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee.

9. fill the gapIch ___ gern dabei. (would like to be)

   Show the answer

   wäre

10. choose'Since a year'

    1. Seit ein Jahr
    2. Seit einem Jahr
    3. Seit einen Jahr
    4. Seit einer Jahr
    Show the answer

    Seit einem Jahr

German B2 beyond the drills — culture, reading, listening, idioms

These sections are written for German B2 specifically. The reading text is EkGuru's own; the culture note cites where its facts come from; the idioms and the mistakes list are the ones this level actually trips over.

Culture note

German small talk is short; German argument is long. A Verein — the registered club for football, choirs, carnival or pigeon breeding — is where both happen: sixty million memberships, and the place a new arrival meets the town without a job attached. At work the same people who answer «Wie geht's?» with one word will argue a technical point for an hour with sources, and neither is rudeness. B2 teaches the argument register: state, support, concede, close.

Source (named, not linked): en.wikipedia.org, the article “German culture”.

Reading — read this aloud, slowly

What it says: In the meeting Mr Wolf says: 'The new rule has one advantage: it is clear. But it also has a disadvantage: it costs time.' Ms Berger answers: 'You're right about that. Even so, I'd like to measure the effort before we decide.' At the end the boss says: 'We'll test the rule for three months and then decide.' That is how a German meeting runs: first the point, then the objection, then the test.

Listening — one voice, one text

Use the speaker button to hear this text with a browser voice tagged de-DE; playback starts only after a click. If no matching voice is installed, read it aloud yourself — the rhythm is the point.

What it says: Moderator: Do you think the rule is good? Ms Berger: In principle yes, but I see a problem. Moderator: Which? Ms Berger: It is not measurable. That is why I suggest a test.

10 idioms and fixed phrases

The 3 mistakes this level makes

• Ich bin einverstanden mit dir, trotzdem ich habe Zweifel. → …, trotzdem habe ich Zweifel. trotzdem is an adverb: it takes position 1 or 3, and then the verb comes second.
• Ich habe mit dem Projekt angefangen seit zwei Wochen. → Ich habe vor zwei Wochen mit dem Projekt angefangen. Duration is «seit», a point in the past is «vor».
• Deshalb ich schlage vor… → Deshalb schlage ich vor… After deshalb the verb comes before the subject.

Your task

Argue one point through four moves Pick a rule in your workplace or study programme and write four German paragraphs: the point, the advantage, the objection («da haben Sie recht, trotzdem …»), and the test or compromise you propose. Then say it aloud in two minutes without notes. If a sentence starts with deshalb, trotzdem or außerdem, check that the verb has not stayed in the English position.

After B2: the B2+ checkpoint

B2+ is not a certificate — it is the half-step between German B2 and the next level, and it is on this site’s ladder because language schools use it. You are at B2+ when you can run a meeting, read a contract, disagree well. Get there by working the recall drills above and the review deck until nothing on this page surprises you.

Keep going