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NotesGerman B HLTopic 5.2Short answer
Back to German B HL Topics
5.2.44 min read

Short answer (German B HL)

IB German B · Unit 5

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Contents

  1. 1What a short answer is
  2. 2Nail the short answer step by step
  3. 3In action
  4. 4Common errors
What it is: You hear a recording and answer questions in German. One to three words is usually enough. 1 mark per answer.
The instruction on the paper: Beantworten Sie die folgenden Fragen. → Answer the following questions.

Example: Beantworten Sie die folgenden Fragen.

Press play, answer each question in a few words, then show the answers.

Sie hören jetzt einen Radiobeitrag über eine Bibliothek, die nachts geöffnet ist.

  1. An welchen Tagen ist die Bibliothek bis Mitternacht offen?
  2. Von wem kam die Idee?
  3. Wie kommt man nach 22 Uhr in die Bibliothek?

Seit Oktober hat unsere Stadtbibliothek dienstags und donnerstags bis Mitternacht geöffnet. Die Idee kam von Studierenden, die abends keinen ruhigen Ort zum Lernen fanden. Nach zweiundzwanzig Uhr ist kein Personal mehr da: Man kommt mit dem Bibliotheksausweis herein, und Kameras sorgen für Sicherheit. Im Sommer soll das Angebot auf das Wochenende ausgeweitet werden.

Since October our city library has been open until midnight on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The idea came from students who couldn't find a quiet place to study in the evening. After ten p.m. there are no staff: you get in with your library card, and cameras provide security. In summer the service is to be extended to the weekend.

  1. dienstags und donnerstags
  2. von Studierenden
  3. mit dem Bibliotheksausweis
Beantworten Sie die folgenden Fragen.
Answer the following questions.
Nennen Sie eine/einen…
Name one… (one answer is enough)
Für wen…?
For whom…?
Wie kommt man…?
How do you get…?
Wer…?
Who…?
Was…?
What…?
Wann…?
When…?
Warum…?
Why…?
Remember: Answer only the question. A short German phrase from the recording beats a long sentence.

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Nail the short answer

1

Circle the question word

Wann = a time. Wer = a person.

2

Listen for that detail

Questions follow the order of the recording.

3

Write it short

1–3 words in German.

4

Check on the 2nd listen

Does it answer the question?

Question word → Listen → Short answer

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Selins App

Press play, answer each question in a few words, then show the answers.

Sie hören jetzt ein Interview mit Selin. Sie hat eine App gegen Lebensmittelverschwendung entwickelt.

  1. Wann holt man das Essen ab?
  2. Wo hat Selin gearbeitet?
  3. Wer nutzt die App am meisten?

Interviewer: Selin, wie funktioniert deine App? Selin: Bäckereien und Restaurants bieten am Abend Essen an, das sie sonst wegwerfen würden. Man reserviert über die App und holt es kurz vor Ladenschluss ab, zum halben Preis. Interviewer: Wie bist du auf die Idee gekommen? Selin: Ich habe in einer Bäckerei gejobbt und gesehen, wie viel Brot jeden Abend im Müll landet. Interviewer: Und wer nutzt die App? Selin: Überraschenderweise nicht nur Studierende, sondern vor allem Familien.

Interviewer: Selin, how does your app work? Selin: Bakeries and restaurants offer food in the evening that they would otherwise throw away. You reserve it through the app and pick it up just before closing time, at half price. Interviewer: How did you get the idea? Selin: I had a job in a bakery and saw how much bread ends up in the bin every evening. Interviewer: And who uses the app? Selin: Surprisingly, not just students but mainly families.

  1. kurz vor Ladenschluss
  2. in einer Bäckerei
  3. Familien
Spot the trap: At HL the answer often comes after sondern, aber or eigentlich. The first thing you hear can be the wrong one.

Do

  • Find the question word first.
  • Answer in one to three words.
  • Use words from the recording.

Don't

  • Write a full sentence.
  • Add extra details that may be wrong.
  • Answer in English.

IB Exam Questions on Short answer

Practice with IB-style questions filtered to Topic 5.2.4. Get instant AI feedback on every answer.

Practice Topic 5.2.4 QuestionsBrowse All German B HL Topics

How Short answer Appears in IB Exams

Examiners use specific command terms when asking about this topic. Here's what to expect:

  • Define

    Give the precise meaning of key terms related to Short answer.

    AO1
  • Describe

    Give a detailed account of processes or features in Short answer.

    AO2
  • Explain

    Give reasons WHY — cause and effect within Short answer.

    AO3
  • Evaluate

    Weigh strengths AND limitations of approaches in Short answer.

    AO3
  • Discuss

    Present arguments FOR and AGAINST with a balanced conclusion.

    AO3

See the full IB Command Terms guide

Related German B HL Topics

Continue learning with these related topics from the same unit:

5.1.1Format & rubric5.2.1Multiple choice5.2.2Choose the true statements5.2.3Gap-fill
View all German B HL topics
Improve your exam techniqueCommand terms, paper structure, and mark-scheme tips for German B HL
Previous5.2.3Gap-fillNextWho says what? (grid)5.2.5

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