What do you need to know to pass the German B1 exam?
B1 is the level most Ausbildung programs and German study ask for. The exam tests 4 skills — here's exactly what each one covers, with real sample items.
Try the first unit freeLerniyo's exam is built in the style of internationally recognized exams (Goethe, telc, ÖSD) — it is not an official registration with any of those institutes. The Lerniyo certificate is a completion certificate for our own curriculum.
The German B1 exam in one minute
The German B1 exam is a certificate at level B1 of the CEFR, the point where you are an independent user of the language. It shows that you can follow the main points of clear speech on familiar topics, deal with most situations at work or in daily life, and explain an opinion or a plan. Recognized providers include the Goethe-Institut (Goethe-Zertifikat B1), telc (telc Deutsch B1) and the ÖSD (ÖSD Zertifikat B1). The DTZ, the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer taken at the end of an integration course, reports a result at A2 or B1.
This guide explains who needs B1, what the four modules ask, the grammar to master, the mistakes to avoid and a plan to get ready. It describes the exam in general terms only. Formats, durations, scoring, fees and dates differ by provider and change over time, so check the provider’s official model test and information before you register.
Last updated:
Who needs the German B1 exam?
B1 is a common requirement, but the exact rule depends on your goal and your case. Check each requirement with the authority that sets it.
Ausbildung applicants
Many people aim at a vocational training (Ausbildung) in Germany. B1 is often the level expected, but the training company, the school and the embassy set the exact requirement, so confirm it for your case.
Naturalization and settlement
For German citizenship and some residence steps, a language proof at B1 is commonly asked for. The rules change, so verify them with the competent authority.
Skilled workers
For some jobs B1 is enough, and for regulated professions such as nursing a higher level is often required. Check the rules for your profession.
Integration course participants
The DTZ at the end of the integration course can show A2 or B1, and B1 opens more options. Ask your course provider what applies to you.
The four modules
Providers test the same four skills at B1. The tasks, their order and the scoring differ, and some providers mark the modules separately. Read your provider’s model test.
Reading (Lesen)
You read longer texts such as articles, ads, letters and opinion pieces, find the main point and specific details, and decide what a writer thinks.
Listening (Hören)
You hear announcements, radio-style items and conversations at a natural pace, and answer questions about the main points and details.
Writing (Schreiben)
You write short texts, typically a personal message and a more formal email, and often a short opinion on a topic, with reasons and clear structure.
Speaking (Sprechen)
You usually plan something together with another candidate, give a short presentation on a topic and answer questions. Some formats are one-to-one, so check yours.
Lerniyo's exam is built in the style of internationally recognized exams (Goethe, telc, ÖSD) — it is not an official registration with any of those institutes. The Lerniyo certificate is a completion certificate for our own curriculum.
What to master for B1
B1 German must be clear and connected. These are the points that come up most.
- Subordinate clauses
- The verb goes to the end after weil, dass, obwohl and wenn: “Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland arbeiten möchte.”
- Connectors
- Deshalb, trotzdem, außerdem, deswegen change the word order: “Ich bin müde, trotzdem lerne ich weiter.”
- Konjunktiv II
- For wishes, polite requests and advice: “Ich hätte gern einen Termin.” “Könnten Sie mir helfen?” “Ich würde das Angebot annehmen.”
- Perfekt and Präteritum
- “Ich habe gearbeitet.” “Gestern war ich beim Arzt.” Use the Perfekt in speaking, and know war, hatte and the modal verbs in the Präteritum.
- Relative clauses
- “Das ist die Firma, die mir die Stelle angeboten hat.”
- Passive voice
- “Das Formular wird ausgefüllt.” “Die Stelle wurde besetzt.”
- Adjective endings and cases
- “Ein interessanter Beruf.” “Mit dem neuen Chef.” Dative and accusative after prepositions.
- Infinitive with zu
- “Ich habe vor, eine Ausbildung zu machen.”
