telc German B2 – Sprachbausteine (Language Elements)
The Sprachbausteine (“language elements”) test grammar and vocabulary in context. They belong to the same 90-minute block as reading – here are the structure, strategy and exercises for both parts.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- The Sprachbausteine have 2 parts with 20 tasks in total and 30 points.
- Part 1 tests grammar (multiple choice), Part 2 vocabulary (gap-fill with a word bank).
- They share 90 minutes with reading – plan around 20 minutes.
Overview
The Sprachbausteine are a short but important part of the written telc B2 exam: you fill gaps in two connected texts – once with grammar (Part 1), once with vocabulary (Part 2). Together that’s 20 tasks and 30 points. Importantly, the Sprachbausteine share a 90-minute block with reading; plan around 20 minutes for them.
Unlike isolated grammar drills, the gaps are always in context – at B2 usually a formal letter, an email or a factual text. You have to choose the word that fits both grammatically AND in meaning. The focus is on demanding structures: verbs with a preposition, connectors (sodass, indem, je … desto), Konjunktiv II, the passive, relative clauses and noun-verb collocations.
The two parts call for different strategies: in Part 1 you choose the grammatically correct option from three (a/b/c) – read the whole sentence, not just the gap. In Part 2 you match ten gaps to words from a list of 15; five words are left over. Practice the two separately.
The tasks are clear but demand precise B2 grammar under time pressure. Konjunktiv II, the passive and fine differences in vocabulary are the biggest hurdles.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Grammar (MC) | Multiple choice | Grammar in context | 10 | 15 |
| Part 2 – Vocabulary (word bank) | Gap-fill with word bank | Vocabulary & connectors | 10 | 15 |
Tips & strategy
Sprachbausteine and reading share 90 minutes. Plan around 20 minutes for the Sprachbausteine and keep an eye on the clock.
Read the whole sentence – often the one before and after too. The right word has to fit grammatically and in meaning, not just in the gap.
Learn connectors (sodass, indem, je … desto, obwohl), verbs with a preposition, Konjunktiv II and the passive. These are tested again and again at B2.
In Part 2, enter the words you’re sure about first. With each word placed, the list shrinks and the remaining gaps get easier.
There is no penalty for wrong answers. Guess rather than leave a gap open.
Only the answer sheet is graded. Transfer your answers in good time – the Sprachbausteine are quick, so don’t forget to transfer them.
Key structure words
These structure and function words come up especially often at B2:
- Connectors
- sodass, indem, je … desto, obwohl, dennoch, anstatt … zu, falls
- Verbs with a preposition
- sich beschweren über, hinweisen auf, bestehen auf, sich beziehen auf
- Prepositions with case
- aufgrund/während/trotz + genitive, gegenüber/entsprechend + dative
- Relative pronouns & case
- der/die/das in the right case, also with a preposition (mit dem, für die, um die)
Common grammar
Prepare these grammar areas specifically:
- Konjunktiv II
- politeness and the unreal (ich wäre Ihnen dankbar, wenn …; hätte, würde, könnte)
- The passive
- process and state passive (wird geliefert, ist geliefert, wurde repariert)
- Relative clauses
- also with a preposition (der Brief, auf den ich warte; die Frau, deren Auto …)
- Noun-verb collocations
- eine Entscheidung treffen, in Frage kommen, zur Verfügung stehen
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and do a first official practice test on the Sprachbausteine – without time pressure, just to understand both parts.
- Day2Part 1 – grammar
Practice multiple-choice gaps on connectors, Konjunktiv II and the passive. Always read the whole sentence.
- Day3Verbs with a preposition & relative clauses
Learn the most common verbs with a preposition as fixed units and practice relative clauses, including with a preposition.
- Day4Part 2 – word bank
Practice gap-fill texts with a word bank. Enter the sure words first and rule out the rest.
- Day5Connectors & noun-verb collocations
Review sodass/indem/je … desto and fixed noun-verb collocations (eine Entscheidung treffen).
- Day6Both parts under time
Work through both parts in one go in around 18 minutes and transfer your answers to an answer sheet.
- Day7Analyze your mistakes
Look at every mistake: was it grammar or vocabulary? Review your weaker part specifically.
Are you ready?
- I can use connectors like sodass, indem and je … desto with the correct word order.
- I can form and recognize Konjunktiv II and the passive confidently.
- I know the most common verbs with a preposition and their case.
- I can spot the grammatically correct option in Part 1, even when all sound plausible.
- I fill the word bank in Part 2 systematically – the sure gaps first.
- I can finish both parts in around 18–20 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How many parts do the telc B2 Sprachbausteine have?
Two parts with 20 tasks in total: Part 1 (grammar, multiple choice) and Part 2 (vocabulary, gap-fill with a word bank).
How many points are there in the Sprachbausteine?
30 points in total – 15 per part. Every correct gap counts; there is no penalty for wrong answers.
How much time do I have for the Sprachbausteine?
The Sprachbausteine and reading are done together in one 90-minute block. There is no fixed split; plan around 20 minutes for the Sprachbausteine.
What is the difference between Part 1 and Part 2?
Part 1 tests grammar: you choose from three options (a/b/c) per gap. Part 2 tests vocabulary: you match ten gaps to words from a list of 15; five words are left over.
Which grammar is tested in the B2 Sprachbausteine?
Above all connectors (sodass, indem, je … desto), verbs with a preposition, Konjunktiv II, the passive, relative clauses and fixed noun-verb collocations – always in the context of a text.
What’s the best way to practice the Sprachbausteine?
Learn fixed structures (verbs with a preposition, connectors) as units and practice gap-fill texts under time. At Prepliq you practice the Sprachbausteine with realistic mock exams and get instant scoring; the interactive word list helps you lock in your vocabulary.
Can I use a dictionary in the Sprachbausteine?
No. No aids such as dictionaries are allowed in the telc German B2 exam.