The B1 exam preparation is an important milestone for learners aiming to demonstrate their intermediate language proficiency. Whether you need the certification for work, university, or residency purposes, understanding the exam structure and preparing effectively will help you succeed.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to expect in the Goethe-Zertifikat B1, TELC B1, and ÖSD B1 exams. Furthermore, we will provide essential tips to help you ace them with confidence!
1. Understanding the Structure of the B1 Exam
The B1 exam preparation assesses your ability to communicate in everyday situations, express opinions, and understand moderately complex texts. It typically consists of four sections:
📝 Reading (Lesen)
To begin with, the reading section includes articles, emails, advertisements, and short reports where you must answer comprehension questions.
Moreover, some tasks involve finding specific information and understanding the writer’s opinion or intent.
✅ Tip: Practice reading German newspapers (DW Nachrichten), blogs, and forum discussions. Instead of translating everything, focus on understanding key details and the overall context.
✍️ Writing (Schreiben)
In this section, you are required to write formal and informal emails or letters and respond to prompts logically and clearly.
Most importantly, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence are key!
✅ Tip: Practice writing emails and short essays on daily topics. Additionally, use connectors (weil, deshalb, obwohl) to make your writing flow smoothly.
🎧 Listening (Hören)
The listening section involves dialogues, announcements, interviews, and short talks on everyday topics.
Additionally, you’ll need to answer multiple-choice or true/false questions based on what you hear.
✅ Tip: Listen to German podcasts, news, and YouTube channels like Deutsch mit Marija to train your ear for different accents and speaking speeds.
🗣️ Speaking (Sprechen)
The speaking exam has three parts:
- Self-introduction (talk about yourself, your job, hobbies, or studies).
- A discussion based on a given topic (e.g., travel, environment, work-life balance).
- Problem-solving with a partner (e.g., planning a trip or organizing an event).
✅ Tip: Practice structured speaking by preparing common topics and learning useful phrases to express opinions (Ich denke, dass… / Meiner Meinung nach…). Furthermore, practicing with a language partner can significantly improve your fluency.
2. How to Prepare for the German B1 Exam
📚 Build Your Vocabulary
Since vocabulary plays a crucial role in all exam sections, focus on learning words and phrases related to work, travel, health, environment, and daily activities.
Additionally, use flashcards (Anki, Quizlet) to reinforce memory.
🔄 Review Grammar Rules
To succeed in B1 exam preparation, you must have a solid grasp of essential grammar topics, including:
- Past Tenses: Perfekt, Präteritum, Plusquamperfekt (e.g., Ich hatte das Buch gelesen, bevor du gekommen bist.)
- Modal Verbs in the Past: (e.g., Ich musste gestern lange arbeiten.)
- Subordinating Conjunctions: weil, dass, obwohl, nachdem, bevor, damit (e.g., Ich lerne Deutsch, damit ich in Deutschland studieren kann.)
- Passive Voice (Passiv): Present and past forms (e.g., Das Auto wurde repariert.)
- Two-Part Conjunctions (Doppelkonnektoren): nicht nur… sondern auch, sowohl… als auch, entweder… oder, weder… noch (e.g., Ich spreche sowohl Deutsch als auch Englisch.)
- Relative Clauses (Relativsätze): der, die, das, mit dem, worüber, wovon (e.g., Das ist das Buch, das ich dir empfohlen habe.)
- Indirect Speech (Konjunktiv I): (e.g., Er sagte, er habe keine Zeit.)
Moreover, practicing these grammar rules with exercises from Schubert Verlag and Deutsche Welle will greatly enhance your accuracy.
Practice having conversation with your Classmates and Friends
🎤 Practice Speaking Daily
In addition to grammar, speaking practice is crucial. You can join language meetups, conversation clubs, or find a language partner.
Additionally, recording yourself speaking and listening for improvements is an effective self-evaluation method.
📝 Take Practice Tests
Most importantly, solving past exam papers from Goethe, TELC, or ÖSD websites will help you familiarize yourself with the B1 exam preparation format.
Furthermore, simulating exam conditions can build confidence and reduce test-day anxiety.
3. Exam Day Tips: Stay Confident & Focused
✅ Manage your time wisely – Don’t spend too long on one question. Keep track of time for each section.
✅ Stay calm – If you’re stuck, take a deep breath and move on.
✅ Get a good night’s sleep – Avoid last-minute cramming; a fresh mind performs better.
✅ Bring necessary documents – Have your ID, exam confirmation, pen, and water bottle ready.
Final Thoughts
Success in the B1 exam preparation requires consistent preparation, smart strategies, and confidence. At Sprachwelt Academy, we offer personalized B1 training, exam simulations, and expert guidance to help you achieve your goals.
🔹 Join our B1 preparation course today at Sprachwelt Academy and take the next step in your German learning journey!
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Vaidehi Darbhe
Vaidehi Darbhe is the Director and Lead German Trainer at Sprachwelt Academy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature, an M.A. in Sanskrit Literature, C1 certification in German, and A2 in French. With seven years of experience as a German and Sanskrit trainer, she has also worked as a German Language Specialist in MNCs. Passionate about languages, culture, and learning, she enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring both the real and literary worlds.
