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NotesGerman BTopic 6.2Reference words
Back to German B Topics
6.2.73 min read

Reference words

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.
Der Hund des Großvaters: Lukas bekam einen Brief von seinem Großvater. Darin erzählte der Großvater, dass er sich einen kleinen Hund gekauft hatte. Er nannte ihn Felix und geht jeden Morgen mit ihm in den Park. Dort trifft er oft Nachbarn und plaudert mit ihnen. Seitdem fühlt er sich viel weniger allein. Nachts schläft Felix in einem Korb neben dem Sofa.

Example question

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

…Er nannte ihn Felix…

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

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    Die Reise nach Wien: Mia und ihr Bruder Jan wollten im Sommer nach Wien fahren. Dort wohnt ihre Tante, die ein kleines Café hat. Leider war der Zug sehr teuer, deshalb fuhren sie mit dem Bus. Dies dauerte zwar länger, aber unterwegs lernten sie zwei Studenten aus Spanien kennen. Am Busbahnhof wartete schon die Tante.

    Example question

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

    1. Dort wohnt ihre Tante…

    2. Dies dauerte zwar länger…

    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 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 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 topics
      Improve your exam techniqueCommand terms, paper structure, and mark-scheme tips for German B
      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 Topics