Learn German B1 in English
B1 is the level most Ausbildung programs and German universities ask for. After A2, you step into real independence — expressing opinions, handling your own plans, and discussing familiar topics with confidence.
Try the first unit freeHow long does this level take? 18 weeks
What does B1 mean?
B1 is CEFR's 'independent user' level. It means you can handle most situations you'll meet in Germany, understand the main points of familiar topics (work, study, free time), and express your opinions and plans.
What you'll be able to do after B1
- Express and justify your opinion on a familiar topic
- Describe an experience, a dream, or a goal
- Handle an Ausbildung interview or a simple job interview
- Understand the main points of a news bulletin or simple article
- Write connected text on a topic you know
- Pass the official B1 exam (an entry requirement for many Ausbildung programs)
What you'll do every day
Vocabulary
Words for work, study, and personal opinion
Grammar
Konjunktiv II (hypotheticals), conditional sentences, and linking ideas
Listening
Real news bulletins and conversations at natural speed
Speaking
Free-form voice conversation with Nour on varied topics
Sample sentences you'll learn in B1
Ich denke, dass Deutsch eine wichtige Sprache ist.
A way to express your opinion.
Wenn ich Zeit hätte, würde ich mehr lernen.
Konjunktiv II — expressing a hypothetical.
Ich habe drei Jahre Erfahrung als Mechaniker.
A useful line for an Ausbildung interview.
Können Sie mir mehr über die Ausbildung erzählen?
Sie = the polite form, useful in formal interviews.
An Ausbildung interview
Warum möchten Sie diese Ausbildung machen?
Why do you want to do this Ausbildung?
Ich interessiere mich sehr für den Beruf, und ich möchte in Deutschland leben und arbeiten.
I'm very interested in the profession, and I want to live and work in Germany.
Haben Sie schon Erfahrung in diesem Bereich?
Do you already have experience in this field?
Ja, ich habe ein Praktikum gemacht.
Yes, I did an internship.
The B1 exam
A mock exam styled after official exams (Goethe, telc, ÖSD) at B1 level — the requirement most Ausbildung and study programs ask for.
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.
See the full B1 exam guideWhat will you learn in German B1?
- Konjunktiv II: expressing hypotheticals and wishes
- Conditional sentences (wenn-Sätze)
- Expressing and discussing an opinion
- Connectors: obwohl, trotzdem, deshalb
- Ausbildung: interviews and training programs
- Studying in Germany: enrollment and documents
- Writing connected text and a short essay
- Understanding a news bulletin and simple articles
- Verbs with fixed prepositions
- Tenses: Präteritum vs. Perfekt
Learn German B1 in English with Lerniyo
Most apps explain grammar using confusing jargon or a third language, adding difficulty on top of difficulty. Lerniyo explains everything in plain English, so you focus on German, not on decoding the explanation.
After B1 comes B2
See B2