Goethe B1 study materials: all model tests, books and courses compared
What exists for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1, what it costs and what it is good for. Official material first, our own offer judged by the same standards.
Every entry checked at its source on October 16, 2026. Prices as of October 2026, without guarantee.
Which material suits you?
Start with the official material: the Goethe-Institut and the ÖSD publish complete model tests with audio for free. It is the same exam: the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1) were developed together, so the ÖSD material fits too.
Paying is mostly worth it for two things: more practice tests once you have done the official ones, and feedback on your own writing and speaking. Books, courses with a teacher and online offers like ours cover that. Choose by what you are missing, not by volume.
16 materials compared
Official material comes first. Our own offer sits in the same grid and is described by the same columns.
| Material | Price | Covers | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official and free | ||||
| Übungsmaterialien Goethe-Zertifikat B1Goethe-InstitutOfficial The official hub page: model test and practice test for adults and teenagers, with the audio online. | Pricefree | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forA first look at the real format | Visit |
| Modellsatz Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1 (Erwachsene, PDF)Goethe-Institut und ÖSDOfficial A complete exam with all four modules as a PDF, published jointly by the Goethe-Institut and the ÖSD. The audio is on the practice materials page. | Pricefree | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forYour first mock exam under real time limits | Visit |
| Übungssatz B1 (Erwachsene und Jugendliche, PDF)Goethe-InstitutOfficial A second complete set for adults, plus a separate version for teenagers (B1_Uebungssatz_Jugendliche.pdf). | Pricefree | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forThe second mock exam after the model test | Visit |
| Durchführungsbestimmungen Goethe-Zertifikat B1Goethe-InstitutOfficial The official rules (as of 1 Sept 2025): procedure, points, passing and retaking single modules. Not practice material, but the binding source. | Pricefree | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forKnowing exactly how you are graded | Visit |
| ÖSD Zertifikat B1 Übungsmaterialien Band 1 (PDF)ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch)Official 169 pages of ÖSD practice material (2026), explicitly also for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1. The audio is free on testsam.at with a code from the PDF. | Pricefree | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forLots of extra practice without paying | Visit |
| ÖSD Test-Training digitalÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch)Official The ÖSD's online simulation, including das ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (gleiches Format wie Goethe B1): Lesen and Hören marked automatically, Schreiben with model answers (your own text is not graded), Sprechen with video examples. Computer only. | Pricefree, sign-up required | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forPractising Lesen and Hören on screen with instant marking | Visit |
| Other free resources | ||||
| Goethe-Zertifikat B1 / ÖSD Zertifikat B1Deutsche Welle (learngerman.dw.com)Free Free online exam trainer by Deutsche Welle with exercises for all four parts of the exam. | Pricefree | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forFree interactive practice, phone included | Visit |
| Nicos Weg (A1 bis B1)Deutsche WelleFree Free video course by Deutsche Welle with grammar, vocabulary and exercises up to B1. A German course, not exam training. | Pricefree | CoversLesenHören | Best forClosing gaps in your B1 German before you practise exams | Visit |
| Deutsch mit Marija (YouTube)YouTubeFree Large YouTube channel with explanations, tips and videos on exam parts. A general learning channel, not official material. | Pricefree | CoversSchreibenSprechen | Best forSpeaking and writing tips on the go | Visit |
| Books | ||||
| Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1, ÜbungsbuchKlett SprachenISBN 978-3-12-675850-5Book Workbook with audio that trains each part of the exam in turn, plus grammar and vocabulary. | Price€21.50 | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forStudying systematically with a book | Visit |
| Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1, TestbuchKlett SprachenISBN 978-3-12-675851-2Book Complete practice tests with answers, matching the workbook. | Price€21.50 | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forMore full tests once the official ones are done | Visit |
| Modellprüfung 1: Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1 (PDF mit Audios)Klett SprachenBook A single complete exam as a download (PDF and audio). A Modellprüfung 2 is also available. | Price€7.50 | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forOne more mock exam for little money | Visit |
| So geht’s zu B1: LesenKlett SprachenISBN 978-3-12-675587-0Book Workbook for the Lesen part of the Goethe/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1 only. | Price€19.99 | CoversLesen | Best forCatching up on the Lesen module specifically | Visit |
| Fit fürs Zertifikat B1 (Erwachsene)HueberISBN 978-3-19-251651-1Book Textbook with online audio that trains every part of the exam. Price from the Hueber shop; the product page could not be opened directly. | Priceapprox. €28.00 | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forAn alternative to the Klett book | Visit |
| Online courses | ||||
| Prüfungsvorbereitung online (Goethe-Zertifikat B1)Goethe-InstitutOnline course Online prep course run by the Goethe-Institut itself. We could not verify a fixed price; it depends on the course and institute. | Pricepaid, price depends on the course (see the page) | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forPeople who want to learn with the exam provider itself | Visit |
| ExamReady: Kurs und Modelltests Goethe-Zertifikat B1ExamReady (examready.at)Online courseour offer Online course with 28 lessons and 5 model tests of our own in the exam format, with a timer and our own audio, AI grading of writing and speaking, explanations in 7 languages. No subscription, 3-day money-back guarantee. The model tests are our own work, not official exam papers. | PriceFree to start (2 keys a day); Pro €24.90 for 30 days or €49.90 for 90 days, one-time | CoversLesenHörenSchreibenSprechen | Best forPeople who want feedback on their writing and speaking without a teacher and prefer a guided online path | Have a look |
Prices as of October 2026, without guarantee. Book prices are list prices in euros and often differ a little in shops and in Austria. No affiliate links.
