Learn German from A1 to B1: the complete path to the exam
The direct route from A1 to B1 with certificate
The path from zero to independent language use leads over three stages: A1 (beginner), A2 (basics) and B1 (independent language use). In each level you learn the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. At the end of B1 you will specifically train the format of a recognized exam. B1 is the most important goal: you need this level for naturalization and for many residence permits.
The nice thing about it: You don’t have to look for a new school for each level. You learn from zero to B1 with the same system, the same textbook and the same teacher, just booked level by level.
What the three levels mean
- A1: You start from zero. You will learn to introduce yourself, ask simple questions and master everyday situations such as shopping or an appointment.
- A2: You understand and say more about family, work, living and shopping. You can have simple conversations.
- B1: You can cope alone in everyday life and at work. You can talk about experiences, plans and opinions and write simple texts. This is the level for naturalization and permanent residence.
Which test is the right one?
There are several recognized exams. In terms of content, everyone tests the same four skills. Which one you need depends on your goal.
DTZ (German test for immigrants)
In practice, a DTZ certificate may show B1, A2 or an insufficient result. For naturalization you need the result B1. The DTZ is the usual exam at the end of an integration course. The result usually comes about five weeks after the exam.
Goethe certificate B1
The Goethe certificate B1 consists of four modules: listening, reading, writing and speaking. A big advantage: you can take the modules individually and repeat them individually. So if you just can’t do the writing, you only have to take this one module, not the entire exam. Speaking is a pair test with another participant.
telc German B1
telc German B1 has a written and an oral part. To pass, you must achieve at least 60 percent in both parts. You can repeat a failed part of the exam.
Important: The course and the exam are two different things. A course prepares you. For the exam, you register separately at an official exam center (Volkshochschule, Goethe-Institut or telc partner) and pay the fee there.
Get your certificate in 5 steps
- Determine starting level. Are you starting from zero? Then start with A1. If you already have basic knowledge, a placement test can help.
- Learn step by step. Work through A1, then A2, then B1. Don’t miss any levels because B1 builds on what you’ve learned before.
- Practice all four skills. Many people underestimate speaking and writing. It is precisely these parts that often decide whether you pass or fail. Practice them from the beginning.
- Practice exam format. Take mock tests in the real format before the exam. This way you know the types of tasks and the time you have.
- Register and take the exam. Find an exam center near you, register and take the exam.
What you should pay attention to during the course
A good course has a real, trained teacher, a recognized textbook and targeted training in speaking and pronunciation. That’s exactly what V‑IZ offers: The courses at the SH Sprachschule Heilbronn are taught by the approved DaF teacher and BAMF lecturer Marlene Fries, use the Hueber textbook ” Schritte plus Neu ” and have an AI trainer for speaking, pronunciation and letters. You learn online at your own pace, via the app or v-iz.de/app/, and can repeat each lesson as many times as you want. The course prepares you for telc, Goethe and DTZ.
Conclusion
The path from A1 to B1 is clear: learn three levels, practice all four skills and practice the exam format at the end. B1 is the goal because it opens the door to naturalization and safe residence. Whether DTZ, Goethe or telc: A continuous course with a real teacher and targeted exam preparation is the easiest way to get there. It is important that you study regularly and don’t put off speaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which certificate do I need for naturalization?
For naturalization, the B1 level is usually the standard, not C1. You can usually prove it with the DTZ (result B1 ), the Goethe certificate B1 or telc German B1. If in doubt, ask your responsible authority which certificate they accept.
What is the difference between telc , Goethe and DTZ ?
All three test the same four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking). In practice, a DTZ certificate may show B1, A2 or an insufficient result. In terms of content, a good B1 course prepares you for all three.
Do I have to repeat the entire exam at B1 if I fail one part?
Not always. With the Goethe certificate B1, the four modules can be taken individually and repeated. For telc German B1, the written and oral parts must each be passed with at least 60 percent; a failed part of the examination can be repeated.
How long does it take from A1 to B1?
This depends largely on your learning pace and time. As a rough guide, expect a few months for each level. If you study regularly, you can often do A1 to B1 in about a year. With online courses, you learn at your own pace and can repeat lessons as often as you want.
Can I start with A1 if I don't know any German?
Yes. A1 is the beginner level and starts from zero. There you will learn your first words, simple sentences and everyday situations such as greetings, shopping or appointments. Then you build on it step by step with A2 and B1.
How do I register for the exam?
You take the exam itself at an official exam center, for example a community college, a Goethe-Institut or a telc partner. You register there directly and pay the exam fee. A course prepares you for the exam, but is not a registration for it.