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Quick answer: The B1 exam tests reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The Goethe B1 requires at least 60 points out of 100 in each module. B1 is the minimum level required for German citizenship and the integration course certificate.
What B1 Means
B1 is the third level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), sitting between A2 (elementary) and B2 (upper-intermediate). The CEFR describes a B1 speaker as someone who can:
- Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters
- Deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in a German-speaking area
- Produce simple connected text on familiar topics
- Describe experiences, events, and plans, and briefly explain reasons and opinions
For immigrants in Germany, B1 is the level required for citizenship (Einbürgerung) and for completing the state integration course (Integrationskurs).
The Goethe-Zertifikat B1
The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is the most widely recognised B1 certificate in Germany. It consists of four modules:
Goethe B1 exam structure
1. Lesen (Reading): 65 minutes
Four parts: reading for global understanding, reading for detail, reading for specific information, reading correspondence.
2. Hören (Listening): 40 minutes
Three parts: radio announcements, conversations, phone messages. Played twice.
3. Schreiben (Writing): 60 minutes
Two parts: a formal or semi-formal written response and a short message.
4. Sprechen (Speaking): 15 minutes per pair
Three parts: planning a joint activity, presenting a topic, and responding to a partner.
Each module is scored out of 100 points. The pass mark is 60 points per module. A candidate who fails one module can retake that module alone at a later date without repeating the others.
The TELC Deutsch B1 Exam
TELC (The European Language Certificates) offers the Deutsch B1 exam as an alternative to the Goethe certificate. It is accepted for citizenship and by most German employers and institutions. The structure is similar to the Goethe exam, covering reading, listening, writing, and speaking in a single sitting.
TELC also offers a combined B1/B2 exam for candidates who want to test across two levels simultaneously.
The DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer)
The DTZ is specifically designed for immigrants taking the state integration course (Integrationskurs). It is taken at the end of the 700-hour course. The test covers levels A2 to B1. A B1 result on the DTZ satisfies the language requirement for German citizenship.
The DTZ is administered by Goethe-Institut and TELC at Volkshochschulen and other authorised test centres across Germany.
Grammar and Vocabulary at B1 Level
The grammar expected at B1 includes all A1 and A2 structures plus:
- Konjunktiv II (würde, wäre, hätte) for polite requests and hypothetical statements
- Passive voice in present and past tense
- Relative clauses (Relativsätze)
- Indirect speech (indirekte Rede)
- Infinitive constructions with zu
- Two-way prepositions with accusative and dative
- Modal verbs in all tenses
- Genitive case in writing contexts
das Goethe-Zertifikat B1
most widely accepted B1 certificate
das TELC Deutsch B1
alternative B1 certificate, also accepted everywhere
der DTZ
Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, taken at end of integration course
das Lesen
reading comprehension (exam module)
das Hören
listening comprehension (exam module)
das Schreiben
written production (exam module)
das Sprechen
spoken interaction (exam module)
bestehen
to pass (an exam)
durchfallen
to fail (an exam)
die Prüfungsanmeldung
exam registration
B1 Preparation on GermanForLife