Introduction
Learning Greek can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. For those who have already reached an intermediate level, specifically B2, the journey involves not just mastering grammar and vocabulary but also enhancing reading comprehension and fluency. This article aims to guide you through the best B2 Greek books that will help you advance your language skills. Whether you are preparing for exams or simply looking to improve your Greek, these books offer comprehensive lessons and practice exercises tailored to the B2 level.
Criteria for Selecting the Best B2 Greek Books
Before diving into the list, it’s essential to understand the criteria used to select these books. The best B2 Greek books should:
1. Cover Comprehensive Grammar: Grammar is the backbone of any language, and a good B2 book should cover advanced grammar topics in detail.
2. Offer Extensive Vocabulary: A broad range of vocabulary is crucial at the B2 level. The books should introduce new words and phrases systematically.
3. Include Practice Exercises: Practical exercises help reinforce the material learned, making it easier to retain information.
4. Provide Reading Material: Reading exercises and texts help improve comprehension skills and provide context for vocabulary and grammar.
5. Offer Audio Resources: Listening exercises are essential for improving pronunciation and understanding spoken Greek.
1. “Ελληνικά για προχωρημένους 2” (Greek for Advanced Learners 2) by Papadopoulos Publishing
Comprehensive Grammar: This book excels in covering complex grammatical structures, including subjunctive mood, passive voice, and advanced verb conjugations.
Extensive Vocabulary: It introduces a wide array of new words and phrases, all essential for achieving fluency at the B2 level.
Practice Exercises: The book is filled with exercises that challenge learners to apply what they’ve learned in practical scenarios.
Reading Material: Includes various texts ranging from literature excerpts to newspaper articles, helping learners improve their reading comprehension.
Audio Resources: Comes with an audio CD that includes listening exercises, dialogues, and pronunciation guides.
2. “Τα Νέα Ελληνικά για Ξένους” (Modern Greek for Foreigners) by Frosso Papalouca
Comprehensive Grammar: This book breaks down complex grammar topics into manageable sections, making it easier for learners to grasp.
Extensive Vocabulary: It systematically introduces new vocabulary, with each chapter focusing on different thematic areas like travel, health, and education.
Practice Exercises: Includes a variety of exercises, from fill-in-the-blanks to essay writing, ensuring a well-rounded practice.
Reading Material: Offers diverse reading materials, including short stories and articles, to enhance reading skills.
Audio Resources: The accompanying CD provides listening exercises that are crucial for improving auditory skills.
3. “Επικοινωνήστε Ελληνικά 3” (Communicate in Greek 3) by Kleanthes Arvanitakis and Frosso Arvanitakis
Comprehensive Grammar: This book provides in-depth coverage of advanced grammatical topics, ensuring that learners can construct complex sentences.
Extensive Vocabulary: Focuses on expanding vocabulary, with a particular emphasis on idiomatic expressions and colloquial language.
Practice Exercises: Includes a wide range of exercises, from simple matching activities to complex writing tasks.
Reading Material: Offers a variety of texts, including dialogues, essays, and newspaper articles, to improve reading comprehension.
Audio Resources: Comes with an audio CD that features listening exercises and pronunciation guides.
4. “Κλειδιά και Γραμματική Β2” (Keys and Grammar B2) by Christos Alexiou
Comprehensive Grammar: This book is specifically designed to cover all the essential grammar topics needed for the B2 level.
Extensive Vocabulary: Introduces new words and phrases in a structured manner, making it easier for learners to expand their vocabulary.
Practice Exercises: Offers a variety of exercises designed to test and reinforce the material learned.
Reading Material: Includes a range of reading materials, from short stories to technical texts, to improve comprehension.
Audio Resources: The book comes with an audio CD that includes listening exercises and dialogues.
5. “Η Κουζίνα της Μαμάς” (Mom’s Kitchen) by Maria Papadopoulou
Comprehensive Grammar: While not a traditional textbook, this book covers essential grammar topics through practical examples.
