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B1 Goethe-Zertifikat B1

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

Unfortunately, no examination dates are currently available. Please contact us for further information.

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 library in Stockholm you will find additional practice materials and German-language books. Come and visit us!

    Two people are sitting comfortably by the bright window in the library, reading. Photo: Hendrik Dinse Photo: Hendrik Dinse

Frequently asked questions

Further questions

Our exam location

Further questions? Contact us

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