Argumentation Phrases for B2 Writing

Why Argumentation Phrases Matter for B2

The Goethe B2 Schreiben Teil 1 requires you to write a forum post discussing a topic from multiple perspectives and expressing a clear position. This is an argumentative text that must demonstrate structured thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and the ability to engage with opposing viewpoints. Using dedicated argumentation phrases (Redemittel) shows that you can construct a formal argument in German — a skill that separates B2 from B1 writing.

Examiners evaluate not just what you say, but how you say it. A well-structured argument with clear transitions between points, proper acknowledgment of counterarguments, and a decisive conclusion scores significantly higher than a collection of loosely connected opinions.

Structuring Your Argument

A strong B2 forum post follows a clear structure. Use these phrases to guide the reader through your argument:

Introduction — state the topic and your position: Das Thema... wird derzeit intensiv diskutiert. (The topic of... is currently being intensively discussed.) Zu diesem Thema gibt es unterschiedliche Meinungen. (There are different opinions on this topic.) Ich bin der Überzeugung, dass... (I am of the conviction that...)

First argument — your strongest point: Der wichtigste Grund ist meiner Meinung nach, dass... (The most important reason, in my opinion, is that...) Zunächst einmal muss man berücksichtigen, dass... (First of all, one must take into account that...)

Additional arguments: Darüber hinaus ist zu beachten, dass... (Furthermore, it should be noted that...) Ein weiterer Aspekt ist, dass... (Another aspect is that...) Hinzu kommt, dass... (In addition, there is the fact that...) Nicht zuletzt spielt auch... eine wichtige Rolle. (Last but not least, ... also plays an important role.)

Counterargument and rebuttal: Natürlich gibt es auch Argumente dagegen. (Of course there are also arguments against this.) Zwar wird oft behauptet, dass..., jedoch zeigt die Erfahrung, dass... (Admittedly, it is often claimed that..., however experience shows that...) Man könnte einwenden, dass... Diesem Argument halte ich entgegen, dass... (One could object that... To this argument I counter that...)

Conclusion: Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass die Vorteile überwiegen. (In summary, it can be said that the advantages outweigh.) Abschließend möchte ich betonen, dass... (In closing, I would like to emphasize that...) Alles in allem bin ich der Meinung, dass... (All in all, I am of the opinion that...)

Using Evidence and Examples

At B2, your arguments need support — not just claims:

Studien zeigen, dass... (Studies show that...) Laut einer Untersuchung... (According to a study...) Aus eigener Erfahrung weiß ich, dass... (From personal experience I know that...) Ein konkretes Beispiel dafür ist... (A concrete example of this is...) In vielen Ländern hat sich gezeigt, dass... (In many countries it has been shown that...) Die Statistik belegt, dass... (Statistics prove that...)

You do not need to cite real studies in the Goethe exam — general references are sufficient and demonstrate argumentative competence.

Weighing Pros and Cons

The einerseits...andererseits structure is perfect for B2:

Einerseits ermöglicht Technologie einen schnellen Zugang zu Informationen. Andererseits kann die ständige Erreichbarkeit zu Stress führen. (On the one hand, technology enables quick access to information. On the other hand, constant availability can lead to stress.)

Es gibt sowohl Vorteile als auch Nachteile. Zu den Vorteilen zählt... Zu den Nachteilen gehört... (There are both advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages is... Among the disadvantages is...)

Common Argumentation Mistakes at B2

No clear structure: Jumping between points without transitions. Use zunächst, darüber hinaus, schließlich to guide the reader.

No counterargument: A one-sided argument without acknowledging opposing views is incomplete at B2. Include at least one zwar...aber or natürlich gibt es auch... construction.

Too many arguments, too little development: Three well-developed arguments are better than six superficial ones. Develop each point with a reason, example, or consequence.

Missing conclusion: Ending abruptly without summarizing your position. Always close with zusammenfassend or alles in allem.

Practice Argumentation on Deutsch Fox

On deutschfox.com, B2 forum post tasks require structured argumentation. The AI examiner evaluates your argument structure, Redemittel variety, counterargument inclusion, and conclusion quality. It checks whether your argument flows logically and whether you use the expected B2-level phrases. The error memory feature tracks your argumentative writing patterns over multiple practice sessions.