B1 -Level German: What you need to be able to do and how you can prove it

What is the B1 level and what do you need to be able to do?

B1 is the third of six levels in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR). The levels are called A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. A1 and A2 are called “elementary language usage”. From B1 the “independent use of language” begins. This means: You are no longer just a beginner. You can cope on your own in everyday life, even if you still make mistakes.

At the B1 level you can:

1. Listen and understand: You understand the main points when familiar topics such as work, school, family or leisure are spoken clearly and in standard language.
2. Reading: You understand texts that primarily contain common everyday and professional language, for example a simple letter, an email or a newspaper article.
3. Speaking: You can take part in conversations about familiar topics, explain something, express your opinion and talk about experiences, dreams and goals without much preparation.
4. Writing: You can write a simple, coherent text, for example a personal letter in which you report on experiences and impressions.

A good picture: On B1 you can describe your problem to the doctor, talk to the landlord about the apartment, make a complaint in the store or discuss simple tasks at work. You don’t speak perfectly yet, but you make yourself easy to understand.

How long does it take to reach B1?

That is very different. As a rough guide, there are around 100 to 150 lessons per level (A1, A2, B1) plus your own practice. If you start from scratch, it often takes several months to a year for A1 to B1 together. Regular practice is important, especially speaking.

Why is B1 so important?

B1 is a key level in Germany because many authorities require exactly this level.

• Naturalization: For naturalization, B1 is the normal standard. So you don’t need a C1, but generally sufficient knowledge of German at the B1 level. You can prove this with a language certificate, a passed integration course or a German school leaving certificate.
• Settlement permit: B1 is often also required for a permanent right of residence.
• Training and career: Many training companies and employers expect at least B1.

Which B1 exams are there?

There are several recognized exams. All of them test the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking, but are structured slightly differently.

telc German B1

The telc exam has a written part (reading, language components, listening, writing) 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.

Goethe certificate B1

The Goethe certificate B1 consists of four modules: listening, reading, writing and speaking. You can achieve 100 points per module; a module with 60 points or more is passed. The big advantage: You can take the modules individually and repeat them individually if you don’t pass one.

German test for immigrants (DTZ)

The DTZ is the final exam of the integration course. In practice, a DTZ certificate may show B1, A2 or an insufficient result. Anyone seeking naturalization or a settlement permit needs the overall result B1. The DTZ has a written part (listening, reading, a short letter) and an oral part.

How do you best prepare?

1. Practice all four skills: Many people only learn grammar and words, but don’t practice speaking and writing enough. This is exactly what is required in the exam.
2. Learn with a structured course: A course gives you a clear path from lesson to lesson rather than practicing haphazardly.
3. Make model sentences: Practice with real exam examples so you know the process.
4. Register early: Register in good time at an examination center (for example telc or Goethe-Institut) because appointments are often booked up quickly.

With V‑IZ you can work specifically towards B1.

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Conclusion

B1 is the level at which you can get along independently in German in everyday life, at work and with authorities. It is the level that is normally required for naturalization in Germany. With regular practice of all four skills and a suitable exam such as telc, Goethe or DTZ, B1 is a realistic goal.