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NotesGerman BTopic 5.2Short answer
Back to German B Topics
5.2.43 min read

Short answer

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 ein Sommerfest im Park.

  1. Wann beginnt das Fest?
  2. Wie kommt man am besten zum Fest?
  3. Was gibt es für Kinder? Nennen Sie eine Sache.

Am Samstag feiert unser Stadtteil sein Sommerfest im Rosenpark. Los geht es um zwei Uhr. Für Kinder gibt es einen Zauberer und Kinderschminken. Wer möchte, kann auch beim Fußballturnier mitmachen. Am besten kommt ihr mit dem Fahrrad, denn Parkplätze gibt es kaum.

On Saturday our neighbourhood is holding its summer party in the Rose Park. It starts at two o'clock. For children there is a magician and face painting. Anyone who wants to can also join the football tournament. It's best to come by bike, because there are hardly any parking spaces.

  1. um zwei Uhr
  2. mit dem Fahrrad
  3. einen Zauberer / Kinderschminken
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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Bens Praktikum

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

Sie hören jetzt Ben. Er spricht über sein Praktikum bei einer Zeitung.

  1. Wie lange dauerte das Praktikum?
  2. Worüber hat Ben einen Text geschrieben?
  3. Was fand Ben am schwierigsten?

Mein Praktikum habe ich bei der Lokalzeitung gemacht, zwei Wochen lang. Jeden Morgen gab es eine Konferenz, da wurde entschieden, welche Artikel kommen. Ich durfte sogar einen eigenen Text schreiben, über das neue Schwimmbad. Das Schwierigste war, früh aufzustehen: Ich musste schon um halb sieben im Büro sein.

I did my internship at the local newspaper, for two weeks. Every morning there was a meeting where they decided which articles would run. I was even allowed to write my own piece, about the new swimming pool. The hardest thing was getting up early: I had to be in the office by half past six.

  1. zwei Wochen
  2. (über) das neue Schwimmbad
  3. früh aufstehen
Keep it short: Use the words you hear. You don't need a full sentence, just the right detail.

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 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 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 topics
Improve your exam techniqueCommand terms, paper structure, and mark-scheme tips for German B
Previous5.2.3Gap-fillNextWho says what? (grid)5.2.5

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