Preparation for the B1/B2 exam often focuses on grammar and writing, but it is in the Reading section where many candidates lose valuable points. The problem is not poor German skills, but rather how exam takers read the text and choose their answers. Let’s look at common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Reading too superficially and latching onto the first familiar word
Many participants scan the text for familiar words without grasping the overall meaning. As a result, their answer choice is based on “word hooks” rather than comprehension of the content.
In one task, the text was about a “tech break” – a time without screens to enjoy peace and quiet. Seeing the word Technik, many chose the headline “When technology is overwhelming,” although the correct answer was “When everyday life gets too loud.” The main point was not about technology, but about noise and the need for rest.
How to avoid:
- Read the entire text, not just individual words.
- Summarize in one sentence what the text is about before looking at the answer choices.
2. Confusing the main topic with details
Often, exam takers focus on a secondary detail mentioned in the text and choose a headline or answer option based on that.
In a text about a cooking group after burnout, there was a detail about “new acquaintances.” This misled many into choosing “New friendships in everyday life.” However, the main point was that cooking became therapy → correct answer: “Cooking as a new therapy.”
How to avoid:
- Identify what the purpose of the text is and what is just additional information.
- Ignore “bait” – interesting but non-central facts.
3. Not separating personal experience from general information
Some texts describe a personal story, but the correct answer requires seeing the specific focus rather than a broad theme.
A text about a man with back pain might lead one to think it was about a healthy lifestyle in general (“Living healthy – but how?”). In fact, the key message was that he replaced medication with physical activity → correct answer: “Exercise instead of tablets.”
How to avoid:
- Ask yourself: “If I remove all personal details, what main idea remains?”
- Choose the option that reflects an action or solution, not just a topic.
4. Expecting exact word matches
Examiners deliberately rephrase the options to check whether you understand the meaning rather than just looking for identical words.
If the text contains the word Arzt (doctor) but the headline does not, many think it is “wrong.” In reality, the headline may be paraphrased: “Staying healthy in old age,” and it is still the correct answer.
How to avoid:
- Do not look for “the same word” in the text and the answers.
- Paraphrase both the text and the headline in your own words – if the meaning matches, even with different wording, it is the right choice.
How to train to avoid traps
Reading without answer options
Read the text and come up with your own headline. Then compare it to the given ones – this develops the skill of identifying the main idea.
Marking details
While reading, highlight the main idea and secondary facts in different colors or with different symbols.
Paraphrasing
Rephrase headlines and answers in your own words – this helps you avoid relying on exact vocabulary matches.
Error analysis
After completing a test, review each incorrect answer: what misled you – a word, a detail, or an emotion?
✅ Conclusion
Mistakes in Reading are not a matter of language level but of reading strategy. By learning to distinguish the main idea from details, paraphrase, and read the entire text, you will significantly increase your chances of achieving a high score in this part of the exam.