telc B2 Language Elements Part 1: Word Bank Strategy (a–j) & Grammar Rules
Updated: · LexDeutsch editorial team
6 gaps, 10 words (a–j), 4 left over: master connectors, verb government, relative clauses and word forms using systematic elimination.
How do you solve Language Elements Part 1 reliably?
Identify Clause Type and Finite Verb Position
Before inserting a word from the box, read the full sentence from period to period. Check: is the finite verb at the very end (subordinate) or in second position (main clause)? Does a relative clause or infinitive with zu follow the comma? With connectors, verb position usually already shows which words from the box are possible at all.
Match Fixed Prepositions with Governed Cases
Language Elements Part 1 often contains fixed verb-preposition combinations: sich bewerben um/bei, hinweisen auf (+ Acc), verfügen über (+ Acc), beitragen zu (+ Dat), zuständig sein für (+ Acc). Check the case of the following article (dem vs. den vs. des). Case rules usually rule out several words from the box at once.
Definite, Indefinite or Zero Article: Apply Ending Matrix
If the word box contains an adjective or an article word, check its ending: only one form fits (e.g. erfolgreiche, erfolgreichen or erfolgreicher). Look in front of the gap: is there a definite article (der/die/das), an indefinite one (ein/eine) or no article? Check the gender and case of the noun. In the dative and genitive after articles, the ending is almost always -en.
Have you mastered Part 1? Interactive quiz
Test your grasp of prepositions, relative pronouns, and adjective endings with exam-style gaps.
1. Which option is correct: "Wir freuen uns sehr _____ die Einladung zum Vorstellungsgespräch."
2. Which relative pronoun fits: "Das Unternehmen, bei _____ ich mich beworben habe, expandiert international."
3. Which adjective ending is correct: "Mit freundlich_____ Grüßen"
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Frequently asked questions
How is Language Elements Part 1 structured and how much time do I have?
Part 1 is a coherent workplace text, usually a letter or email, with 6 gaps and a box of 10 words (a–j); 4 words are left over. Parts 1 and 2 belong, together with the forum post, to the subtest "Language Elements and Writing" (35 minutes). Our guideline: about 5 minutes for Part 1, so enough time is left for the forum post.
How many points are the Language Elements worth?
Each correct gap earns 0.5 points, so Parts 1 and 2 together are worth 6 points. The Language Elements count towards writing (60 points), not reading. You pass with at least 144 of 240 points in total and at least 36 of 60 in at least three of the four skills; one weaker skill is compensated if it has 24–35 points.
What is tested most often in Part 1?
Typical items are connectors and verb position, prepositions and verbs with fixed prepositions, pronominal adverbs such as "darauf" or "worauf", relative pronouns and fixed noun-verb collocations.
How do I approach a difficult gap?
Read the whole sentence, identify the clause type and the missing part of speech, then check government and case. Cross out the words from the box that do not fit grammatically and choose between the rest; if the gap is still open, solve the other gaps first.
Are points deducted for wrong answers?
No, wrong answers do not cost points. So never leave a field on the answer sheet blank; if in doubt, guess after ruling out options.
How does Part 1 differ from Part 2?
In Part 1 you insert words from a shared box of 10 words (a–j); each word fits only once and 4 are left over. In Part 2 you choose from three given options (a, b, c) for each of the 6 gaps.
Practice Now in the Interactive Trainer
Practise Sprachbausteine in the telc B2 format in the LexDeutsch trainer, with automatic checking and explanations.