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).

  • Proof of language skills for the settlement permit or naturalization
  • Live, work or attend a preparatory college in Germany
  • Official and internationally recognized certificate

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Exam modules

The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 consists of the exam modules listening, reading, writing and speaking (oral exam with 2 exam participants).
This offers full flexibility as the four modules can be taken individually or in combination. The exam is conducted and assessed uniformly worldwide.
This exam was developed jointly by the Goethe-Institut, the University of Freiburg/Switzerland as well as the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD) and is offered worldwide under the names Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or ÖSD-Zertifikat B1.

Listening

Duration: 40 minutes

You listen to announcements, short lectures, informal conversations and discussions on the radio. You can grasp the main points and important details.

Reading

Duration: 65 minutes

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

Writing

Duration: 60 minutes

You write personal and formal emails or letters and express your opinion in a written forum post.

Speaking

Duration: 15 minutes

You plan something together with your partner. You respond to questions, express your opinions and make suggestions. You give a presentation on a current topic and answer questions about it.

More information

By passing the exam you show that you can ...

  • understand key information when spoken in clear, standard language and about everyday topics such as work, school or leisure;

  • express yourself in a conversation with another person in a simple and structured manner on familiar topics, personal interests and experiences, dreams and goals, and provide justifications and explanations;

  • understand uncomplicated factual texts about your interests and your own field of expertise.

Exam information

Requirements

The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is a German exam for young people and adults.
The Goethe-Institut exams are available to anyone and can be taken regardless of whether they have reached a minimum age or have German citizenship.

  • For the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 for young people, we recommend an age of 12+.

  • For the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 for adults, we recommed an age of 16+.

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

  • To reach this level you need - depending on previous knowledge and learning requirements - 350 to 650 lessons of 45 minutes each.

Exam preparation

Best preparation for the exam

Online exam trainings

Free practice materials for your exam preparation: online, interactive, and accessible.

A young woman studies online on a laptop. She sits comfortably on the floor cross-legged. She is leaning against a sofa. There are books and loose worksheets scattered on the floor. A paper cup with a coffee drink is in front of her.

Practice materials on site

Check out additional practice materials and German-language media such as books and films at our on-site library in New York City.

A man and a woman sit at a table in a library, both concentrating on reading. © Goethe-Institut/Daniel Albanese © Goethe-Institut/Daniel Albanese

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Frequently asked questions

Further questions

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