Extensive Vocabulary: Focuses on vocabulary related to food and cooking, making it both educational and enjoyable.
Practice Exercises: Includes recipes and cooking instructions that serve as practical exercises for learners.
Reading Material: Offers a unique reading experience through recipes and cooking anecdotes, helping improve comprehension.
Audio Resources: Comes with an audio CD that includes listening exercises related to cooking instructions and food-related dialogues.
6. “Σταύρος Χατζησάββας: Ταξίδι στην Ελλάδα” (Stavros Chatzisavvas: A Journey to Greece) by Stavros Chatzisavvas
Comprehensive Grammar: This book provides a thorough review of advanced grammar topics, making it ideal for B2 learners.
Extensive Vocabulary: Introduces new words and phrases in the context of travel and culture, enriching the learner’s vocabulary.
Practice Exercises: Offers a variety of exercises, from multiple-choice questions to essay writing, ensuring comprehensive practice.
Reading Material: Includes travel diaries and cultural articles, helping learners improve their reading comprehension.
Audio Resources: The accompanying CD features listening exercises related to travel and culture, enhancing auditory skills.
7. “Μιλώντας Ελληνικά Β2” (Speaking Greek B2) by Ioannis Hatzopoulos
Comprehensive Grammar: This book focuses on advanced grammar topics, ensuring that learners can construct complex sentences accurately.
Extensive Vocabulary: Introduces new vocabulary systematically, with a focus on conversational Greek.
Practice Exercises: Includes a variety of exercises designed to improve speaking and writing skills.
Reading Material: Offers diverse reading materials, including dialogues and essays, to enhance reading comprehension.
Audio Resources: Comes with an audio CD that features listening exercises and pronunciation guides.
8. “Ελληνικά Β2: Θεωρία και Πράξη” (Greek B2: Theory and Practice) by Eleni Papadakis
Comprehensive Grammar: This book provides an in-depth review of advanced grammatical topics, making it ideal for B2 learners.
Extensive Vocabulary: Introduces new words and phrases in various thematic areas, enriching the learner’s vocabulary.
Practice Exercises: Offers a variety of exercises, from multiple-choice questions to essay writing, ensuring comprehensive practice.
Reading Material: Includes a range of reading materials, from short stories to technical texts, to improve comprehension.
Audio Resources: The book comes with an audio CD that includes listening exercises and dialogues.
9. “Μαθαίνοντας Ελληνικά Β2” (Learning Greek B2) by Dimitris Koutras
Comprehensive Grammar: This book provides a thorough review of advanced grammar topics, ensuring that learners can construct complex sentences accurately.
Extensive Vocabulary: Introduces new vocabulary systematically, with a focus on conversational Greek.
Practice Exercises: Includes a variety of exercises designed to improve speaking and writing skills.
Reading Material: Offers diverse reading materials, including dialogues and essays, to enhance reading comprehension.
Audio Resources: Comes with an audio CD that features listening exercises and pronunciation guides.
10. “Η Ελληνική Γλώσσα Β2” (The Greek Language B2) by Maria Nikolaou
Comprehensive Grammar: This book focuses on advanced grammar topics, ensuring that learners can construct complex sentences accurately.
Extensive Vocabulary: Introduces new vocabulary systematically, with a focus on conversational Greek.
Practice Exercises: Includes a variety of exercises designed to improve speaking and writing skills.
Reading Material: Offers diverse reading materials, including dialogues and essays, to enhance reading comprehension.
Audio Resources: Comes with an audio CD that features listening exercises and pronunciation guides.
Conclusion
Reaching the B2 level in Greek is a significant milestone, and choosing the right resources can make all the difference in your learning journey. The books listed above offer comprehensive grammar coverage, extensive vocabulary, practical exercises, diverse reading materials, and valuable audio resources. By incorporating these books into your study routine, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the Greek language and achieving fluency. Whether you are preparing for exams or simply looking to improve your Greek, these B2 books provide the tools you need to succeed.
