Introduction to B2 Grammar

The B2 level in German is an important milestone, marking the ability to use the language independently, flexibly, and accurately in various contexts. At this level, you not only learn to communicate effectively, but also to express opinions, argue, provide counterarguments, and write academically in a coherent and grammatically correct way.

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🎯 Main objectives of B2 grammar (according to CEFR)

1. Develop independent and advanced communication skills:

   • Use German proficiently at work, in studies, and in daily life.

   • Participate in in-depth conversations with complex sentence structures and clear reasoning.

2. Produce accurate academic language:

   • Write essays, formal letters, or reports with coherent sentence structures and appropriate vocabulary.

   • Know how to correctly use passive forms, subjunctive, reduced clauses, and nominalization.

3. Master advanced grammatical structures:

   • Communicate naturally using complex sentence patterns, multi-tense passive forms, relative clauses with prepositions, Konjunktiv I & II, and complex infinitive constructions.

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🧩 B2 Grammar Overview Table

Lesson	Grammar topic	Main content
1	Konjunktiv I – Indirect speech	Used in objective reporting (writing, journalism); conjugated in Konjunktiv I; watch out for forms identical to Präsens.
2	Adjectives with prepositions	Adjectives that go with specific prepositions + case; learn as phrases; common in writing and interviews.
3	Verbs with two objects (basics)	Verbs with Dative + Accusative objects; word order rules; passive and nominalization forms.
4	Infinitive with “zu” (basics)	Used after verbs, adjectives, nouns; patterns like “um…zu”, “ohne…zu”, “anstatt…zu”.
5	Relative clauses with prepositions	Relative clauses with prepositions; preposition precedes the relative pronoun; distinguishes case and number.
6	Konjunktiv I & II – Indirect speech and subjunctive	Konjunktiv I for indirect speech; Konjunktiv II for unreal conditions and polite expressions.
7	Advanced passive (Perfekt, Plusquamperfekt, Modal)	Passive forms in multiple tenses; with modal verbs; Zustandspassiv and agentless passive.
8	Nominal style – Nominalization of verb clauses	Transform verbs into academic nouns; enhance formality and conciseness in writing.
9	Participles as adjectives & clause reduction	Use Participle I/II as adjectives; reduce subordinate clauses (simultaneity / anteriority).
10	Conjunctive adverbs	Academic linking adverbs like deshalb, dennoch, infolgedessen; trigger inversion; aid coherent linking of ideas.
11	Phrases for argumentation	Expressions for presenting opinions, counterarguments, conclusions in academic writing.
12	Word formation – Creating words using prefixes/suffixes/compounds	Prefixes, suffixes, compounds to expand vocabulary; identify complex word structures.
13	Advanced Konjunktiv II	Conditional sentences (present & past), hypothetical expressions, polite forms, and formal writing structures.

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✅ What will you achieve after mastering B2 grammar?

1. Write & speak academically, coherently, and accurately:

   • Confidently write essays, cover letters, formal letters, and reports in German.

   • Argue and express thoughts with logical, in-depth structures.

2. Understand and use nuanced language:

   • Grasp polite, objective, passive, emotional, and argumentative nuances.

3. Naturally analyze complex sentence structures:

   • Not just memorize grammar, but understand the essence and apply flexibly.

4. Be ready for C1 or a German-speaking academic/work environment:

   • With a solid foundation, you’ll be fully prepared to progress to C1 or work professionally in German.

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📌 Required competencies at B2 level (according to CEFR)

1. Understand the main ideas of complex texts, including abstract and specialized topics.

2. Write clear, well-structured essays presenting and defending personal viewpoints.

3. Communicate flexibly with native speakers without serious misunderstandings.

4. Accurately use various tenses, cases, and advanced sentence structures in speech and writing.

5. Clearly grasp language nuances – from polite and formal to casual and indirect.