telc B2 Vocabulary List PDF
This telc Deutsch B2 vocabulary study guide organises 26 themed word groups with English glosses and authentic example sentences for Leseverstehen, Sprachbausteine, Schriftlicher Ausdruck, and Mündlicher Ausdruck. telc B2 tasks draw on recurring thematic contexts — work, education, society, environment, media, politics, migration, and urban life — so grouping lexis by topic improves retrieval under time pressure. You will learn how themed vocabulary and Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen appear across reading, language-elements, writing, and speaking modules, and how to move from word recognition to confident production in exam-style contexts.
TELC B2 · vocabulary · 56 pages · 6359 KB · Free · Reviewed June 16, 2026
- Exam
- telc · B2
- CEFR Level
- B2
- Topic
- Vocabulary
- Resource Type
- Vocabulary study guide
- Audience
- Learners preparing for telc Deutsch B2 and teachers needing a printable B2 vocabulary topic overview
- Study Goal
- Build themed B2 vocabulary, Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen, and discussion phrases for telc Leseverstehen, Sprachbausteine, Schriftlicher Ausdruck, and Mündlicher Ausdruck
- Format
- Structured vocabulary study guide with 26 themed sections, English glosses, and example sentences per entry
- Language
- German
Author: Rida Ouledhaddou
Last reviewed: June 16, 2026
Aligned with telc B2 exam preparation content.
Editorial Policy
Sources Used
Content on this page is aligned with the following educational references. German Online Tests is not endorsed by or affiliated with these organisations.
- 26 themed B2 vocabulary sections: Beruf & Karriere through Arbeit & Sozialleistungen
- German term, English gloss, and example sentence for every entry
- Dedicated Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen section with core B2 collocations
- Diskussion & Argumentation phrases for Schriftlicher Ausdruck and Mündlicher Ausdruck
- Akademische & formale Sprache connectors for formal writing and structured arguments
- Study guidance for themed chunks and active production — not isolated alphabetical lists
Why B2 Vocabulary Matters for telc
At B2 level, the CEFR expects a sufficient range of language to give clear descriptions and express viewpoints without conspicuous searching for words. telc Deutsch B2 tests that range in every module.
telc does not publish a single mandatory B2 word list. At B2, vocabulary is open-ended — you are expected to handle academic, professional, and civic topics grouped by theme rather than alphabetically.
telc Sprachbausteine frequently tests collocations and Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen in context — for example Maßnahmen ergreifen or eine Entscheidung treffen — where isolated single-word learning fails under time pressure.
Where it appears in the exam
- Leseverstehen (Reading): understand nuances, synonyms, and collocations in news articles, reports, and formal texts
- Sprachbausteine (Language Elements): gap-fill and language-in-context tasks that test vocabulary, collocations, and register
- Hörverstehen (Listening): track B2-level vocabulary in lectures, dialogues, and announcements
- Schriftlicher Ausdruck (Writing): evaluated on lexical range; repeating basic words lowers scores — specific verbs and collocations matter
- Mündlicher Ausdruck (Speaking): discuss abstract topics with precise terminology and structured argumentation phrases
Common learner struggles
- Studying vocabulary alphabetically instead of by themed chunks that match telc reading and writing prompts
- Recognising words in Leseverstehen but failing to produce them actively in Schriftlicher Ausdruck and Mündlicher Ausdruck
- Weak Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen in Sprachbausteine gap-fill tasks
- Missing discussion and academic connectors needed for B2 argumentation in writing and speaking
Skills improved
- Themed vocabulary retrieval under exam time pressure
- Collocation accuracy in Sprachbausteine and language-in-context tasks
- Lexical range for Schriftlicher Ausdruck and Mündlicher Ausdruck at B2
- Reading and listening comprehension of formal B2 texts with register and nuance
26 B2 Vocabulary Themes in This Guide
At telc Deutsch B2, vocabulary is tested through themed texts and tasks rather than a fixed word list. Reading passages, writing prompts, and speaking topics draw on recurring contextual areas across German-speaking societies.
This guide groups every entry by theme with an English gloss and an authentic example sentence — so related lexis forms retrievable chunks rather than isolated dictionary entries.
- Beruf & Karriere: Workplace vocabulary: applications, interviews, salary negotiation, soft skills, employment relationships, and career development.
- Bildung & Schule: Education system lexis: schooling, vocational training, scholarships, inclusion, curriculum, and lifelong learning.
- Gesellschaft & Soziales: Society and social issues: solidarity, inequality, volunteering, discrimination, demographic change, and civic participation.
