Why Vocabulary Matters for B2
When I was preparing for Telc B2, I kept losing points on Sprachbausteine—not because I didn't know the words, but because I was pairing them wrong. At B2 level, the CEFR expects you to have a "sufficient range of language to give clear descriptions" and express viewpoints without much "conspicuous searching for words." The Telc B2 exam tests that range in every module.
Official practice tests and authorized vocabulary frameworks are provided directly by telc gGmbH (telc.net).
- Leseverstehen (Reading): You must understand nuances, synonyms, and Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen (noun-verb combinations) in news articles and formal letters.
- Sprachbausteine (Language Elements): A dedicated 20-point section (Parts 1 and 2) that specifically tests vocabulary in context, collocations, and register. This is where many candidates lose points.
- Schriftlicher Ausdruck (Writing): Evaluated on "Repertoire" (range). Repeating "gut" or "machen" lowers scores; you need specific verbs like verwirklichen or bevorzugen.
- Mündlicher Ausdruck (Speaking): You must discuss abstract topics (e.g. environmental ethics) with precise terminology rather than vague generalities.
For more on the Telc B2 format, see our Telc Deutsch overview and learning resources.
Topics and Word Lists
The "official list" reality: I looked everywhere for a Telc B2 vocabulary PDF—there isn't one. Unlike A1–B1, neither Telc nor Goethe-Institut publishes a single "official B2 word list." At B2, vocabulary is considered open-ended. You are expected to handle a wide range of academic and professional topics. What I found: prep publishers (Klett, Cornelsen, Hueber) provide Wortschatzlisten in their B2 textbooks (e.g. Aspekte Neu, Sicher!)—these serve as the industry standard.
Main B2 themes and lexis areas:
- Arbeitswelt (Work): Stellenanzeige, Vorstellungsgespräch, Überstunden, Gleitzeit, befördert werden.
- Umwelt & Energie (Environment): Klimawandel, Nachhaltigkeit, Erneuerbare Energien, Plastikverbrauch.
- Medien & Technik (Media): Datenschutz, soziale Netzwerke, künstliche Intelligenz, Digitalisierung.
- Gesundheit (Health): Prävention, Ernährung, Bewegungsmangel, Krankenkasse, Symptome.
- Reisen & Mobilität (Travel): öffentlicher Nahverkehr, Unterkunft, Fernweh, Pauschalreise.
- Gesellschaft (Society): Gleichberechtigung, Integration, Ehrenamt, demografischer Wandel.
- Konsum (Consumption): Werbung, Schuldenfalle, Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis, Rückgaberecht.
How to Use the List
Themed chunks: I used to learn words alphabetically—it didn't stick. Group words by topic instead. That builds mental maps and makes retrieval easier in the exam.
Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen: At B2, single-word learning is not enough—I learned that the hard way. Telc often gives you the noun and asks you to choose the correct verb. "Machen" might feel right in English, but Maßnahmen ergreifen is the B2-level answer. Below are the top 50 collocations I wish I'd known before my Sprachbausteine practice tests, grouped by exam theme.
