Training for the Goethe B2 2025 test

What is the Goethe B2 ?

Goethe certificates officially certify your level of German according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR). They are used for administrative procedures (immigration and residency) and academic or professional applications. Issued jointly by the Goethe Institute, the ÖSD, and the University of Fribourg (Switzerland), these certifications enjoy a solid reputation, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The B2 level of the Goethe-Zertifikat demonstrates your ability to understand complex texts and their implicit meaning. At this level, you have a flexible and effective command of German in social, professional, and academic contexts.

The Goethe B2 exam is available in two versions with identical level and structure (only the themes vary):

• A version for teenagers from 15 years old;
• A version for adults, from 16 years old.

Goethe certificates do not have an expiration date. However, some institutions and employers may require certification that is less than 2 years old.

The Goethe B2 exams

The exam assesses four core language skills that you can take together or separately.

Reading comprehension ( Lesen )

The test lasts 65 minutes. You read a variety of texts (forum posts, newspaper or magazine articles, testimonials, user manuals, etc.), then answer 30 questions:

• in the form of a multiple choice question (MCQ) with 3 options;
• of associations between statements and written documents;
• in the form of a fill-in-the-blank text.

Listening comprehension ( Hören )

This section lasts 40 minutes. You listen to various audio documents divided into four parts (conversations and statements, interviews, dialogues between several people, monologues), then answer 30 multiple-choice or true/false questions.

Written expression ( Schreiben )

Lasting 75 minutes, this section has 2 parts:

• Write a message on a forum related to a current or social topic of approximately 150 words (50 minutes);
• Write a formal message of approximately 100 words (25 minutes).

Oral expression ( Sprechen )

In this test, which lasts 10 to 15 minutes (plus 15 minutes of preparation), you are either alone with the examiner or in pairs with another candidate. It is divided into two exercises:

• Present a subject, describe and argue;
• Debate on a given topic, defend your point of view and respond to arguments.

Understanding the notation

Each test is marked out of 100 points.

For the reading and listening comprehension tests, each correct answer is worth 1 point, for a total of 30 points per test. The score is then multiplied by 3.33 to obtain a score out of 100, rounded to the nearest whole number.

For written and oral expression, two independent examiners assess. The points per test are distributed as follows:

You must obtain a minimum of 60/100 to validate a module. Depending on your grade, the results are accompanied by a mention:

• From 60 to 69 points: “adequate” grade;
• From 70 to 79 points: “satisfactory”;
• From 80 to 89 points: “good”;
• From 90 to 100 points: “very good” grade.

Once you have passed all four tests, you will receive a single certificate of achievement. If you fail one or more modules, you will receive a separate certificate for each module passed. You can then retake the other modules as many times as necessary.

How to train for the Goethe B2 ?

The Goethe exams are recognized certifications that assess your German language proficiency across four key skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. To maximize your chances of success, begin preparing several weeks before the exam date.

To help you, PrepMyFuture offers a complete Goethe B1 test preparation program, which includes:

• 65 course sheets;
• 1,750 practice questions;
• 3 practice tests to practice in real conditions.

Please note: Try our free Goethe B2 test ! This placement test helps you assess your initial level to identify areas for improvement.

Want to take the Goethe B1? Check out the Goethe B1 test preparation page !

How to register for the exam ?

Registration for the Goethe B2 exam is done at a Goethe Institute, in France or abroad. There are five institutes in France: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nancy, and Toulouse. To register, follow these steps:

• Access the website of the chosen Goethe Institute;
• Select the session date that suits you;
• Determine the modules you wish to take;
• Create an online account;
• Provide your personal information;
• Pay the registration fees.

The cost is approximately 210 euros for the complete exam in France. A valid ID is required upon registration and must be presented on the day of the exam.

Where to take the test ?

The Goethe exam can be taken both in France and abroad.

In France, there are around thirty centers where the Goethe can be taken , whether in branches of the Goethe Institute or within partner establishments: Alliances Françaises, Franco-German centers, higher education establishments, etc.

Depending on the test center you choose, you will take the test on paper or on a computer.

Why take the Goethe B2 ?

The Goethe-Zertifikat is one of the most recognized German certifications worldwide. This official recognition, based on the CEFR standards, represents a major asset for your academic and professional projects.

Validated by the German authorities, this certification facilitates numerous administrative procedures, particularly for applications for naturalization and family reunification.

Many industries favor holders of the Goethe B2, particularly in public administration, education, international trade, and journalism. This certification demonstrates your ability to master complex texts and communicate spontaneously in German on a variety of topics.

Tips for passing the Goethe B2

The key to success on the Goethe B2 lies as much in your language skills as in your in-depth knowledge of the exam format. Methodical preparation for all four modules is essential.

To maximize your chances of success, familiarize yourself with the various tests and their specific requirements. In reading and listening comprehension, exercises generally rely on recurring document formats. The more you expose yourself to these typical materials, the easier it will be for you to quickly identify essential information and understand the overall meaning.

For oral expression, practice speaking alone and in interaction. The examiner assesses your pronunciation, your ability to communicate clearly, your vocabulary, your grammatical mastery, and your ease in structuring a coherent speech.

Since time management is crucial, increase your practice time in real-life conditions. Immerse yourself in the German language daily through German-language media: print media, audio, and video content in the original language. This regular practice will naturally enrich your vocabulary and refine your pronunciation.

Rigorous and consistent preparation for the Goethe B2, combined with regular exposure to the German language, is your best asset for successfully passing all the tests.

GOETHE B2 2025 test training