- Umwelt & Nachhaltigkeit: Environmental vocabulary: climate change, emissions, biodiversity, sustainability, energy transition, and conservation.
- Technologie & Digitalisierung: Technology and digital life: AI, data protection, automation, platform economy, cybersecurity, and digital literacy.
- Gesundheit & Medizin: Health topics: prevention, insurance, mental health, nursing shortages, chronic illness, and rehabilitation.
- Politik & Demokratie: Political vocabulary: fundamental rights, elections, coalition, legislation, transparency, and civil society.
- Medien & Kommunikation: Media landscape: press freedom, fake news, filter bubbles, media literacy, hate speech, and public broadcasting.
- Wirtschaft & Finanzen: Economy and finance: inflation, recession, GDP, globalization, skilled-worker shortages, and purchasing power.
- Migration & Integration: Migration policy: asylum, residence permits, integration courses, cultural diversity, and labour migration.
- Wohnen & Stadtleben: Housing and urban life: rent increases, gentrification, social housing, urban development, and commuter costs.
- Reisen & Tourismus: Travel vocabulary: sustainable tourism, visas, cultural exchange, overtourism, and travel restrictions.
- Sprache & Kommunikation: Communication skills: argumentation, expressing opinions, misunderstandings, and structured discussion.
- Familie & Generationen: Family and generations: parental leave, childcare, blended families, pension planning, and work-family balance.
- Kultur & Kunst: Culture and arts: cultural funding, heritage, copyright, creative industries, and artistic freedom.
- Mobilität & Verkehr: Transport and mobility: public transport, Verkehrswende, e-mobility, cycling infrastructure, and Deutschlandticket.
- Konsum & Verbraucherschutz: Consumption and consumer rights: greenwashing, product liability, fair trade, food waste, and conscious consumption.
- Diskussion & Argumentation: B2 discussion phrases: meiner Meinung nach, einerseits … andererseits, zum Ausdruck bringen, and structured conclusions.
- Recht & Justiz: Legal vocabulary: criminal and civil law, trials, appeals, data protection officers, and presumption of innocence.
- Freizeit & Sport: Leisure and sport: club membership, doping, volunteering, outdoor activities, and work-life balance through sport.
- Wissenschaft & Forschung: Research lexis: peer review, hypothesis, replication crisis, applied research, and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Werte & Ethik: Ethics and values: justice, integrity, human dignity, empathy, transparency, and proportionality.
- Internationales & Globales: Global affairs: international cooperation, sanctions, UN, humanitarian aid, climate summits, and SDGs.
- Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen: Core B2 noun–verb collocations: Maßnahmen ergreifen, Stellung beziehen, in Kraft treten, and einen Beitrag leisten.
- Akademische & formale Sprache: Formal connectors: im Hinblick auf, demzufolge, wohingegen, angesichts, and das Fazit ziehen.
- Arbeit & Sozialleistungen: Social benefits and labour law: unemployment benefit, pension insurance, works council, Kurzarbeit, and gender pay gap.
| German | Note |
|---|
| die Bewerbungsunterlagen | application documents — Beruf & Karriere |
| Verantwortung übernehmen | to take on responsibility — Nomen-Verb-Verbindung |
| Maßnahmen ergreifen | to take measures — Umwelt & Sprachbausteine classic |
| der Klimawandel | climate change — Umwelt & Nachhaltigkeit |
| der Datenschutz | data protection — Technologie & Digitalisierung |
| die Chancengleichheit | equal opportunity — Gesellschaft & Bildung |
| der öffentliche Nahverkehr (ÖPNV) | public transport — Mobilität & Verkehr |
| eine Entscheidung treffen | to make a decision — Politik & NVV section |
| zum Ausdruck bringen | to express / convey — Diskussion & Argumentation |
| meiner Meinung nach | in my opinion — discussion opener for Mündlicher Ausdruck |
| im Hinblick auf | with regard to — akademische & formale Sprache |
| Rücksicht nehmen auf (+ Akk) | to show consideration for — NVV Kernphrasen |
| einen Beitrag leisten | to make a contribution — NVV Kernphrasen |
| die Scheinselbstständigkeit | bogus self-employment — Arbeit & Sozialleistungen |
Example Usage
Maßnahmen ergreifen
Die Regierung muss endlich wirksame Maßnahmen gegen den Klimawandel ergreifen.
The government must finally take effective measures against climate change.
die Bewerbungsunterlagen
Bitte senden Sie Ihre vollständigen Bewerbungsunterlagen bis zum 30. April ein.
