Listening in the B2 - German course

Listening comprehension is one of the four key skills in B2-level German instruction and plays a crucial role in language acquisition. The following explains in detail what types of listening texts are used in the B2 course, what linguistic features characterize these texts, how to practice listening comprehension effectively, and which sources are particularly suitable.

1. Which listening texts are used in B2 German lessons?

In B2 German classes, audio texts are selected that help you elevate your listening skills to a higher level. These audio texts are generally more challenging than those at lower levels, as they contain authentic language and cover various topics. Typical examples of such audio texts include:

 

- Radio broadcasts: Particularly popular are radio broadcasts lasting five to ten minutes. They offer the advantage of being compact while still containing enough information and linguistic variety. The topics of these broadcasts are diverse, ranging from social issues, such as the significance of street newspapers, to psychological topics like "What is friendship?".

- Interviews and reports: Interviews with experts, scientists, journalists, or everyday people are also common formats. They showcase different speaking styles and opinions, helping you get used to various speakers.

- Podcasts: Podcasts are also becoming increasingly popular. They are often thematically specialized and offer a wide range of content suitable for B2 learners.

2. Different speakers – diversity in listening comprehension

An important aspect of training listening comprehension is the diversity of speakers. In the selected audio texts, different people are heard:

- Journalists: They usually speak clearly and use a mix of everyday language and elevated language. Their statements are often well-structured yet authentic.

- Female scientists: Scientists often introduce technical terms and complex sentence structures. Their language is precise but can sometimes be abstract.

- People from simple professions: These speakers often use everyday, sometimes regional language. They do not always speak grammatically correctly, which poses an additional challenge for listening comprehension.

- Young people and older individuals: These groups also bring variety to the audio texts. Young people often use youth language or slang, while older individuals may speak more slowly or use expressions that are no longer common.

This diversity is important because it helps you adapt to different speaking styles, accents, and language registers. In everyday life, you will also encounter a variety of speakers and language styles.

3. Linguistic features of listening texts

The audio texts at the B2 level are characterized by certain linguistic features that make them challenging:

- A mix of everyday language and elevated language: Speakers often switch between informal and formal language. This means that learners are confronted with both simple, everyday expressions and more complex formulations.

- Complex grammar: The audio texts often contain complicated grammatical structures, such as subordinate clauses, relative clauses, and the use of the genitive. The passive voice is used less frequently but does occur.

- Technical terms: Especially in scientific or social topics, technical terms are used that expand the learners' vocabulary.

- Incomplete sentences and topic changes: In authentic conversations, sentences are often not completed. Speakers sometimes change the topic mid-sentence or repeat information to clarify their statements.

- Repetitions: Information is often repeated, either to emphasize it or because the speaker is searching for the right words.

These features make listening comprehension at the B2 level challenging, but they also provide the opportunity to purposefully expand one's language skills.

4. Strategies and tips for practicing listening comprehension

Training listening comprehension requires patience and a systematic approach. Here are some proven strategies that are particularly effective:

a) Listen multiple times

An audio text should not be listened to just once. It makes sense to listen to the text multiple times – the first time to get a general impression, the second and third times to filter out details. Each subsequent listening helps to understand more and clarify uncertainties.

b) Work with subtitles

Many audio texts, especially videos or television programs, offer the option to display subtitles. Reading along with the subtitles can help identify unfamiliar words and better understand the context. However, it is important not to rely on subtitles constantly so that pure listening comprehension does not suffer.

c) Pause and look up unfamiliar words

If you encounter words or phrases while listening that you do not understand, you should pause the text and look up the word. This way, you purposefully expand your vocabulary and can follow better during the next listening.

d) Inform yourself about the topic beforehand

A good strategy is to inform yourself about the topic before listening to a text. If you know what it is about, you can concentrate better on the content and understand connections more easily. This can be done through a quick internet search or by reading an introductory text. You can also write down what you already know about the topic beforehand.

e) Take notes

While listening, it is helpful to make bullet points. This way, you keep track of the most important information and can listen again if something remains unclear.

f) Talk or write about what you heard after listening

To reinforce what you heard, it is useful to talk about the topic or write a short text about it after listening. This helps to check your understanding and actively use the new words and structures. It’s best to tell someone what you learned from the audio text and exchange opinions on the topic with your conversation partner.

5. Suitable sources for listening texts

There are numerous sources that are particularly well-suited for training listening comprehension. Here are some recommendations:

- Arte.tv: The German-French cultural broadcaster offers many documentaries, reports, and interviews on social, cultural, and scientific topics. Subtitles are often available, which makes learning easier.
- Deutschlandfunk: The radio station offers a wide selection of programs and podcasts on current topics. The language is challenging but authentic.
- Austrian Broadcasting (ORF): The ORF also provides many programs online that are interesting for German learners.
- Podcasts: There are numerous German-language podcasts that deal with a variety of topics. Particularly recommended are podcasts specifically designed for German learners, but authentic formats are also helpful.

 

Listening in B2 - German course - the best strategies

Listening comprehension is a central skill in B2 German classes that must be specifically trained. By selecting diverse, authentic audio texts, practicing with different speakers, and applying effective learning strategies, learners can continuously improve their listening skills. It is important to practice regularly, not to get discouraged, and to make use of the wealth of available materials. It is best to choose audio texts that personally interest you.