Vocabulary Focus: Science and Technology (More Detailed - B2 Level)

At B2 level, your science and technology vocabulary should allow you to understand and discuss common topics in these fields as they appear in news, general interest articles, documentaries, and everyday conversations. You're not expected to be an expert, but you should be able to grasp the main points and talk about developments and impacts.

Key Vocabulary Areas for B2:

1. General Scientific Concepts:

• wetenschap (science), technologie (technology), onderzoek (research), onderzoeker (researcher), experiment (experiment), theorie (theory), bewijs (proof/evidence), ontdekking (discovery), uitvinding (invention), data/gegevens (data), analyse (analysis), resultaat (result), methode (method), proces (process).

1. Common Fields (Basic Terms):

• Biology/Medicine: biologie (biology), geneeskunde (medicine), gezondheid (health), ziekte (illness), virus (virus), bacterie (bacterium), gen (gene), DNA, cel (cell), orgaan (organ), vaccin (vaccine), behandeling (treatment).
• Environment/Energy: milieu (environment), klimaat (climate), energie (energy), duurzaam (sustainable), bron (source - e.g., energiebron), zonne-energie (solar energy), windenergie (wind energy), vervuiling (pollution).
• Physics/Chemistry (Basic): natuurkunde (physics), scheikunde (chemistry), atoom (atom), molecuul (molecule), kracht (force), licht (light), geluid (sound).

1. Information Technology and Digital World:

• computer, laptop, smartphone, internet, website, e-mail, app (application), software, hardware, bestand (file), downloaden (to download), uploaden (to upload), online, offline, netwerk (network), gegevensbescherming (data protection), privacy, sociale media (social media), kunstmatige intelligentie / AI (artificial intelligence).

1. Technology in Daily Life:

• apparaat (device/appliance), machine, elektrisch (electric), automatisch (automatic), digitaal (digital), verbinding (connection), functie (function), ontwikkeling (development), innovatie (innovation).

1. Verbs Related to Science/Tech:

• ontdekken (to discover), uitvinden (to invent), onderzoeken (to research/investigate), analyseren (to analyze), ontwikkelen (to develop), testen (to test), meten (to measure), veroorzaken (to cause), beënvloeden (to influence), verbeteren (to improve), functioneren / werken (to function/work).

Importance for B2:

• Understanding discussions about technological advancements (AI, renewable energy, medical breakthroughs) reported in the media.
• Being able to talk about common technology used in daily life (computers, internet, apps).
• Following general science documentaries or articles.
• Discussing the impact of technology on society and the environment.

Learning Strategy:

• Read popular science sections in newspapers or magazines (e.g., Wetenschap sections).
• Watch documentaries or explainer videos on topics like technology, health, or the environment (e.g., Universiteit van Nederland, Klokhuis for simpler explanations, news features).
• Focus on understanding key terms related to current technological trends.
• Look up terms you don't understand when reading or listening.