Goethe preparation · 100% online

Goethe training

The Goethe-Zertifikat exams are the German diplomas from the Goethe-Institut, recognised worldwide (from level A1 to C2). Discover the tests, the scoring and our tips to prepare well, in particular for levels B1 and B2.

Start my preparation Browse the guide
Our preparation courses

Prepare with PrepMyFuture

Choose the online preparation course that suits your objective and start your training.

GOETHE B1 GOETHE B2
01

What is the Goethe?

The Goethe-Zertifikat exams are issued by the Goethe-Institut, jointly with the ÖSD and the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). They provide official recognition of your level of German on the CEFR scale.

Recognised internationally (in particular in Germany, Austria and Switzerland), they make it possible, depending on the level, to complete administrative procedures, apply for university courses or jobs.

The tests cover levels A1 to C2 and exist, up to B2, in youth and adult versions (identical structure, adapted topics). The certifications are valid for life, although some employers or universities may require a test taken less than two years ago.

03

The Goethe tests

All levels assess four skills via four modules (Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen), which can be taken together or separately. Here is the format at levels B1 and B2:

Reading comprehension (Lesen)
65 min · 30 questions

Read different types of texts (articles, emails, advertisements, notices, etc.) and answer questions: multiple choice, matching, true/false, and a gap-fill text at B2. Same duration at levels B1 and B2.

Listening comprehension (Hören)
40 min · 30 questions

Listen to several audio recordings (announcements, dialogues, interviews, monologues) split into 4 parts, then answer multiple-choice or true/false questions. Same duration at levels B1 and B2.

Written expression (Schreiben)
B1: 60 min · B2: 75 min

Write several texts following prompts:

  • B1— 3 tasks (informal email ~80 words, opinion ~80 words, formal email ~40 words)
  • B2— 2 tasks (forum message ~150 words, formal message ~100 words)
Oral expression (Sprechen)
10 to 15 min (+ 15 of preparation)

Alone with the examiner or in pairs:

  • B1— 3 tasks (plan an event, present a topic, react to questions)
  • B2— 2 tasks (present a topic, debate with the examiner)
04

Understanding the scoring

The four modules are graded separately, each from 0 to 100 points. For comprehension (reading and listening), each correct answer out of 30 questions is converted to 100 (multiplied by 3.33); the expression tests are assessed by two independent markers.

To pass a module, you must obtain at least 60/100. The score comes with a grade: satisfactory (60-69), good (70-79), very good (80-89), excellent (90-100).

If you pass all four modules, you receive a single certificate; otherwise, a certificate per module passed, and you can retake the other modules as many times as necessary.

05

How to prepare for the Goethe?

The Goethe certifications assess your German in four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking. Plan your training several weeks before the exam.

PrepMyFuture offers a Goethe B1 and Goethe B2 preparation, each including more than 65 lesson sheets, 1,750 questions and 3 mock tests to train under real conditions.

Discover the Goethe B1 preparation and the Goethe B2 preparation.

06

How to register for the exam?

Registration is done directly with one of the Goethe-Instituts, in France or abroad. Select the institute, an exam date and the modules to take, create an online account, fill in your information and pay the registration fees (about 195 euros for B1 and 210 euros for B2 in France).

A valid ID document is required at registration and must be presented on the day of the test.

07

Where can you take the test?

The Goethe tests can be taken in one of the many approved exam centres around the world. In France, around thirty centres are authorised (Goethe-Instituts, Alliances françaises, Franco-German centres, higher education institutions). Depending on the centre, the test is taken on paper or on computer.

08

Why take the Goethe?

The Goethe-Zertifikat are among the most internationally recognised German certifications and attest to your level according to the CEFR.

The Goethe B1 is recognised in particular by the German authorities for administrative procedures (such as family reunification).

The Goethe B2 is often required to access higher education, apply for a job or enhance a CV in sectors that require a good level of German.

09

Tips to succeed in the Goethe

Beyond your German skills, success relies largely on your command of the test format. Get familiar with the structure and instructions of the four modules.

01

Practise the different question types in the comprehension modules; for speaking, practise talking alone or in pairs (describe, argue, react).

02

Each test is timed: practise under real conditions to learn to manage your time.

03

Expose yourself to German every day: press, podcasts and videos in the original version.

Ready to get started?

Ready to begin your preparation?

Start your training today, at your own pace, in line with your objective.

Start my preparation
Our preparation courses
GOETHE B1 GOETHE B2