German B1 exam, overview and preparation
What the German B1 exam requires, which providers exist and how to prepare effectively, with complete model tests in the real exam format.
What is the German B1 exam?
A German B1 exam certifies German skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), “independent language use”. At B1 you understand the main points of familiar topics, can communicate in everyday life and while travelling, and write simple connected texts.
Every B1 exam tests Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. How these parts are grouped and scored differs, though: the ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 (ZDÖ B1) has two modules, written and oral, and each is passed from 60%.
Which German B1 exams exist?
You can take B1 with several recognised institutions. The joint “Zertifikat B1” was developed by ÖSD and the Goethe-Institut among others, so structure and scoring are very similar.
ÖSD: ZDÖ B1 and Zertifikat B1
The Austrian German Language Diploma offers two exams at B1: the ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 (ZDÖ B1) for people who live in Austria, and the Zertifikat B1 (ZB1), the same exam as the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.
Goethe-Zertifikat B1
Issued by the Goethe-Institut, recognised worldwide and modular. It is the same exam as the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1): developed jointly, with the same format.
telc & ÖIF
telc Deutsch B1 and, in Austria, the ÖIF integration exam also offer B1 examinations.
ExamReady trains the ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 (ZDÖ B1) and the Goethe-Zertifikat B1, which is identical to the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1). Other B1 exams have a different format. The level is the same, but you should practise in the format of the exam you will actually take.
The four skills of the B1 exam
Every B1 exam tests these four skills. In the ZDÖ B1, Reading, Listening and Writing make up the written exam, and Speaking is the oral exam.
Lesen
Understanding texts: headlines, newspaper articles, ads. The ZDÖ B1 adds Sprachbausteine.
Hören
Announcements, conversations and short reports from everyday life.
Schreiben
An email or message, personal or formal, covering given points.
Sprechen
Making contact, talking about a topic and planning together, on your own or in a pair.
How do you prepare?
Instead of just learning vocabulary, you practise complete model tests under real conditions, with a timer, instant scoring and feedback.
- Writing & Speaking with AI feedback based on the exam criteria
- Reading & Listening with automatic scoring
- A clear view of how ready you are and what to practise next
Frequently asked questions about the German B1 exam
What is the difference between ÖSD and Goethe B1?
Both test level B1. The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1) are in fact the same exam: developed jointly, with four modules and the same format. At B1, ÖSD also offers the ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 (ZDÖ B1), with two modules, written and oral. ÖSD is widespread in Austria.
How many points do you need to pass?
In the ZDÖ B1 you need 135 of 225 points in the written exam and 45 of 75 in the oral exam, 60% each. You can retake each module on its own. Other B1 exams have their own rules.
How long does the B1 exam take?
In the ZDÖ B1 the written exam takes around 160 minutes (Lesen & Sprachbausteine 90, Hören approx. 30, Schreiben 40), the oral exam approx. 15 minutes plus 10 minutes of preparation.
Which B1 exam should I choose?
That depends on what the institution that needs your proof requires (authority, employer, university). In Austria the ÖSD certificate is commonly accepted, when in doubt, ask directly.
Can I practise for the B1 exam online?
Yes. With ExamReady you practise complete model tests in the real exam format right in your browser, including AI feedback on Writing and Speaking.
Prepare for your B1 exam.
Start free with tasks in the ZDÖ B1 format and the course with a lesson for every task. You get 2 keys a day, and each opens a task or a lesson for good.
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