Goethe B2 Reading Part 4 – Opinions
In Part 4 you read several short opinion texts and match statements to the people. Here’s how to grasp the positions reliably.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You read several short opinion texts on a topic and match 6 statements to the people.
- Watch the exact position – even fine differences count.
What this part tests
Part 4 tests whether you understand and distinguish the opinions of several people on a topic precisely. You read several short opinion statements and match six statements: which statement fits which person?
It’s about precise opinion comprehension: each person has their own position, often with qualifications and nuances. The statements are paraphrased. You have to recognize the exact stance, not just a keyword.
The difficulty: several people comment on the same topic but with different emphasis. Watch for judgements and qualifications. Every correct match scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
How to approach it
- 1
Read the opinion texts for an overview and grasp each person’s main position.
- 2
Read the first statement and consider which position it fits.
- 3
In the matching opinion, find the spot that confirms the statement.
- 4
Watch for fine differences and qualifications.
- 5
Compare similar positions especially carefully.
- 6
Transfer your answers to the answer sheet in good time.
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: match the statement to the right person.
Thema „Elektroautos". Person A: „Elektroautos sind die Zukunft, auch wenn das Laden noch umständlich ist." Person B: „Solange es zu wenig Ladestationen gibt, kommt für mich kein Elektroauto infrage."
Who makes the purchase dependent on the expansion of charging stations? (a) Person A · (b) Person B
Why? Person B says “Solange es zu wenig Ladestationen gibt, kommt … kein Elektroauto infrage” – the purchase depends on the expansion. Person A sees the future in the electric car despite hurdles.
Practice: test yourself
Thema „Digitales Nomadentum" (von überall arbeiten). Person A (sinngemäß): „Ich liebe es, von überall zu arbeiten – das gibt mir totale Freiheit." Person B (sinngemäß): „Ständig den Ort zu wechseln ist anstrengend. Mir fehlt ein fester Arbeitsplatz."
Who sees the constant change of location rather as a burden?
Common mistakes
A shared word doesn’t make the match right. Grasp the whole position.
A person can find something partly good, partly bad. Watch for qualifications.
Two people can mean almost the same thing. Compare the fine points.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Match every statement.
Tips
- Summarize each person’s position in one keyword.
- Watch for judgements and qualifications like “zwar … aber”.
- Practice reading opinion texts and comments.
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks does reading Part 4 have?
Six. You match six statements to several short opinion texts.
What should I watch for in Part 4?
Each person’s exact stance, including qualifications and nuances – not just a keyword.
Are wrong answers penalized?
No. There is no penalty – match every statement.
What’s the best way to practice Part 4?
Read opinion texts on a topic and practice grasping fine positions. In a Prepliq mock you practice this with instant scoring.
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.