Chapter 15: Vocabulary - Abstract Topics (Concepts, Ideas)

Introduction: Discussing the Intangible

B2 level requires expanding your vocabulary beyond concrete objects and everyday actions to include words related to abstract concepts and ideas. This is crucial for participating in more complex discussions, understanding news and opinion pieces, and expressing your own thoughts on topics like society, politics, ethics, philosophy, and personal values.

This chapter introduces key vocabulary areas related to abstract thought.

Key Vocabulary Areas

Concepts and Notions (Concepten en Begrippen):

het concept (concept)
het idee (idea)
het beginsel / het principe (principle)
de theorie (theory)
de hypothese (hypothesis)
de aanname (assumption)
de overtuiging (conviction, belief)
het standpunt (point of view, standpoint)
de opvatting (opinion, view)
het perspectief (perspective)
de realiteit / de werkelijkheid (reality)
de mogelijkheid (possibility)
de waarschijnlijkheid (probability)
de noodzaak (necessity)

Values and Ethics (Waarden en Ethiek):

de waarde (value)
de norm (norm)
de moraal / de zeden (morals, ethics)
ethisch (ethical)
moreel (moral)
de rechtvaardigheid (justice)
de gelijkheid (equality)
de vrijheid (freedom)
de verantwoordelijkheid (responsibility)
het respect (respect)
de tolerantie (tolerance)
de solidariteit (solidarity)
het geweten (conscience)
het dilemma (dilemma)

Society and Politics (Maatschappij en Politiek):

de maatschappij / de samenleving (society)
de overheid (government)
de politiek (politics)
de democratie (democracy)
de wetgeving (legislation)
het beleid (policy)
de invloed (influence)
de macht (power)
de burger (citizen)
de gemeenschap (community)
sociaal (social)
cultureel (cultural)
economisch (economic)

Qualities and Characteristics (Kwaliteiten en Eigenschappen):

de kwaliteit (quality)
de eigenschap / het kenmerk (characteristic, feature)
de complexiteit (complexity)
de eenvoud (simplicity)
de relevantie (relevance)
de essentie (essence)
het belang (importance)
het voordeel (advantage)
het nadeel (disadvantage)
de oorzaak (cause)
het gevolg (consequence)
het doel (goal, purpose)

Verbs for Abstract Thought:

analyseren (to analyze)
interpreteren (to interpret)
beargumenteren (to argue)
concluderen (to conclude)
veronderstellen (to suppose, assume)
overwegen (to consider)
definiëren (to define)
reflecteren (op) (to reflect on)
bekritiseren (to criticize)
evalueren (to evaluate)
onderscheiden (to distinguish)
vergelijken (to compare)

Strategies for Learning Abstract Vocabulary

Context is Crucial: Abstract words often have nuances. Learn them through reading articles, opinion pieces, and listening to discussions or lectures.
Use Mind Maps: Group related concepts together (e.g., all words related to 'justice').
Paraphrase: Try explaining an abstract concept in simpler terms or using synonyms.
Active Use: Intentionally use new abstract words in your writing and speaking (e.g., when expressing opinions or discussing news).
Read B2/C1 Level Texts: These texts naturally contain more abstract vocabulary.

Building a strong vocabulary for abstract topics is essential for engaging in deeper conversations and understanding complex texts at the B2 level. Focus on learning words related to concepts, values, society, and qualities. Practice using these words in context to fully grasp their meaning and usage, enabling you to discuss ideas and opinions with greater precision and sophistication.