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NotesGerman B HLTopic 6.2Short answer
Back to German B HL Topics
6.2.83 min read

Short answer (German B HL)

IB German B · Unit 6

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Contents

  1. 1What a short-answer question is
  2. 2Nailing the short answer — step by step
  3. 3In action
  4. 4Common errors
What it is: You answer a question about the text in a few words. You can use words from the text. No full sentences needed.
The instruction on the paper: Beantworten Sie die folgenden Fragen. → Answer the following questions.
Samstags auf der Kinderstation: Jeden Samstag verbringt die 17-jährige Hanna drei Stunden auf der Kinderstation des städtischen Krankenhauses. Sie liest den Kindern vor, spielt mit ihnen Karten oder hört einfach zu. Medizinische Aufgaben darf sie nicht übernehmen, dafür ist das Pflegepersonal zuständig. Anfangs war sie unsicher, ob sie die traurigen Momente aushalten würde. Inzwischen weiß sie, dass schon ein kurzes Gespräch einem Kind den Tag retten kann. Nach dem Abitur möchte Hanna Kinderkrankenpflegerin werden.

Example question

Beantworten Sie die folgenden Fragen.

Welche Sorge hatte Hanna am Anfang?

Step by step

    Beantworten Sie
    answer
    die folgenden Fragen
    the following questions
    Nennen Sie zwei Beispiele
    give two examples
    Wann? / Wo? / Wer?
    when? / where? / who?
    Warum? / Wie?
    why? / how?
    Remember: Answer exactly what is asked: short, from the text, nothing extra.

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    Short answer in 4 steps

    1

    Underline the question word

    Wer, wann, wo, warum?

    2

    Find the line with the answer

    Stay in the lines given.

    3

    Copy only what answers it

    A few words are enough.

    4

    Count

    Asked for two? Give two.

    Question word → Line → Copy → Count

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    Die Insel: Auf der Insel gab es weder Autos noch einen Supermarkt. Wer Brot wollte, musste es am Vortag beim Bäcker bestellen, und die Post kam nur dienstags mit der Fähre. Anfangs fand Ben das unerträglich. Er vermisste das Kino, seine Freunde und vor allem das schnelle Internet. Doch nach einigen Wochen bemerkte er, dass er abends nicht mehr auf den Bildschirm starrte, sondern mit dem alten Fischer Hinrichs am Hafen saß und ihm zuhörte.

    Example: give two examples

    Beantworten Sie die folgenden Fragen.

    Was vermisste Ben am Anfang? Nennen Sie zwei Beispiele. [2]

    Step by step

      Do

      • Answer the question word exactly.
      • Keep it short: words from the text.
      • Give as many points as asked.

      Don't

      • Add extra details to be safe.
      • Answer in English.
      • Copy the whole paragraph.

      IB Exam Questions on Short answer

      Practice with IB-style questions filtered to Topic 6.2.8. Get instant AI feedback on every answer.

      Practice Topic 6.2.8 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:

      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
      Previous6.2.7Reference wordsNextFormat, timing & marks7.1.1

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      Practice Now — FreeView All German B HL Topics