Please submit your complete application documents by 30 April.
zum Ausdruck bringen
In ihrer Rede brachte sie die Frustration vieler Bürgerinnen deutlich zum Ausdruck.
In her speech she clearly expressed the frustration of many citizens.
meiner Meinung nach
Meiner Meinung nach ist eine Reform des Bildungssystems längst überfällig.
In my opinion, a reform of the education system is long overdue.
Key Takeaways From This PDF
- Covers 26 B2 vocabulary themes used in telc Deutsch B2 reading, writing, and speaking tasks
- Includes exam-relevant Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen for Sprachbausteine and language-in-context items
- Groups lexis by topic with authentic example sentences rather than alphabetical word lists
- Supports self-study review and classroom handout use at B2 level
- Connects vocabulary study to telc B2 modules: Leseverstehen, Sprachbausteine, Schriftlicher Ausdruck, and Mündlicher Ausdruck
- Learners preparing for telc Deutsch B2
- Students building B2 active vocabulary for Schriftlicher Ausdruck and Mündlicher Ausdruck
- Candidates who lose points on collocations and register in Sprachbausteine tasks
- Teachers needing a printable B2 vocabulary topic overview for telc preparation
How To Study With This PDF
- Study one theme at a time (e.g. Umwelt & Nachhaltigkeit) and write three original sentences per collocation.
- Practise Sprachbausteine-style gap-fill: given the noun, select the correct verb (e.g. Maßnahmen + ergreifen).
- Review the Diskussion & Argumentation section before Schriftlicher Ausdruck and Mündlicher Ausdruck practice.
- Use themed vocabulary in a short formal email or argument task to move from recognition to production.
- Take telc B2 practice tests on German Online Tests to apply the word groups under exam conditions.
About the telc Deutsch B2
telc Deutsch B2 certifies that you can understand complex texts, express yourself clearly, and interact with a degree of fluency in German.
Vocabulary range matters in every module: Leseverstehen, Sprachbausteine, Hörverstehen, Schriftlicher Ausdruck, and Mündlicher Ausdruck.
At B2, telc tasks expect you to handle themed lexis in work, education, society, environment, media, politics, migration, and urban life — not isolated A1–B1 word lists.
telc Deutsch B2 — official exam page
telc exam preparation on German Online Tests
- Is this resource free?
- Yes. This resource is available free of charge on German Online Tests.
- Does telc publish an official B2 vocabulary list?
- No. telc does not publish a single mandatory B2 word list; this guide groups themes and collocations used in B2 exam tasks.
- What skill does this resource support most directly?
- Vocabulary range for Leseverstehen and Schriftlicher Ausdruck, plus collocations for Sprachbausteine and Mündlicher Ausdruck.
- How many topics does the PDF cover?
- 26 themed sections including Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen, discussion phrases, academic connectors, and Arbeit & Sozialleistungen.
- Is a separate PDF file available for download?
- The PDF file will appear on this page once uploaded. The full study guide content is available on this page now.
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Related Learning Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this resource?
A themed telc Deutsch B2 vocabulary study guide with 26 topic sections, Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen, discussion phrases, English glosses, and example sentences for all telc B2 modules.
Who should use it?
B2 learners preparing for telc, students building active vocabulary for Schriftlicher Ausdruck and Mündlicher Ausdruck, and teachers needing a printable B2 vocabulary overview.
What level is required?
B2 (CEFR). Vocabulary themes align with telc Deutsch B2 tasks across Leseverstehen, Sprachbausteine, Hörverstehen, Schriftlicher Ausdruck, and Mündlicher Ausdruck.
How many words are included?
The guide contains approximately 500 B2-level vocabulary items organised into 26 thematic categories.
Is this useful for Goethe B2?
Yes. Although organised for telc B2 preparation, most vocabulary themes are also useful for Goethe-Zertifikat B2 and ÖSD B2 candidates.
Can I use this without taking an exam?
Yes. The guide is suitable for learners who want to expand their German vocabulary for work, university, and everyday communication.
How should it be studied?
Study one theme at a time, write original sentences, practise Sprachbausteine-style collocations, apply discussion phrases in writing and speaking tasks, and review errors after practice tests.
Is it aligned with the current exam?
Yes. Content follows telc Deutsch B2 module descriptions and CEFR B2 expectations. See the official telc page linked in Exam Context.
Can it be printed?
Yes. You can print this page or save the linked PDF for offline study once the file is available.
What should I study next?
Use Quick Vocabulary Practice and full B2 practice tests on German Online Tests to apply these word groups under exam conditions.
