Practise Goethe-Zertifikat B2.
195 minutes, four modules, pass mark 60 per cent. The first practice exam is free.
Structure and length
Required for many vocational training programmes, for the recognition of foreign qualifications and for work in nursing.
In the Goethe-Zertifikat every module counts on its own. Pass three and fail one, and you repeat only that one. That makes the exam dearer per module, and much cheaper when something goes wrong.
- Lesen (Reading)65 minAnswer key, instant
- Hören (Listening)40 minIn preparation here
- Schreiben (Writing)75 minMarked against the board's criteria, with a margin
- Sprechen (Speaking)15 minIn preparation here
- Total195 minPass mark 60 %
Structure by part
How the modules of Goethe-Zertifikat B2 are divided, following the board's published format. Knowing the parts means losing no exam time to the instructions.
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Attitudes and views | Four forum posts, nine statements: who thinks that? Some statements match nobody. (Matching) | 9 tasks |
| Teil 2Understanding information | A magazine article in six sections, match six statements. (Matching) | 6 tasks |
| Teil 3Newspaper article | An article, six three-option tasks. (Multiple choice) | 6 tasks |
| Teil 4Standpoints | Eight short opinion pieces, match six statements. (Matching) | 6 tasks |
| Teil 5Rules and instructions | Rules in three sections; pick their headings from the table of contents, four are spare. (Matching) | 3 tasks |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Everyday conversations | Five short recordings, each with a true/false statement and a three-option question. (Multiple choice) | 10 tasksplayed once |
| Teil 2Understanding information | An interview, six three-option tasks. (Multiple choice) | 6 tasksplayed twice |
| Teil 3Understanding statements | A conversation between three people: who says that? (Matching) | 6 tasksplayed once |
| Teil 4Lecture | A lecture, eight three-option tasks. (Multiple choice) | 8 tasksplayed twice |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Expressing an opinion | A forum post on a social question, four points, about 150 words. (Free writing) | 1 task |
| Teil 2Personal message | A formal message in a work context, four points, about 100 words. (Free writing) | 1 task |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Presentation | A prepared short talk with follow-up questions. (Oral) | – |
| Teil 2Discussion | Discuss a controversial question as a pair. (Oral) | – |
Figures follow the board's published format. Your test centre's exam regulations are always what counts.
What happens if you do not pass
Each module counts on its own. A failed module can be repeated alone. Your test centre sets the fee, and it differs from place to place.
What level B2 demands
The written part takes 180 minutes in total; the longest single module is Schreiben (Writing) at 75 minutes. Because the Goethe-Zertifikat is modular, you can spread the four modules over different dates and, after a fail, repeat only the module concerned.
- Lesen (Reading)
- Understand articles and reports on current questions in which the writers take a particular stance.
- Hören (Listening)
- Follow longer talks and discussions, provided the topic is reasonably familiar.
- Schreiben (Writing)
- Write clear, detailed texts, argue a position and weigh advantages against disadvantages.
- Sprechen (Speaking)
- Speak fluently and spontaneously enough for a normal conversation with native speakers to take no effort.
Where B2 is usually lost
At B2 you are expected for the first time to argue a position, not only describe. Whoever answers by narrating instead of arguing loses in task fulfilment, even with flawless German.
As a guideline, about 600 to 800 lessons from zero are quoted for B2. The range is wide because prior knowledge of a related language changes the effort a lot. It serves rough planning, not as a promise.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Goethe-Zertifikat B2 take?
- About 195 minutes in total: Lesen (Reading) 65 minutes, Hören (Listening) 40 minutes, Schreiben (Writing) 75 minutes, Sprechen (Speaking) 15 minutes. The oral part often takes place on a different date.
- How many points do you need for Goethe-Zertifikat B2?
- Normally 60 per cent. Each module counts on its own. A failed module can be repeated alone.
- How long does preparing for B2 take?
- As a guideline, about 600 to 800 lessons from zero are quoted for B2 in total. Anyone who speaks a related language needs far fewer; the range is deliberately wide.