Mistakes to avoid on the B1 exam
- Forgetting the verb at the end of a subordinate clause: “weil ich möchte arbeiten” instead of “weil ich arbeiten möchte”.
- Mixing up the word order after deshalb and trotzdem.
- Giving an opinion without a reason, an example or a conclusion.
- Writing a formal email in an informal tone, or the reverse, and skipping the greeting or closing.
- Memorizing a speech for the speaking module instead of reacting to your partner and the questions.
- Registering before checking the provider, the date, the fee and the documents to bring.
How to prepare
A simple order for the weeks before the exam:
- 1
Finish the B1 lessons
Build on your A2 foundation and cover the grammar above in short daily sessions.
- 2
Practise each skill
Read short articles, listen to news and podcasts at natural speed, write an email and an opinion each week, and speak aloud.
- 3
Rehearse the speaking module
Practise planning with a partner, presenting a topic in a few clear points and answering follow-up questions. Nour can play the other role.
- 4
Take a mock exam
Sit a timed mock in the style of the official exams, review your mistakes and repeat. Lerniyo’s mock exam is built in that style but is not an official registration.
- 5
Register for the official exam
Choose a provider that your authority accepts, read its model test, book early and leave time before any deadline.
Exam format
- 100 points total, you need 60 to pass
- 3 attempts — fail all three and you'll need to wait 7 days before retrying
- Pass, and you get a PDF completion certificate from Lerniyo, ready to share on WhatsApp
Listening (Hören)
You listen to a short news bulletin or conversation and answer questions about it.
You hear a short announcement about a job fair. Question: Wo findet die Jobmesse statt?
Answer: In München.
Reading (Lesen)
You read a short article or opinion piece and identify the main point.
You read a short text: "Deutsch lernen lohnt sich." Question: Was ist die Meinung des Autors?
Answer: Deutsch lernen lohnt sich.
Writing (Schreiben)
You write a short text expressing and justifying your own opinion.
Write: Was denkst du über das Lernen einer neuen Sprache? (3-4 sentences, with a reason)
Example: Ich denke, dass Deutsch eine wichtige Sprache ist, weil sie mir hilft, in Deutschland zu arbeiten.
Speaking (Sprechen)
You have a short roleplay conversation with Nour — often an Ausbildung interview.
Question: Warum möchten Sie diese Ausbildung machen?
Example: Ich interessiere mich sehr für den Beruf, und ich möchte in Deutschland leben und arbeiten.
Why B1 specifically?
B1 is the standard language requirement for most Ausbildung programs and many work visas in Germany. It's the level where you can hold a real interview and follow real workplace conversation.
See the full path to an AusbildungHow to prepare for the B1 exam
- 1
Complete all B1 lessons, building on your A2 foundation
- 2
Take the mock exams — the first one is free, no pressure
- 3
Focus on Konjunktiv II and connectors (obwohl, trotzdem, deshalb) — the two most common B1 mistakes
- 4
Practice the Ausbildung interview format if that's your goal — it's built into the B1 speaking practice
- 5
Once you feel ready, take Lerniyo's official B1 exam
German B1 exam: frequently asked questions
What is the German B1 exam?
A certificate at level B1 of the CEFR, offered by recognized providers such as the Goethe-Institut, telc and the ÖSD. It tests reading, listening, writing and speaking.
Is B1 required for an Ausbildung visa?
B1 is often the level expected, but the training company, school and embassy set the exact requirement. Rules can change, so confirm it for your case.
Is B1 enough to study at a German university?
Usually not. Universities generally ask for a higher level, so check the admission rules of the program you want.
What is the DTZ?
The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer is the exam taken at the end of an integration course. Its result shows A2 or B1. Ask your course provider for the details.
How long does it take to prepare?
About 8 to 9 months from zero at a steady pace, based on Lerniyo’s estimates. It depends on your starting point and how regularly you study.
Does Lerniyo issue the official B1 certificate?
No. Lerniyo prepares you with lessons and a mock exam in the style of the official exams, but the official certificate comes from the provider you register with.