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.

Practise Goethe-Zertifikat B2.

195 minutes, four modules, pass mark 60 per cent. Exam set in preparation.

Available today: telc Deutsch B1. The four modules and the pass mark are the same; anyone studying for Goethe-Zertifikat B2 can already practise the format with it.

Practise with the available set Pricing

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 minIn preparation here
Hören (Listening)40 minIn preparation here
Schreiben (Writing)75 minIn preparation here
Sprechen (Speaking)15 minIn preparation here
Total195 minPass mark 60 %

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.