Goethe-Zertifikat B1: understand the exam and practise online
Four modules, each counts on its own: structure, points and pass mark at a glance. Plus a course with 28 lessons and 5 complete model tests in the real format, with a timer, AI grading of your texts against the four Goethe criteria and Sprechen with an AI partner.
No sign-up, 2 keys a day. Explanations in 7 languages.
What is the Goethe-Zertifikat B1?
The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is a German exam at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). At B1 you understand the main points on familiar topics from work, training and free time, you cope in most everyday situations and you can briefly give reasons for your opinion.
The exam was developed jointly by the Goethe-Institut, ÖSD and the University of Fribourg (Switzerland). The Goethe-Institut calls it Goethe-Zertifikat B1, ÖSD calls it Zertifikat B1 (ZB1): the same tasks, the same scoring. You can take it in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and at exam centres in many other countries.
Structure: four modules, 100 points each
Lesen, Hören and Schreiben form the written exam, Sprechen the oral one, usually in pairs. Each module is scored on its own.
Lesen
Five parts with 30 items: a blog post or e-mail, press texts, matching ads, opinions from readers’ letters and a set of house rules. Formats: true/false, yes/no, multiple choice and matching.
Hören
Four parts with 30 items: short announcements and messages, a talk, an everyday conversation and a radio discussion. You hear parts 1 and 4 twice, parts 2 and 3 only once.
Schreiben
Three tasks: a personal e-mail (approx. 80 words, 40 pts), a discussion post with your opinion (approx. 80 words, 40 pts) and a short, polite e-mail (approx. 40 words, 20 pts).
Sprechen
In pairs, after 15 minutes of preparation: plan something together, present a topic and talk about the presentations, with feedback and questions.
To pass: 60 of 100 points in every module
Each module is scored separately and has its own pass mark: 60 of 100 points. A strong module does not make up for a weak one. In return, you can take the modules separately or together and only retake what is still missing.
- Lesen and Hören: 18 of 30 correct answers give 60 points
- Schreiben: tasks 1 and 2 are worth 40 points each, task 3 is worth 20
- Sprechen: part 1 28, part 2 40, part 3 16 points, plus 16 for pronunciation
- Modules can be taken and retaken separately
Goethe B1 and ÖSD ZB1, or ZDÖ B1?
ÖSD offers two exams at B1. The Zertifikat B1 (ZB1) is the same exam as the Goethe-Zertifikat B1. The Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 (ZDÖ B1) is built differently.
| Goethe B1 · ÖSD ZB1 | ÖSD ZDÖ B1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Modules | Four: Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen | Two: written and oral |
| To pass | 60 of 100 points in every module | Written 135 of 225, oral 45 of 75 |
| Hören | 4 parts, approx. 40 minutes | 3 tasks, approx. 30 minutes |
| Schreiben | 3 tasks in 60 minutes | 1 e-mail in 40 minutes |
| Sprechen | In pairs, 15 minutes of preparation | Alone or in pairs, 10 minutes of preparation |
Practise in the format of the exam you are registering for. For the ZDÖ B1, ExamReady has its own course and model tests.
Who is the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 for?
The certificate is a widely used proof of B1 German for work, training, study and everyday life, in Germany and abroad. Whether it is enough for your specific purpose is always decided by the body in charge. ExamReady prepares you for the exam format.
How you practise with ExamReady
The course with 28 lessons shows you step by step how each task works. Then you take the 5 model tests just like the real exam: all four modules, with a timer and audio right in your browser. Or you practise each part on its own. Lesen and Hören are scored instantly, with solutions and explanations.
- Schreiben: AI grading against the four Goethe criteria Erfüllung, Kohärenz, Wortschatz and Strukturen
- Sprechen with an AI partner: plan together, give a presentation, answer questions (with Pro)
- Explanations in 7 languages, the exam terms stay in German
- Real exam time with a timer, part by part
- Points per module as in the exam, with the line at 60
- Feedback on every criterion of your texts
- Recordings played exactly as often as in the exam
- PDF: no scoring, no feedback
Goethe B1 in 28 lessons
Not in the order of the exam, but in the order that makes it easiest to learn: quick points in every module first, then the e-mail, your opinion and finally presenting. Every block ends with a checkpoint.
What you get for Goethe-Zertifikat B1
You start for free and decide for yourself if and when you need Pro.
The course: 28 lessons
Short lessons take you step by step through every exam task: how it is built, where points get lost and how to win them. With exercises and checkpoints.
Open the course5 complete model tests
Every task in the real exam format, with a timer, automatic scoring, solutions with explanations and AI feedback on writing and speaking.
Open the model testsFree or Pro
Free: 2 keys every day, each one opens a lesson or a task for good.
Pro: €24.90 for 30 days or €49.90 for 90 days. Paid once, no subscription, 3-day money-back guarantee.
See pricesMore about the Goethe-Zertifikat B1
Tips for the Goethe B1 exam
Plan each module on its own
Because every module counts separately, none of them may drop below 60 points. Use a model test to find your tightest module and practise that one first.
In Schreiben, fulfil the task
If a text is far too short or misses the topic, the whole task scores 0 points. Write something on every point of the task and get the greeting, the closing and the tone right.
Heard once means: read first
Parts 2 and 3 of Hören are played only once. Read the items in the time before the recording and decide straight away while you listen.
Frequently asked questions about the Goethe-Zertifikat B1
How many points do you need to pass?
60 of 100 points in each module. In Lesen and Hören that means 18 of 30 correct answers. Modules are not added together: each one is passed or not on its own.
Can you retake single modules?
Yes. You can take the four modules separately or together. If one is missing, you only retake that module.
How long does the exam take?
The written modules take about 165 minutes in total without breaks: Lesen 65, Hören approx. 40, Schreiben 60 minutes. Sprechen takes approx. 15 minutes in pairs, with 15 minutes of preparation beforehand.
Are the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 the same exam?
Yes. The Zertifikat B1 was developed jointly by the Goethe-Institut, ÖSD and the University of Fribourg (Switzerland), with the same task types and the same scoring. The only difference is who runs the exam and issues the certificate. That is why the ExamReady course and model tests fit both.
How is it different from the ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 (ZDÖ)?
The ZDÖ B1 is a separate ÖSD exam with two modules, written and oral, and different tasks, for example Sprachbausteine in Lesen and just one e-mail in Schreiben. ExamReady has its own course and model tests for it.
What can I use the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 for?
It is a widely used proof of B1 German for work, training, study and everyday life. Which certificate is required for a specific purpose, for example by an authority, an employer or a university, is always up to that body. Check with them before you register.
Where do you take the exam, and what does it cost?
At an exam centre of the Goethe-Institut or, as the ZB1, of ÖSD. Dates and fees are set by the exam centre and vary by country and city. ExamReady is independent: here you practise the format, the exam itself is booked with the exam centre.
How many model tests does ExamReady have?
Five complete model tests with all four modules, plus a course with 28 lessons. You can also practise every part on its own. For free you get 2 keys every day, each one opens a lesson or a task for good. Pro unlocks everything: €24.90 for 30 days or €49.90 for 90 days, paid once, no subscription.
ExamReady is an independent learning platform and is not affiliated with the Goethe-Institut or ÖSD. All tasks are original materials written in the exam format.
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