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Goethe B1 training

The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 certifies an intermediate level of German, issued by the Goethe-Institut. It attests that you understand the gist of a conversation and can express yourself on familiar or everyday topics.

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01

What is the Goethe B1?

The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is a German diploma issued by the Goethe-Institut, jointly with the ÖSD and the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). It certifies your level on the CEFR scale.

The B1 (intermediate) level attests that you are able to understand the essential information of a conversation and express yourself on familiar or everyday topics. It is recognised in particular by the German authorities for certain administrative procedures, such as family reunification.

The four modules can be taken together or separately. The certification is valid for life (some employers or universities may, however, require a test taken less than two years ago).

03

The Goethe B1 tests

The Goethe B1 assesses four skills via four modules, which can be taken together or separately:

Reading comprehension (Lesen)
65 min · 30 questions

Read different types of texts (blog articles, newspapers, advertisements, emails, letters, notices) and answer questions: multiple choice (2 or 3 options), statement/document matching, true/false.

Listening comprehension (Hören)
40 min · 30 questions

Listen to several audio recordings (announcements, dialogues, discussions, radio programmes) split into 4 parts, then answer multiple-choice or true/false questions.

Written expression (Schreiben)
60 min · 3 tasks

Write an informal email (about 80 words), express your personal opinion on a topic (about 80 words) and write a formal email (about 40 words).

Oral expression (Sprechen)
10 to 15 min (+ 15 of preparation) · 3 tasks

Alone with the examiner or in pairs: plan an event, present a topic (describe and argue) and react to questions about your presentation.

04

Understanding the scoring

The four modules are graded separately, each from 0 to 100 points. Comprehension (30 questions) is converted to 100; the expression tests are assessed by two independent markers.

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

You can take the modules together or separately, and retake those not passed as many times as necessary. The certification is valid for life.

05

How to prepare for the Goethe B1?

Success in the Goethe B1 relies largely on mastering the test format. Plan your training several weeks in advance, in conditions close to the exam.

The PrepMyFuture Goethe B1 preparation includes more than 65 lesson sheets, 1,750 questions and 3 mock tests to train under real conditions.

Also discover the Goethe overview and the Goethe B2 preparation.

06

How to register for the exam?

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

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Why take the Goethe B1?

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) and enhances your profile in an academic or professional path.

09

Tips to succeed in the Goethe B1

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

01

Practise the different question types in the comprehension modules; for speaking, practise talking alone or in pairs.

02

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

03

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

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