Goethe-Zertifikat 2026: test dates, format, how to book and free practice tests
The Goethe-Zertifikat is the Goethe-Institut's family of German exams, from A1 to C2 on the Common European Framework. It is taken at Goethe-Instituts and their cooperation centres, which set their own exam dates, so there is no single worldwide Goethe exam date. Most people sit one level for a purpose: A1 for a spouse's family reunion visa, B1 for settlement and citizenship in Germany, B2 for training and work, C1 or C2 for university. This guide covers how booking works, the exam pattern at each level, the pass mark, and a plan for Goethe-Zertifikat B1, the level our practice test follows.
Goethe-Zertifikat at a glance
| Conducting body | Goethe-Institut |
| What it is for | Proof of German at A1 to C2: visas, settlement, citizenship, training, work and university |
| Mode | At a Goethe-Institut or cooperation centre, on paper or on a centre laptop; speaking face to face |
| Parts | Reading, listening, writing and speaking |
| Time | About 80 minutes (A1) to about 3 hours 30 minutes (C2), plus speaking preparation |
| Marking | Pass at 60 out of 100; B1 to C2 are modular, each module passed on its own |
| Language | German |
| How often | Exam dates are set by each Goethe-Institut or centre |
| Official website | goethe.de, German exams A1–C2 |
Test dates and booking
Goethe-Zertifikat dates are set locally. Each Goethe-Institut or cooperation centre publishes its own exam dates and registration periods, and you book with that centre. The goethe.de pages could not be read on 20 October 2026, so no date is given here; your next exam date is the one your nearest centre lists on its own Goethe-Institut page.
When you ask, check three things: which date has places left, whether the exam is on paper or on a laptop, and whether the speaking test is on the same day. The B1 rules describe a digital exam at the centre and, under extra conditions, an online written exam, but not every centre offers them.
How to book the Goethe-Zertifikat
- Decide the level, and for B1 to C2 which modules, you need. The authority, university or employer that asked for the certificate says which.
- Find your nearest Goethe-Institut or cooperation centre through goethe.de and open its exam page.
- Choose an exam date and register within the centre's registration period. Fees are set by the centre.
- Keep the confirmation and read the centre's rules for the exam day.
- On the day, bring a valid photo ID.
Modular levels help with retakes. At B1, B2, C1 and C2 you can take one, several or all four modules, and failing one module does not cancel a module you passed.
Goethe-Zertifikat exam pattern
| Level | Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking | Pass rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1: Start Deutsch 1 | 25 min | About 20 min | 20 min | About 15 min in a group, no preparation | 60 of 100 overall |
| A2 | 30 min | 30 min | 30 min | 15 min, usually in pairs | 60 overall, with at least 45 written and 15 oral |
| B1 | 65 min | About 40 min | 60 min | About 15 min in pairs, after 15 min to prepare | 60 of 100 in each module |
| B2 | 65 min | About 40 min | 75 min | About 15 min in pairs, after 15 min to prepare | 60 of 100 in each module |
| C1 | 65 min | About 40 min | 75 min | About 20 min in pairs, after 20 min to prepare | 60 of 100 in each module |
| C2 | 80 min | About 35 min | 80 min | About 15 min alone, after 15 min to prepare | 60 of 100 in each module |
A1 and A2 are whole exams. B1, B2, C1 and C2 are modular: each module is out of 100 and passed at 60, and there is no overall total you must reach. The certificate grades are 90 to 100 sehr gut, 80 to 89 gut, 70 to 79 befriedigend, 60 to 69 ausreichend, and below 60 nicht bestanden.
B1 in detail. Reading has 30 items in five parts and listening 30 items in four parts, one point each, multiplied by 3.33 to give a mark out of 100. So 18 right answers out of 30 is exactly the pass mark of 60. Writing has three tasks in one hour, and speaking three tasks; both are marked by two examiners. There is no negative marking: a wrong answer simply earns no point.
Goethe-Zertifikat B1 syllabus
B1 tests German for everyday life, work and public topics:
- Reading (five parts): a letter or email (true or false), press texts, matching situations to notices, short comments (yes or no), and rules or instructions.
- Listening (four parts): short announcements heard twice, a longer talk heard once, a conversation heard once, and a discussion heard twice where you say who said what.
- Writing (three tasks): an email of about 80 words covering three points, your opinion on a discussion topic in about 80 words, and a short email of about 40 words such as an apology or request.
- Speaking (three tasks): planning something together with a partner, presenting one of two topics, and commenting on your partner's presentation with a question and an answer.
Our Goethe-Zertifikat syllabus page lists each module's parts.
A plan for the weeks before your B1 exam
| Weeks before | Focus |
|---|---|
| 6 | One full timed Goethe B1 practice test. Note your mark out of 100 in each module. |
| 5 to 4 | Reading and listening: one part a day, timed. Aim for 20 or more right out of 30 to keep a margin over 18. |
| 4 to 3 | Writing: all three tasks in 60 minutes, twice a week. Cover every point the task asks for; a task with no marks for task fulfilment scores nothing. |
| 3 to 2 | Speaking: practise the planning task with a partner, and a short presentation with a timer. |
| 2 | A second full practice test. Compare module by module. |
| 1 | Light review. Confirm the centre, the time and your ID. |
If one module is much weaker, consider booking only that module first. Our guide to analysing a mock test shows how to find what to fix.
Useful links
- Goethe-Institut: German exams A1–C2 (find a centre and its dates)
- Goethe-Zertifikat B1 terms of administration (PDF) and B1 practice set (PDF)
- Free Goethe-Zertifikat mock tests
- Goethe-Zertifikat syllabus
- Goethe-Zertifikat exam dates
- TestDaF 2026: test dates, format and how to book
- How to use mock tests
Frequently asked questions
What is the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 pass mark?
Each module is passed at 60 out of 100. In reading and listening that means 18 right answers out of 30. There is no overall total to reach.
Is there negative marking in the Goethe exam?
No. A wrong answer earns no point and nothing is taken off, so answer every item.
Can I retake only one module of Goethe B1?
Yes. B1, B2, C1 and C2 are modular. You can sit one module again, and a module you have passed stays passed.
Does the Goethe-Zertifikat expire?
Certificates do not expire, but an authority or university may ask for a recent one. Check with the office that asked for it.
Which Goethe level do I need for German citizenship?
The Goethe-Institut describes B1 as accepted proof of German for a settlement permit and for naturalisation. The immigration authority decides each case.
When is the next Goethe exam date?
Each Goethe-Institut or cooperation centre sets its own dates and registration periods. Check your nearest centre's page on goethe.de.