How the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 Is Structured
The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 has four modules: Lesen (reading, 65 minutes), Hören (listening, 40 minutes), Schreiben (writing, 60 minutes) and Sprechen (speaking, a paired exam in three parts). Each module has 100 points, and you pass a module with 60 points. You can take the modules alone or together, and each passed module gets its own certificate.
Updated 25 September 2026, Faust Academy team
The four modules
| Module | Time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Lesen (reading) | 65 minutes | 30 tasks in 5 parts |
| Hören (listening) | 40 minutes | 30 tasks in 4 parts |
| Schreiben (writing) | 60 minutes | 3 writing tasks |
| Sprechen (speaking) | 15 minutes to prepare, then the exam | 3 parts with a partner |
Lesen (reading): 65 minutes
There are 5 parts with 30 tasks. The official timing per part is 10, 20, 10, 15 and 10 minutes. Part 1 is true or false, part 2 is multiple choice on longer texts, part 3 matches situations to ads, part 4 asks yes or no on reader comments, and part 5 is multiple choice again.
Hören (listening): 40 minutes
There are 4 parts with 30 tasks. In parts 1 and 4 you hear the audio twice. In parts 2 and 3 you hear it once. Read the next tasks in every pause, because the audio sets the pace, not you.
Schreiben (writing): 60 minutes
| Task | Text | Recommended time | Points | Word target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Email to a friend | 20 minutes | 40 | 80 words |
| 2 | Opinion post for a forum | 25 minutes | 40 | 80 words |
| 3 | Short email to a person you address as Sie | 15 minutes | 20 | 40 words |
Two graders mark your text on their own, and your result is the average of the two marks. A text with less than half of the word target, or one that misses the topic, gets no points for task fulfilment, and then the whole task scores 0.
Sprechen (speaking): paired exam
You get 15 minutes to prepare. Then two examiners test you with a partner. In part 1 you plan something together. In part 2 each of you presents a topic. In part 3 your partner and one examiner give feedback and ask questions on your presentation. An individual exam takes place only in exceptional cases.
The pass rule
Each module counts on its own. You need 60 of 100 points in a module to pass it. If you pass three modules and fail one, you keep the three certificates and retake only the one you failed. You can retake a module as often as you want.
A preparation plan
Three months before the exam:
- Do one full timed paper per module to find your weakest module.
- Plan more time for that module than for the others.
One month before:
- Do one timed paper each week.
- Get every writing text marked against the four criteria: task fulfilment, coherence, vocabulary and structures.
One week before:
- Do short reviews only.
- Check your exam date, test centre and ID documents.
Four habits that raise your score
- Practise full papers against the clock, not single exercises. Use the official Modellsatz from the Goethe-Institut to learn the format, then keep practising with timed papers.
- Read German news every day to build reading speed for part 2.
- Listen to German podcasts without subtitles, and write down key words while you listen.
- Write one short text a day and have it marked. Feedback shows you which mistakes to fix.
Practise with Faust
Faust has timed Goethe B1 papers in the exam format. One scored online paper per part is free, and every PDF is free. Start with the Goethe B1 reading practice test or open a full B1 Lesen paper. For writing, see the Goethe B1 writing practice test. The Goethe B1 exam guide covers the whole level, and the Goethe score calculator shows if a result passes.
Faust is independent practice. It is not a product of the Goethe-Institut and issues no certificates.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do I need to pass Goethe B1?
You need 60 of 100 points in each module. Each module counts on its own.
Can I take only one module of Goethe B1?
Yes. You can take Lesen, Hören, Schreiben and Sprechen alone or together. Each passed module gets a certificate.
How long is the written part of Goethe B1?
Lesen takes 65 minutes, Hören 40 minutes and Schreiben 60 minutes. The Goethe-Institut rules plan a break of at least 15 minutes between these modules.
Is Goethe B1 Sprechen done alone or with a partner?
It is a paired exam with two examiners. An individual exam takes place only in exceptional cases.
Sources
- Goethe-Institut: Durchführungsbestimmungen B1, Stand 1. September 2025 (checked 25 September 2026)
- Goethe-Institut: Deutschprüfungen A1 bis C2 (checked 25 September 2026)
- Goethe-Institut: Prüfungsordnung, Stand 1. September 2025 (checked 25 September 2026)
- Goethe-Institut: Modellsatz B1