What we recommend in each situation
Honestly: very often the free official material is the best first step.
Tight budget
The model test, the practice test and the ÖSD volume give you several complete exams with audio for free. Check Lesen and Hören yourself with the answers. For Schreiben and Sprechen, find someone to practise with who reads your texts.
Modellsatz Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1 (Erwachsene, PDF)Übungssatz B1 (Erwachsene und Jugendliche, PDF)ÖSD Zertifikat B1 Übungsmaterialien Band 1 (PDF)ÖSD Test-Training digitalExam in 2 weeks
Do the official model test today with real timing and count your points. Each module counts on its own, so put your time into the modules below 60 points. Read the official rules so nothing surprises you on the day.
Modellsatz Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1 (Erwachsene, PDF)Durchführungsbestimmungen Goethe-Zertifikat B1ExamReady: Kurs und Modelltests Goethe-Zertifikat B1Practising Sprechen
Ideally with a real partner, since you speak in pairs in the exam. On your own: answer tasks from the model test out loud and record yourself. The ÖSD Test-Training shows video examples; with us, an AI grades your answers against the exam criteria.
Modellsatz Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1 (Erwachsene, PDF)ÖSD Test-Training digitalExamReady: Kurs und Modelltests Goethe-Zertifikat B1Writing without a teacher
The official sets and the Klett workbook show what a good answer looks like. What is missing is feedback on your own text: you get that in a course with a teacher or from our AI.
Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1, ÜbungsbuchPrüfungsvorbereitung online (Goethe-Zertifikat B1)ExamReady: Kurs und Modelltests Goethe-Zertifikat B1Prefer a book
One workbook for technique, plus a test book or a single Modellprüfung for more full tests. One book is enough; two similar ones add little.
Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1, ÜbungsbuchMit Erfolg zum Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1, TestbuchFit fürs Zertifikat B1 (Erwachsene)Modellprüfung 1: Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1 (PDF mit Audios)Not yet solid at B1
Exam training does little if vocabulary and grammar are missing. Close the gaps first with a free course, then start on the model tests.
Nicos Weg (A1 bis B1)Goethe-Zertifikat B1 / ÖSD Zertifikat B1Try it right away
Free exercises in the Goethe B1 format, no sign-up. Plus everything about the exam and our course.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the official Goethe B1 model test with audio?
On goethe.de under the practice materials for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1. There you find the model test and a practice test for adults and for teenagers; the audio plays online. Both are free.
Does ÖSD material also work for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1?
Yes, for the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1): it is the same exam, developed jointly. Material for the ZDÖ B1 (Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich) does not fit; that is a different exam with a different structure.
Is the free material enough to pass?
For many people yes, if your German is already at B1. The official sets show the format exactly. What they cannot do is grade your letters and your speaking. If you are unsure there, you need feedback from a teacher, a study partner or a tool.
Which book is best for Goethe B1?
There is no clear "best". Widely used are "Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1" (Klett, workbook and test book) and "Fit fürs Zertifikat B1" (Hueber). Look at the sample pages and pick the one you enjoy working with. One book is enough.
Why is ExamReady on this list?
Because it is our own offer and we do not want to hide it. It sits clearly marked in the same table and is described by the same columns. Our model tests are our own work, not official exam papers. If the free official material is enough for you, you do not need us.
ExamReady is an independent learning platform and is not affiliated with the Goethe-Institut, ÖSD or ÖIF. We receive no money from any provider listed here and use no affiliate links. Information as of October 16, 2026. The providers' own pages are binding.