Table of Contents
Introduction
Mastering the German B1 exam is a crucial milestone for anyone looking to confidently engage in everyday conversations, unlock new cultural experiences, and open doors to exciting academic and career opportunities in Germany. At this intermediate level, you’ll not only build a strong vocabulary of around 2400 words but also gain the practical skills to express yourself clearly in a variety of real-life situations. Whether you’re aiming to study, work, or simply immerse yourself in the vibrant German-speaking world, understanding the B1 exam pattern and preparation strategies is your gateway to success. Dive in to discover everything you need to know about the German B1 exam and how to ace it with confidence!
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Understanding German B1 Level
1: How do you say "Good Morning" in German?
Attaining German B1 level shows that you have learnt around 2400 words and that you have a good understanding of the grammar. At this level, a person will be able to communicate with others about daily life situations. You will be able to talk about personal interests, report events and deal with most situations encountered in day to day life.
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Start Learning GermanOverview of German B1 Exam
This is the third level in the Common European Framework of References (CEFR) for foreign languages. German B1 exam consists of four main components: Reading, writing, listening and speaking. The exam can be done in two parts, the written and oral. Both the parts can be done on the same day or different days but make sure to complete it within the calendar year or the following calendar year. The exam can be taken in a computer or paper-based format.
German B1 Exam Pattern
Test takers skills are assessed using tasks such as multiple choice or text matching. The total marks for B1 level exam is 100 and you need to score 60% to pass the test. This is equal to 135 points in the written and 45 points in the oral test. The timings for each session are as follows:
- Reading – 90 minutes
- Listening – 30 minutes
- Writing – 30 minutes
- Speaking – 15 minutes
You also get 20 minutes preparation time before the speaking test.
Reading
This section consists of five teils. The timing for each teil is as follows:
- Teil 1: 10 minutes . You have to read the given paragraph and mark true or false for the questions given.
- Teil 2: 20 minutes. Read the paragraph given and answer the multiple choice questions.
- Teil 3: 10 minutes
- Teil 4: 15 minutes
- Teil 5: 10 minutes
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Writing
This section is of 60 minutes and consists of 3 teils.
- Teil 1: 20 minutes. Write a formal or informal email of 80 words.
- Teil 2: 25 minutes. Read the blog and write either a negative or positive feedback about it.
- Teil 3: 15minutes. Write a formal or informal email of 40 words.
Eyes can be deceived: Some German words look like English words but have different meanings. For example, “aktuell” means current, not actual. Knowing these can save you from embarrassing misunderstandings.
Speaking
This section is of 9 to 10 minutes and consists of 3 teils.
- Teil 1: 2 to 3 minutes. Normal introduction and questions based on that.
- Teil 2: 3 to 4 minutes. You will be given 2 topics. You have to choose one topic and prepare a presentation based on that.
- Teil 3: 1 to 2 minutes. This involves asking a question to your partner. The question should be regarding the presentation you made in teil 2.
You will be given 20 minutes to prepare for the speaking test.
Listening
This section is of 40 minutes (35 minutes for listening and 5 minutes for writing) and consists of 4 teils.
- Teil 1: 10 minutes. Listen to the announcement and cross out the wrong answer.
- Teil 2: 5minutes. Listen to the lecture and choose the correct answer from the multiple options given.
- Teil 3: 8 minutes. Listen to the conversation and mark true or false to the questions given.
- Teil 4: 12 minutes. A radio program will be played where you will listen to three people speaking, the moderator and two others. You have to listen to the audio and mark the correct speaker for the given sentences.
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Preparation Strategies
- Invest in good course books. There are course books that prepare you specifically for the language level B1.
- Familiarize yourself with the procedure and types of subtests of the B1 examination. Prepare a study plan and adjust it according to your needs. Spend more time of sections that you find difficult.
- Understand your limitations and set realistic goals.
- Attempt mock tests and try to practice previous question papers.
- Practice reading a variety of texts to understand different writing styles and topics.
- You should have strong vocabulary and grammar skills. Read and listen to podcasts, songs, watch movies, news etc to learn new words and to understand the structure of sentences.
- Practice speaking in front of a mirror. This helps you evaluate yourself and understand your mouth movements.
- Practicing in group is also an effective way of improving your speaking skills.
- Get good rest, eat healthy and keep yourself stress free.
- Prepare for the test by joining a language courses or studying on your own. Entri app’s online German course provides comprehensive preparation and assistance in preparing for the test. The mentors provide personalized feedback which helps students to identify their strengths and weaknesses
Click here to join the Entri online German language course! Watch demo classes here!
The salient features of our German course are:
- Live interactive classes
- Recorded classes after live sessions
- PDF notes and assignments
- Local language tutor
- Goethe Test assistance and mock test
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Start Learning GermanFrequently Asked Questions
What does passing the German B1 exam mean?
Passing the B1 exam shows you have an intermediate level of German, able to handle everyday conversations, express opinions, and navigate common situations confidently.
How many words should I know for the B1 level?
Around 2400 words. This vocabulary allows you to discuss familiar topics such as work, family, interests, and current events.
How is the German B1 exam structured?
It has four main parts: Reading (90 minutes), Listening (30 minutes), Writing (30 minutes), and Speaking (15 minutes). The exam tests your skills across these areas in detail.
Can I take the written and oral parts of the exam on different days?
Yes, you can schedule the written and oral tests on different days but must complete both within the same or following calendar year.
What score do I need to pass?
You need to score at least 60% overall—135 points for the written portion and 45 points for the oral.
Are there both computer and paper-based exam formats?
Yes, the German B1 exam can be taken either on computer or on paper based on your test center’s offerings.
How should I prepare for the speaking test?
Practice introductions, giving short presentations, and asking questions about your partner’s talk. Use the 20-minute prep time wisely to organize your ideas.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Rushing through tasks, ignoring the minimum time limits, not answering questions directly, and neglecting to proofread written work.
Where can I find official practice materials?
Use resources from Goethe Institut, Telc, and TestDaF. Enrolling in structured courses like Entri’s online German classes can speed up your preparation.
How often can I retake the B1 exam if I don’t pass?
You can retake the exam as many times as you want, but check test center policies for any waiting periods.
