The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is a German exam for young people and adults. The exam confirms advanced language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

  • Language certificate for the settlement permit or naturalisation
  • Live, work or attend a preparatory college in Germany
  • Official and internationally recognised certificate

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The modules

The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 consists of the modules listening, reading, writing and speaking (oral pair exam).
This offers full flexibility: the four modules can be taken individually or in combination. The exam is conducted and graded uniformly worldwide.
This exam was developed jointly by the Goethe-Institut, the University of Fribourg/Switzerland and the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD) and is offered worldwide under the names Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and ÖSD-Zertifikat B1.

Listening

Duration: 40 minutes

You listen to announcements, short talks, informal conversations and discussions on the radio. You can understand key messages and important details.

Reading

Duration: 65 minutes

You read blog posts, emails, newspaper articles, ads and written instructions. You can grasp key information, important details, viewpoints and opinions.

Writing

Duration: 60 minutes

You write personal and formal e-mails or letters and express your opinion in writing in a forum post.

Speaking

Duration: 15 minutes

You plan something together with your conversation partner. In doing so, you respond to questions, express your opinion and make suggestions. You give a presentation on a current topic speaking without notes and answer questions about it.

Further Information

By passing the exam, you demonstrate that you ...

  • can understand main information when clear standard language is used and everyday topics such as work, school or leisure are discussed;

  • are able to express yourself in a simple, structured and target-oriented way on familiar topics, personal interests and experiences, dreams and goals and to give reasons and explanations;

  • understand straightforward factual texts about your interests and your own area of specialisation. 

Information about the exam

Requirements

The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is a German exam for young people and adults.
The Goethe-Institut exams are generally open to anyone and can be taken regardless of age or nationality.

  • The recommended age for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 for young people is 12 years and older.

  • For the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 for adults, an age of 16 years or older is recommended.

  • The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 requires language skills at the third competence level (B1) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

  • Depending on your previous knowledge and learning requirements, you will need 350 to 650 lessons of 45 minutes each to achieve this level.

Exam Preparation

Optimal Preparation for the Exam

Practice materials on-site

In our on-site libraries you will find additional practice materials and German-language media such as books and films. Come and visit us!

People sitting and studying in a library with bookshelves, tables, and large windows. Some individuals are using digital devices while others are reading. © Goethe-Institut/Tatsam Malhotra © Goethe-Institut/Tatsam Malhotra

Digital German exams

Would you like to take the exam on a laptop? We offer selected exams digitally at our premises. You can find further information and tutorials here.

Three examinees with headphones are sitting at individual tables and concentrating on their work on laptops.

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