Grammar Guide

German Noun-Verb Connections (NVP) Guide: B2-C1 Level

One of the most advanced topics in German grammar, Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen (Noun-Verb Connections), is key to passing Goethe B2 and C1 exams. In this guide, we review the most important NVP structures and their practical applications.

What are Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen (NVP)?

Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen (also known as NVVs) are idiomatic structures in German where a noun (Nomen) and a verb (Verb) combine to form a new grammatical unit. In these connections, the verbs (such as *bringen, kommen, nehmen, stehen*) lose their literal meaning and merge with the noun to take the place of a single verb.

For example: kritisieren (to criticise) is a normal verb. However, in formal or academic German, it is often replaced by the NVP structure Kritik üben an + Dativ (to criticise someone/something). Utilizing these structures in your writing (Schreiben) and speaking (Sprechen) sections will significantly boost your CEFR exam score.

💡 Why Study NVP?

NVP structures are ubiquitous in German newspapers, academic publications, and corporate environments. Knowing these chunks is vital for the reading comprehension (Leseverstehen) and language components (Sprachbausteine) of the Goethe and Telc B2/C1 exams.

10 Essential NVP Structures for B2-C1 Exams

Here are the 10 most common noun-verb connections that you will encounter in Goethe/Telc B2-C1 exams, all of which are available for practice in the GermanChunks app:

in Kauf nehmen
Akkusativ
Wer in Deutschland studieren möchte, muss die Bürokratie in Kauf nehmen.
Anyone who wants to study in Germany must accept (put up with) the bureaucracy.
to accept / tolerate
zur Verfügung stehen
Dativ
Für weitere Fragen stehe ich Ihnen gerne zur Verfügung.
I am happy to be at your disposal for further questions.
to be available
in Anspruch nehmen
Akkusativ
Sie können unsere Beratung jederzeit in Anspruch nehmen.
You can make use of (claim) our consultation at any time.
to make use of / utilize
eine Rolle spielen
Akkusativ
Deine Erfahrung spielt bei dieser Bewerbung eine große Rolle.
Your experience plays a big role (is important) in this application.
to play a role / be important
Abschied nehmen von
Dativ
Er musste nach dem Urlaub von seinen Verwandten Abschied nehmen.
He had to say goodbye to his relatives after the holiday.
to say goodbye to
Einfluss nehmen auf
Akkusativ
Die Werbung nimmt großen Einfluss auf die Kaufentscheidungen.
Advertising exerts a major influence on purchasing decisions.
to influence
Unterstützung finden
Nominativ
Sein neuer Projektvorschlag fand bei der Leitung Unterstützung.
His new project proposal found support with the management.
to be supported
einen Antrag stellen auf
Akkusativ
Hast du schon einen Antrag auf Wohngeld gestellt?
Have you already applied (submitted an application) for housing allowance?
to apply for
Kritik üben an
Dativ
Die Opposition übt scharfe Kritik an der neuen Steuerreform.
The opposition is directing sharp criticism at the new tax reform.
to criticise
in Frage kommen
Nominativ
Für dieses Projekt kommt nur ein erfahrener Programmierer in Frage.
Only an experienced programmer is acceptable (comes into question) for this project.
to come into question

Tips for Studying German NVP Structures

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Practice the GermanChunks B2-C1 Nomen-Verb-Verbindungen deck to lock these structures into your long-term memory.

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