Textzusammenhang
Cohesion, reference words and logical flow. This detailed lesson includes explanations, model sentences, common error guidance, written practice and a self-checking quiz. Work through the sections in order, then practise producing your own examples.
Estimated study time: 25–40 minutes · Level: B2 · German examples with English support
Learning objectives
Understand the rule
Identify the structure, meaning and typical word order for this B2 grammar topic.
Use it accurately
Notice verb position, case, endings, punctuation and the relationship between clauses.
Produce original examples
Adapt the model sentences to your own study, work and everyday situations.
Check your learning
Complete the practice tasks and quiz. Review the explanations for any answer you miss.
1. What makes a text cohesive?
Textzusammenhang is created by logical links, clear references, consistent terminology and a sensible information sequence. Readers should understand how each sentence relates to the previous one.
Useful devices include connectors, pronouns, demonstratives, reference adverbs and repeated or paraphrased key terms.
2. Reference words
Words such as dieser, diese, dieses, dadurch, daran, damit, dazu and darüber can refer back to ideas or events. Their reference must be clear.
Example: “Die Firma änderte den Ablauf. Dadurch verkürzte sich die Bearbeitungszeit.” Dadurch refers to the preceding change as the cause.
3. Logical connectors
Cause: deshalb, daher, aus diesem Grund; contrast: dennoch, allerdings, hingegen; addition: außerdem, zudem; result: folglich, somit; example: beispielsweise; conclusion: zusammenfassend.
Choose a connector based on the logical relationship, not merely to make the writing sound formal. Some connectors affect word order: deshalb/daher usually occupy the first position in a main clause, followed by the finite verb.
4. Paragraph development
A strong paragraph usually has a central point, explanation or evidence, and a link to the larger argument. Avoid excessive connector use and unclear pronouns such as “das” when the reference could be ambiguous.
Model examples and close reading
Read the German sentence first, identify the target structure, then compare the English meaning and note the reason for the form.
Dadurch refers to the preceding change and introduces its result.
Dennoch expresses contrast despite the situation.
Deshalb introduces a consequence and takes position one.
A specific noun phrase makes the reference clearer.
Practice exercises
Write a complete German answer in each field. The checker compares your answer with a model solution and ignores differences in capitalisation and extra spaces. Alternative wording may be correct even if it is not recognised automatically; compare it with the model and explanation.
Study tip: after checking, cover the model and write the sentence again from memory. Then create one new example of your own.
Knowledge check: interactive quiz
Choose one answer for each question, then select “Check quiz” to see your score and explanations.
1. Which connector expresses contrast?
2. Which word refers to a preceding cause or change in “Dadurch wurde der Prozess schneller”?
3. What usually makes a paragraph cohesive?
4. Choose the correct word order.
5. Which connector introduces an example?
Independent production task
Writing challenge: Write a short paragraph of 80–120 words about learning, work, travel or a social issue. Use this lesson’s grammar structure at least three times. Underline the target forms and check the sentence structure, punctuation and meaning.
Speaking challenge: Explain the same topic aloud for one minute. Record yourself if possible, then note one accurate sentence and one sentence you want to improve.
Self-assessment checklist
- I can explain the purpose of this structure in my own words.
- I can recognise it in a written German text.
- I can form at least three original examples.
- I checked word order, case, endings and punctuation.
- I can correct at least one common error.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this lesson suitable for B2 learners?
It is designed as B2-level grammar practice. Learners may benefit from revising relevant A2/B1 structures before moving to more complex examples.
Are the exercises an official Goethe-Zertifikat test?
No. These are original practice materials for learning and revision, not official Goethe-Institut exam questions. Use them alongside the current official exam format and course materials.
Why does the quiz checker sometimes not accept my answer?
The automated checker uses model answers and a small set of accepted alternatives. German may allow other correct phrasings; compare your sentence with the rule and explanation rather than assuming every unrecognised answer is grammatically wrong.