Goethe B2 Reading (Lesen) 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
Check if you’re ready for this exam part
Practice the same format you’ll see on exam day, get your score against official criteria, and see where you still need work.
- Exam-like task format with real time limits
- Assessment modelled on the official exam criteria
- Full mock test, results right away
- Every answer explained right after the test
Free to try · No account needed
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?
Want to see how this feels in practice?
Try this section in the real exam format and find out how confident you are before exam day.
Free to try · No account needed
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.
Find your weak points before they cost you points
Practice this exam part in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
Free to try · No account needed