Goethe B2 Reading Part 2 – Gap-Fill
In Part 2 you insert sentences into the gaps of an article. Here’s how to recognize which sentence belongs where.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You read an article with 6 gaps and insert matching sentences from a list (a–h).
- Two sentences are left over. Watch connectors and reference words.
What this part tests
Part 2 tests whether you recognize the logic and coherence of a text. You read a magazine article from which six sentences were removed and insert the matching sentence into each gap from a list of eight sentences (a–h). Two sentences are left over.
It’s not just about the topic, but the logical connection: what comes before the gap, what after? Connectors (“deshalb”, “dagegen”, “außerdem”) and reference words (“dieser”, “das”, “solche”) show which sentence fits.
The difficulty: several sentences fit thematically, but only one fits logically and grammatically. Read before and after the gap. Every correct insertion scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the whole text once for an overview.
- 2
At each gap, read the sentence before and after carefully.
- 3
Watch for connectors and reference words that demand a connection.
- 4
Choose the sentence that fits logically and grammatically.
- 5
Fill the certain gaps first, then the difficult ones.
- 6
Check at the end that the whole text flows together.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: which sentence fits the gap?
Viele Menschen kaufen heute online ein. ___ Trotzdem gehen manche lieber ins Geschäft, weil sie die Produkte anfassen möchten.
Which sentence fits? (a) „Der Onlinehandel ist in den letzten Jahren stark gewachsen." · (b) „Im Sommer sind die Tage länger."
Why? Sentence a continues the thought of online shopping before “Trotzdem” introduces the contrast (preferring the shop). Sentence b doesn’t fit thematically.
Practice: test yourself
In einem Artikel über das Reisen fehlt ein Satz: „Früher war eine Reise ans Meer ein großes Abenteuer. ___ Heute steigt man einfach ins Flugzeug und ist in wenigen Stunden da."
Which sentence fits the gap?
Common mistakes
Several sentences fit thematically. What matters is the logical and grammatical connection.
“dieser”, “das”, “deshalb” show what the sentence refers to. Follow the reference.
Always read the sentence before and after – the connection decides.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Insert a guessed sentence if you have to.
Tips
- Always read before and after the gap, not just the gap itself.
- Watch for connectors and reference words as clues.
- Fill the certain gaps first; that narrows the choice.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 2 have?
Six. You insert six sentences into the gaps; of eight sentences (a–h), two are left over.
How do I recognize the right sentence?
By the logical connection: connectors and reference words show which sentence fits before and after the gap – not just the topic.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – insert a sentence into every gap.
What’s the best way to practice Part 2?
Practice recognizing text logic and connectors. With a Prepliq mock you get the answer explained after each task.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 700+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat B2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat B2 practice test – with answers and study material.