B1 Exam Preparation 2026
DTZ, naturalization, Goethe B1, telc B1 & OSD B1 - everything on one platform. Start for free, AI evaluation included.
10 model exams - 3 providers - AI correction for writing & speaking
B1 Exam Preparation: 10 Model Exams
Practice with 10 complete B1 model exams from Goethe, telc and OSD. Exam No. 0 is free for each provider.
Goethe-Zertifikat B1
Modular: 4 individual modules, separately takeable & repeatable. Internationally recognized.
Test for freeGoethe-Zertifikat B1
The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 has a modular structure - each of the 4 modules can be taken and retaken separately.
| Module | Duration | Points | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 65 Min. | 100 | ≥ 60% |
| Listening | 40 Min. | 100 | ≥ 60% |
| Writing | 60 Min. | 100 | ≥ 60% |
| Speaking | 15 Min. | 100 | ≥ 60% |
Test Goethe B1 for free
Start now with a free model exam - with AI evaluation for writing and speaking.
Start free examtelc Deutsch B1 / Zertifikat Deutsch
telc Deutsch B1 (formerly Zertifikat Deutsch) features the special Language Elements section - grammar and vocabulary in context.
| Exam part | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Reading + Language elements | 90 Min. | 5 reading texts + 2 language element parts |
| Listening | 30 Min. | 3 parts: announcements, conversations, discussion |
| Writing | 30 Min. | Fill in form + personal/semi-formal letter |
| Speaking | 15 Min. | Pair exam: contact, conversation, planning |
| Goethe B1 | telc B1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Language elements | No | Yes (2 parts) |
| Modular | Yes (4 modules individually) | No (all in one day) |
| Writing | 60 min. (2 tasks) | 30 min. (form + letter) |
| Recognition | Worldwide | Worldwide |
DTZ - German Test for Immigrants (A2-B1)
The DTZ is the mandatory exam at the end of the integration course (BAMF). It is the most common B1 exam in Germany.
The DTZ is a scaled exam: depending on performance, participants receive level A2 or B1. The special feature: you cannot 'fail' but receive your achieved level.
Written exam
- Listening: 25 min. (4 parts)
- Reading: 45 min. (5 parts)
- Writing: 30 min. (1 letter/email)
Oral exam
- Speaking: 16 min. (3 parts)
- Pair exam (2 participants)
- Part 3: Plan something together
B1 Exam for Naturalization
Since the 2024 reform, B1 proof is required for naturalization in Germany (§ 10 para. 1 StAG). The following certificates are accepted:
Goethe-Zertifikat B1
Individual modules possible
telc Deutsch B1
Formerly Zertifikat Deutsch
DTZ with result B1
Integration course completion
B1 Writing - Tasks & Templates
Goethe B1 Writing
Task 1: Forum post
Approx. 150 words - Opinion on a topic in a forum - Arguments + personal experience
Task 2: Personal message
Approx. 100 words - Email to a friend - React to a situation
telc B1 Writing
Part 1: Fill in form
Transfer information from a text into a form
Part 2: Personal / semi-formal letter
Invitation, apology, complaint, request - address 3 of 4 guiding points
Letter template B1
Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear ...,
[Introduction: Reason for writing]
[Main part: Address guiding points 1-3]
[Conclusion: Request for reply / Thanks]
Yours sincerely / Best regards
AI Correction for B1 Writing
Our AI evaluates your text immediately according to Goethe/telc criteria - with feedback on grammar, vocabulary and task completion.
Unlock premiumB1 Grammar - The Most Important Topics
These grammar topics are especially important for the B1 exam - whether Goethe, telc or DTZ.
Subordinate clauses
weil, dass, obwohl, wenn, als, damit, um ... zu
Passive voice
Present: wird gemacht - Past: wurde gemacht
Subjunctive II
würde + infinitive - hätte, wäre, könnte
Relative clauses
Der Mann, der ... - Die Frau, die ... - Das Kind, das ...
B1 Listening - Strategies & Tips
The Goethe B1 listening consists of 4 parts with different requirements. Here are the best strategies:
Announcements
Read the tasks before listening. Pay attention to keywords like times, places, prices.
Radio interview / Conversation
True/False tasks - listen carefully for negations and qualifications.
Everyday conversations
Match several short conversations. Quickly grasp topic and context.
Lecture / Discussion
Longer text, take notes. Distinguish main statement vs. details.
Tip: German podcasts and news (e.g. Slowly Spoken News - DW) are the best daily practice.
B1 Speaking - Mastering the Pair Exam
Plan together
Plan an activity with your partner (e.g. organize a party). Make suggestions, respond to your partner.
Present a topic
Short presentation on an everyday topic. Own experiences, advantages/disadvantages, situation in home country.
Feedback & Questions
React to partner's presentation. Ask questions, name similarities/differences.
Useful phrases
- →„I suggest that we ..."
- →„What do you think if we ...?"
- →„In my home country, it's the case that ..."
- →„I think the advantage/disadvantage is ..."
- →„I agree with you. / I have a different opinion."
Practice B1 for Free - Start Now
3 free model exams
Exam No. 0 at Goethe, telc and OSD is completely free - with automatic evaluation. Ideal for DTZ and naturalization preparation.
No registration needed - Instant results - AI feedback for writing
A2 Guide - Build foundations
⬆️B2 Guide - Next level
Frequently Asked Questions about the B1 Exam
Ready for the B1 exam?
DTZ, naturalization or Goethe/telc - start now with free exercises and AI feedback.
Weiterführende Ressourcen
Prüfungsvergleiche auf B1-Niveau
Prüfungsorte
Nächstes & vorheriges Niveau
Grammatik & Wortschatz
ZertifikatDeutsch is not an official offering of the Goethe-Institut, telc GmbH or OSD. All exam content is practice material for preparation.