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Which set phrases do you need for the forum post in DTB B2? Here you will find a complete overview with phrases for introduction, opinion, arguments and proposal — with explanations and typical mistakes.
The forum post is one of the writing tasks in the DTB B2 (Deutsch-Test für den Beruf B2). In the writing section, candidates are asked to compose a post for an internal company forum. The topic always relates to a professional situation — for example a planned change in the company, a new measure by management or a proposal to improve working conditions.
The forum post in DTB B2 is not a free expression of opinion. The task requires a structured response with concrete content points: the personal opinion must be clearly formulated, justified with arguments and concluded with a proposal. Exactly for this purpose the right set phrases are needed.
A common misunderstanding: many learners think that the forum post is only about writing in German. In fact, the logical structure of the text is also assessed — that is, whether the ideas are clearly and coherently organised. Without appropriate set phrases this is difficult to achieve.
The forum post is written in a professional register. This means: neither too formal like a business letter, nor too colloquial like a private message. The tone is collegial — polite, factual and direct.
The forum post is assessed according to the official DTB B2 assessment criteria. The following factors play a role:
The forum post in DTB B2 has a clear, predefined structure. This structure follows directly from the task requirements. Anyone who knows it and adheres to it automatically receives more points — because the assessment criteria are oriented precisely to this structure.
| Part | Content | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Salutation | Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen, or Hallo zusammen, | Establish contact, set tone |
| 2. Introduction | Refer to the topic, explain why you are writing | Engage the reader, introduce the topic |
| 3. Personal opinion | State clearly: for or against, and why | Show your position |
| 4. Arguments | At least 1 advantage + 1 disadvantage with justification | Support opinion, demonstrate balance |
| 5. Proposal | Formulate a concrete solution or recommendation | Conclude constructively |
| 6. Closing formula | Viele Grüße, / Liebe Grüße, + name | Polite conclusion |
In the DTB B2 forum post, one register is maintained throughout: either "ihr" (collegial) or "Sie" (formal) — but never both mixed. In an internal company forum, the "ihr" form is more usual, unless the task explicitly requires something different.
The official requirement for DTB B2 is a forum post of approximately 150 to 200 words. Texts that are too short lose content points. Texts that are too long increase the risk of errors. The safest approach is to address all mandatory parts without incorporating unnecessary repetitions.
The introduction of the forum post has a clear function: it explains why you are writing and introduces the topic. A good introduction is short — 2 to 3 sentences are sufficient. It is important that the reference to the topic is immediately recognisable.
These phrases can be used to introduce the forum post professionally:
The introduction should introduce the topic — not argue yet. Many learners make the mistake of already presenting their arguments in the introduction. This disrupts the structure and costs points.
In practice, the introduction follows directly after the salutation. A typical opening looks like this:
Clearly formulating a personal opinion is one of the core requirements of the DTB B2 forum post. The text should show that you have a position — and that you can justify it. An expression of opinion without justification is not sufficient for B2 level.
These phrases help to express your own stance clearly and in a structured way:
If you have a divided opinion, you can express this with these set phrases:
In DTB B2, simply writing „Ich bin dafür" is not sufficient. The opinion must always be connected to a justification: Ich bin dafür, weil / denn / da ... Otherwise the B2-typical linguistic expression is missing.
| Connectors for justification | Example |
|---|---|
| weil (subordinate clause) | Ich bin dafür, weil es die Arbeitsbedingungen verbessert. |
| denn (main clause) | Ich bin dagegen, denn das kostet zu viel Zeit. |
| da (subordinate clause) | Ich finde es problematisch, da nicht alle Mitarbeitenden davon profitieren. |
The argumentation section is the centrepiece of the forum post. Here it is expected that at least one advantage and one disadvantage of the topic under discussion are named and justified. This section demonstrates linguistic complexity and the ability to argue objectively — both of which are decisive for B2 level.
The DTB B2 assessment criteria reward personal examples. Feel free to write: „Ich habe selbst erlebt, dass ..." or „In meiner früheren Firma war es so, dass ..." — this sounds natural and demonstrates B2 level.
Good arguments need good connecting words. These connectors are particularly important for B2 level:
| Function | Set phrases |
|---|---|
| Adding | Außerdem / Zusätzlich / Darüber hinaus |
| Contrast | Jedoch / Allerdings / Dennoch / Trotzdem |
| Consequence | Deshalb / Daher / Infolgedessen / Das führt dazu, dass ... |
| Example | Zum Beispiel / So zum Beispiel / Konkret bedeutet das ... |
| Restriction | Zwar ... aber / Einerseits ... Andererseits |
A high-scoring argumentation follows this pattern:
Anyone who applies this pattern once each for advantage and disadvantage already fully meets the content requirements of the DTB B2 forum post.
The proposal is the last mandatory content point in the DTB B2 forum post. Here it is expected that you not only criticise or praise, but formulate a constructive solution or recommendation. This section distinguishes a good B2 text from a mediocre one.
In official DTB B2 tasks, a proposal is required — not a "compromise". The aim is to formulate a constructive idea that solves the problem. The term "compromise" is not provided for as a mandatory point in the official exam materials.
After the proposal comes a short closing sentence that invites discussion. This is typical of the forum format:
The forum post is concluded with a short, situation-appropriate closing formula:
Many candidates make similar mistakes in the DTB B2 forum post. Anyone who knows these and avoids them has a clear advantage in the assessment.
In the same text, sometimes "ihr" and sometimes "Sie" is used. This is a clear register error and appears unprofessional. Decide once before beginning to write — and then maintain it consistently.
Sentences such as „Ich bin dafür." or „Das ist eine gute Idee." without an explanation are not sufficient for B2. Every opinion requires at least one justification sentence with weil / denn / da.
Many learners forget the proposal or replace it with another disadvantage. However, the proposal is a mandatory point. Without it, an important content point is missing — this directly costs points.
When the same connecting word is used three times in a row — for example three times „Außerdem" — the text sounds monotonous and linguistically poor. It is better to vary from the list of connectors.
A text that is too short (under 120 words) does not meet the requirements. A text that is too long (well over 220 words) increases the risk of errors without earning additional points. The goal is a complete, precise text within the given framework.
| Mistake | ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion without justification | Ich bin dafür. | Ich bin dafür, weil es die Motivation steigert. |
| No proposal | Text ends with the disadvantages. | Ich würde vorschlagen, dass ... |
| Register mixing | Wie denkt ihr? ... Was halten Sie davon? | Wie denkt ihr? ... Was sagt ihr dazu? |
| Repetition | Außerdem ... Außerdem ... Außerdem ... | Außerdem ... Darüber hinaus ... Zusätzlich ... |
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