A B1 German course is the third level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and marks the transition from basic language skills (A1 and A2) to independent language use. It is particularly important for people who want to improve their German language skills to a level that they need for everyday life, work or official purposes (e.g. right of residence).
Aims of a B1 German course
- Listening and understanding:
- Understanding key information in clear standard conversations on familiar topics (e.g. work, leisure, travel).
- Understanding simple news on the radio or television.
- Speak:
- Participation in conversations about familiar topics.
- Express and justify opinions and plans.
- Describing experiences, events, dreams and goals.
- Read:
- Understanding simple texts such as e-mails, newspaper articles or instructions.
- Ability to recognize the main message in texts.
- Writing:
- Writing texts on familiar topics (e.g. letters, emails, simple reports).
- Writing opinions and short arguments.
Contents of a B1 German course
A B1 German course expands previous language skills and teaches:
- Grammar:
- Subjunctive II (e.g. "I would like to...")
- Relative clauses (e.g. "This is the man who...")
- Passive voice (e.g. "The letter was written.")
- Temporal prepositions (e.g. "seit", "ab").
- Vocabulary:
- Everyday topics such as work, travel, health and the environment.
- Consolidation of specialist vocabulary for work or study.
- Communication training:
- Leading discussions, expressing opinions and arguing.
- Dealing with everyday problems, such as complaints or making appointments.
Who is the course for?
A B1 German course is suitable for:
- People who already have basic knowledge (A2 level) and would like to improve their language skills.
- People who live or work in Germany and want to communicate more confidently.
- Applicants who require a B1 exam for official purposes, e.g:
- Integration courses.
- Naturalization (B1 is often a prerequisite).
- Professional recognition.
Examinations
After completing a B1 German course, you can take a B1 exam, such as:
- Goethe-Zertifikat B1: Widely used and recognized.
- telc German B1Frequently required for naturalization and residence applications.
- ÖSD B1: Particularly recognized in Austria.
- DTZ (German test for immigrants)Part of the integration course, suitable for naturalization.
Duration of a B1 German course
The duration of a B1 course depends on the type of course:
- Intensive course4-8 weeks (several hours a day).
- Standard course2-4 months (several times a week, a few hours).
- Online coursesSelf-paced, often with flexible duration.
What do you learn after a B1 German course?
At the end of a B1 German course you can:
- Get by in most everyday situations.
- Talk about topics that interest or concern you.
- Writing and reading texts that you encounter in everyday life and at work.
- Prepare for and successfully pass a B1 exam.
A B1 German course is a decisive step on the way to better integration into society, more professional opportunities and personal success.
