German A1, A2 and B1: the Complete Course with Certificate Preparation

The direct path from A1 to B1 with a certificate

A complete German course takes you through three stages from the very beginning to independent language use: A1 (beginner), A2 (foundation) and B1 (independent language use). At each stage you practise the four skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking. At the end of B1 you train specifically for the format of a recognised exam so that you can pass the certificate with confidence. B1 is the most important goal: this level is required for naturalisation and for many residence permits.

The advantage of a single continuous course is that you do not have to look for a new school at each stage. You learn from zero to B1 with the same system, the same course book and the same teacher. The complete A1-to-B1 path is covered by, for example, the V-IZ Complete Package.

What the three levels mean

• A1: You start from zero. You learn to introduce yourself, ask simple questions and handle everyday situations such as shopping or making an appointment.
• A2: You understand and say more about family, work, housing and shopping. You can hold simple conversations.
• B1: You manage on your own in everyday life and at work. You can talk about experiences, plans and opinions and write straightforward texts. This is the level required for naturalisation and permanent residence.

Which exam is right for you?

There are several recognised exams. In terms of content, all of them test the same four skills. Which one you need depends on your goal.

DTZ (Deutsch-Test fur Zuwanderer)

The DTZ is a single exam with two possible results: A2 or B1. You do not fail - instead you receive a certificate for the level you have reached. For naturalisation you need the B1 result. The DTZ is the standard exam at the end of an integration course. Results usually arrive about five weeks after the exam.

Goethe-Zertifikat B1

The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 consists of four modules: listening, reading, writing and speaking. One big advantage is that you can take and retake each module individually. So if you only fail the writing section, you only need to retake that one module, not the whole exam. The speaking section is a paired exam with another candidate.

telc Deutsch B1

In telc Deutsch B1 there is a written part and an oral part, totalling 300 points. To pass you need 60 percent, which is around 180 points, and you must pass at least one part of the exam. Parts that are not passed can also be retaken here.

Important: the course and the exam are two different things. A course prepares you. You register for the exam separately at an official exam centre (Volkshochschule, Goethe-Institut or telc partner) and pay the fee there.

5 steps to your certificate

1. Determine your starting level. Are you starting from zero? Then begin with A1. If you already have some basic knowledge, a placement test can help.
2. Work through one level at a time. Go through A1, then A2, then B1. Do not skip a level, because B1 builds on what you have already learnt.
3. Practise all four skills. Many people underestimate speaking and writing. These are often exactly the parts that decide whether you pass or fail. Practise them from the start.
4. Train the exam format. Before the exam, do practice tests in the real format. That way you know the task types and the time available to you.
5. Register for and sit the exam. Find an exam centre near you, register and take the exam.

What to look for in a course

A good course has a real, qualified teacher, a recognised course book and targeted training for speaking and pronunciation. That is exactly what V-IZ offers: the courses of SH Sprachschule Heilbronn are taught by the accredited German-as-a-foreign-language teacher and BAMF-certified lecturer Marlene Fries, use the Hueber course book “Schritte plus Neu” and include an AI trainer for speaking, pronunciation and letter writing. You learn online at your own pace, via the app or app.v-iz.de, and can repeat every lesson as often as you like. The course prepares you for telc, Goethe and DTZ. The Complete Package A1 to B1 costs 399,99 Euro as a one-time purchase, with no subscription and 12 months of access per level.

Conclusion

The path from A1 to B1 is clear: work through three levels, practise all four skills and train the exam format at the end. B1 is the goal because it opens the door to naturalisation and secure residency. Whether DTZ, Goethe or telc: a continuous course with a real teacher and targeted exam preparation is the most straightforward way to get there. What matters most is that you study regularly and do not put off the speaking practice.