Structuring a Formal Essay (Erörterung)
Structuring a Formal Essay (Erörterung)
The B2 exam's argumentative essay (Erörterung) follows a fixed three-part shape — introduction, body, conclusion — signposted by a standard set of sequencing adverbs that all trigger verb-second word order.
Grammar Comparison
Grammar Comparison
Sequencing adverbs occupy position one and force the verb into position two
Zunächst betrachten wir die Vorteile. Abschließend lässt sich sagen, dass... (First, we'll look at the advantages. In conclusion, it can be said that...)
First, we'll look at the advantages. In conclusion, it can be said that...
zunächst, des Weiteren, and abschließend are single adverbs, each filling position one on its own — so the verb (betrachten, lässt) immediately follows in position two, ahead of the subject. This is the same verb-second discipline you've applied to trotzdem and meiner Meinung nach: any single element in the front position, no matter how long or short, is followed directly by the conjugated verb.
es lässt sich sagen, dass... as a hedged way to state a conclusion
Es lässt sich sagen, dass beide Seiten Argumente haben.
It can be said that both sides have arguments.
This reuses the sich lassen + infinitive construction from earlier in this level (here, sich sagen lassen, 'to be sayable') as a standard, slightly impersonal way to introduce a summarizing claim in formal writing — a useful stock phrase for essay conclusions that also reinforces a grammar pattern you've already learned rather than requiring anything new.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
| German | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| die Einleitung | dee EYN-ly-toong | the introduction |
| der Hauptteil | dair HOWPT-tyl | the main body |
| der Schluss | dair shloos | the conclusion |
| zunächst | tsoo-NAYKHST | first/to begin with |
| des Weiteren | des VY-teh-ren | furthermore |
| abschließend | AHP-shlee-sent | in conclusion |
| zusammenfassend | tsoo-ZAH-men-fah-sent | to summarize |
| die These | dee TAY-zeh | the thesis |
| das Fazit | dahs FAH-tsit | the takeaway/conclusion |
| es lässt sich sagen, dass... | es lest zikh ZAH-gen, dahs | it can be said that... |
| dafür spricht, dass... | dah-FEWR shprikht, dahs | in favor of this is the fact that... |
| dagegen spricht, dass... | dah-GAY-gen shprikht, dahs | against this is the fact that... |
| ein weiteres Argument | eyn VY-teh-res ar-goo-MENT | another argument |