The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is one of the most widely taken German exams worldwide. Whether you need it for citizenship, university admission, or employment, understanding the exact Goethe B1 exam format is the first step to passing. This guide breaks down every section, how long it takes, and how points are distributed.
Goethe B1 exam overview
The B1 exam certifies intermediate German (CEFR level B1). It assesses whether you can handle everyday situations, express opinions, and understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar topics.
The exam is divided into four modules that map to the four language skills. Three are completed in a single written session; speaking is assessed in a paired oral exam.
| Skill | German name | Approx. duration | Max. points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Lesen | 65 min | 25 |
| Listening | Hören | 40 min | 25 |
| Writing | Schreiben | 60 min | 25 |
| Speaking | Sprechen | ~15 min | 25 |
Lesen (Reading) — 65 minutes
Reading is typically split into five parts:
- Teil 1: Match headlines or statements to short texts (blog posts, ads, notices).
- Teil 2: Multiple-choice comprehension on a longer text (article or report).
- Teil 3: Match situations to signs or short notices.
- Teil 4: Grammar and vocabulary gap-fill in a text (word bank provided).
- Teil 5: Choose the correct sentence to complete a gap in an email or letter.
Speed matters: you have roughly 13 minutes per part. Skim first, then read for detail on the questions that count.
Hören (Listening) — 40 minutes
Listening usually has four parts. Audio plays once or twice depending on the Teil — check the instructions carefully before each section.
- Teil 1: Short conversations — choose the correct image or answer.
- Teil 2: Longer radio interview or discussion — true/false or multiple choice.
- Teil 3: Short announcements or messages — match speakers to statements.
- Teil 4: Discussion — note who agrees or disagrees with each statement.
Practice with native-speed audio under exam conditions — this is where many B1 candidates lose points.
Schreiben (Writing) — 60 minutes
Writing has two tasks:
- Teil 1: Write a forum post, email, or message (~80 words) responding to a prompt.
- Teil 2: Write a formal or semi-formal text (~80 words) — often an email to a company or opinion piece.
See our full Goethe Schreiben guide for structure templates and rubric criteria.
Sprechen (Speaking) — ~15 minutes
You take the oral exam in a pair with another candidate. There are three parts:
- Teil 1: Plan a joint activity (discuss options, agree on a plan).
- Teil 2: Present a topic from a card (~1.5 min), then answer partner's questions.
- Teil 3: Ask your partner questions about their presentation.
How B1 scoring works
Each skill is worth 25 points (100 total). To pass you generally need:
- 60 points or more overall, and
- At least 15 points in Schreiben and 15 in Sprechen (minimum thresholds for productive skills).
Read more in our Goethe exam passing score guide.