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NotesGerman B HLTopic 6.2Reference words
Back to German B HL Topics
6.2.74 min read

Reference words (German B HL)

IB German B · Unit 6

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Contents

  1. 1What reference words are
  2. 2Tracking the reference — step by step
  3. 3In action
  4. 4Common errors
What it is: A small word like sie, ihn, dort or dies points back to something. You write what it points to.
The instruction on the paper: Worauf beziehen sich die unterstrichenen Wörter? Verwenden Sie die Wörter so wie sie im Text vorkommen. → What do the underlined words refer to? Use the words exactly as they appear in the text.
Wilde Nachbarn: Füchse, Wildschweine und sogar Waschbären leben inzwischen mitten in deutschen Großstädten. Viele Bewohner freuen sich über die ungewöhnlichen Nachbarn, andere fühlen sich von ihnen gestört. Die Tiere finden in der Stadt reichlich Futter, vor allem in offenen Mülltonnen. Experten raten deshalb, diese gut zu verschließen. Wer die Tiere füttert, tut ihnen keinen Gefallen: Sie verlieren ihre natürliche Scheu, was zu gefährlichen Begegnungen führen kann.

Example question

Worauf beziehen sich die unterstrichenen Wörter? Verwenden Sie die Wörter so wie sie im Text vorkommen.

1. …andere fühlen sich von ihnen gestört.

2. …diese gut zu verschließen.

Step by step

    Worauf …?
    to what …?
    sich beziehen auf
    to refer to
    unterstrichen
    underlined
    so wie sie im Text vorkommen
    exactly as they appear in the text
    die Zeile
    the line
    Remember: Look back in the text. Write the noun or name the word replaces, copied exactly.

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    Track the reference in 4 steps

    1

    Find the word in its line

    The line number is given.

    2

    Look back

    Read the sentence before it.

    3

    Pick the noun that fits

    Check gender and number: er = der, sie = die or plural.

    4

    Swap it in

    Does the sentence still make sense?

    Find → Look back → Fit → Swap

    Learn what examiners really want

    See exactly what to write to score full marks. Our AI shows you model answers and the key phrases examiners look for.

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    Das Klassentreffen: Zwanzig Jahre nach dem Abitur stand Katrin wieder vor dem Gebäude, in dem sie so viele Stunden verbracht hatte. Die meisten ihrer alten Mitschüler erkannte sie sofort, nur einen großen Mann mit grauem Bart konnte sie nicht einordnen. Erst als er lachte, wusste sie, wer er war: Tobias, der stille Junge aus der letzten Reihe. Damals hatte sie kaum mit ihm gesprochen. Heute erzählte er so lebhaft, dass sich bald alle um ihn versammelten.

    Example question

    Worauf beziehen sich die unterstrichenen Wörter? Verwenden Sie die Wörter so wie sie im Text vorkommen.

    1. …in dem sie so viele Stunden verbracht hatte.

    2. …wusste sie, wer er war…

    Step by step

      Do

      • Look back one or two sentences.
      • Check gender and number.
      • Copy the noun exactly.

      Don't

      • Write the small word again.
      • Grab the nearest noun without checking.
      • Answer in English.

      IB Exam Questions on Reference words

      Practice with IB-style questions filtered to Topic 6.2.7. Get instant AI feedback on every answer.

      Practice Topic 6.2.7 QuestionsBrowse All German B HL Topics

      How Reference words 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 Reference words.

        AO1
      • Describe

        Give a detailed account of processes or features in Reference words.

        AO2
      • Explain

        Give reasons WHY — cause and effect within Reference words.

        AO3
      • Evaluate

        Weigh strengths AND limitations of approaches in Reference words.

        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:

      6.1.1Format & rubric6.2.1Multiple choice6.2.2True/False + justify6.2.3Vocabulary in context
      View all German B HL topics
      Improve your exam techniqueCommand terms, paper structure, and mark-scheme tips for German B HL
      Previous6.2.6Sentence completionNextShort answer6.2.8

      3 practice questions on Reference words

      Students who practiced this topic on Aimnova scored 82% on average. Try free practice questions and get instant AI feedback.

      Try 3 Free QuestionsView All German B HL Topics