Management & Decisions (Workplace)
- eine Entscheidung treffen – to make a decision
- Verantwortung übernehmen – to take responsibility
- einen Vorschlag machen – to make a suggestion
- Vorbereitungen treffen – to make preparations
- Maßnahmen ergreifen – to take measures/action
- einen Entschluss fassen – to reach a resolution
- etwas in Kauf nehmen – to accept/put up with
- einen Kompromiss schließen – to reach a compromise
- in Frage kommen – to be possible/under consideration
- Aufmerksamkeit schenken – to pay attention to
Communication & Conflict (Society)
- Bescheid geben / sagen – to let someone know
- ein Gespräch führen – to have/lead a conversation
- Kritik üben an (+ Dat) – to criticize
- eine Frage stellen – to ask a question
- Rede und Antwort stehen – to explain oneself
- zum Ausdruck bringen – to express (an opinion)
- einer Meinung sein – to be of an opinion
- Rücksicht nehmen auf (+ Akk) – to be considerate of
- Bezug nehmen auf (+ Akk) – to refer to
- zur Sprache bringen – to bring up (a topic)
Professional Context (Business/Law)
- einen Vertrag abschließen – to sign/conclude a contract
- Antrag stellen auf (+ Akk) – to apply for
- einen Auftrag geben / erteilen – to place an order
- Auskunft geben – to provide information
- etwas in Anspruch nehmen – to make use of (a service)
- zur Verfügung stellen – to make available
- zur Verfügung stehen – to be available
- Verhandlungen führen – to conduct negotiations
- einen Beruf ergreifen – to choose/enter a profession
- Eindruck machen auf (+ Akk) – to make an impression on
Change & Action (Environment/Technology)
- etwas in Gang setzen – to set in motion
- einen Beitrag leisten – to make a contribution
- Hilfe leisten – to provide help
- Widerstand leisten – to offer resistance
- den Vorzug geben – to give preference to
- Interesse wecken an (+ Dat) – to arouse interest in
- jemandem/etwas aus dem Weg gehen – to avoid
- unter Druck stehen – to be under pressure
- Hoffnung schöpfen – to draw hope
- Frieden schließen – to make peace
Abstract States (Psychology/General)
- Angst machen – to frighten
- Mut machen – to encourage
- sich Gedanken machen – to worry/think about
- Ruhe bewahren – to keep calm
- Schluss machen mit – to put an end to
- Umsatz erzielen – to generate turnover
- Verständnis aufbringen für – to show understanding for
- einen Fehler begehen – to commit a mistake
- Wert legen auf (+ Akk) – to place value on
- etwas zu Ende bringen – to finish/complete
Spaced repetition (SRS): I use Anki for vocab, but I found it's not enough on its own. Prioritise active production—write sentences with the new collocations rather than only recognising them. That made the biggest difference for me in Sprachbausteine.
Word count goal: From what I've read and from people who passed, aim for an active vocabulary of about 4,000–4,500 words and a passive vocabulary of around 8,000 words for comfortable performance in Speaking and Writing.
Download / Printable Summary
I spent a lot of time hunting for a clean B2 vocabulary PDF. There is no single official Telc one. The best reputable alternatives I found are:
- Klett / Cornelsen / Hueber: Many publishers offer free PDF glossaries for their B2 textbooks (e.g. Aspekte Neu, Sicher!).
- Goethe-Institut "Wortliste B1": Use as a baseline; B2 learners should know 100% of this list before adding higher-level lexis.
- DW (Deutsche Welle) – Top-Thema / Video-Thema: B2-level PDF vocabulary sheets for current events.
- ÖSD B2 material: Austrian exam provider; sample exams with rich vocabulary contexts.
I put together the themed lists and collocations above so you can save or print this page for offline practice—I do that with my own study materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an official Telc B2 word list?
No. Telc does not publish a mandatory vocabulary list for B2. Learners are expected to handle a wide range of academic and professional topics. Use publisher word lists and themed resources instead.
How many words do I need for B2?
You should aim for an active vocabulary of about 4,000–4,500 words to pass Speaking and Writing comfortably. Passive vocabulary (understanding) is typically around 8,000 words.
What is the best way to learn B2 vocabulary?
Focus on collocations (words that go together) and Redemittel (fixed phrases for opinions, complaints, etc.) rather than isolated nouns. Learn Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen as chunks.
Are Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen important for Telc B2?
Yes. They are a core part of the Sprachbausteine section. In multiple-choice items, Telc often gives the noun and asks for the correct verb—e.g. Maßnahmen + ergreifen, not machen. Mastering these combinations is essential for a high score.
Next Steps
Save or print the themed lists and top 50 collocations above as your study guide. Practise them in sentences, not in isolation. For more B2 resources, visit our Telc Deutsch page and learning resources.
Official sources & references
Authoritative links for the Telc B2 exam, CEFR, vocabulary resources, and the publishers mentioned in this guide.
