Level 3 of 6
German B1: Intermediate
The independent-user threshold: opinions, plans, experiences, and connected written German.
Free, no account. Make B1 your dashboard · Not sure B1 is your level?
How to use this level
Do these four, in order
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Learn the B1 words
1,607 words, the commonest ones first. Each one shows what it means, how it changes, and a real sentence using it.
Open the word listOr study themB1 flashcardsB1 daily plan
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Read a B1 text
50 short texts, easiest first. In the first one you already know almost every word, and the English is one tap away.
Read “Rosen” · 1 min -
Check the form
1,422 conjugation and declension tables for the B1 words, and 580 mistakes real learners made at this level.
Open B1 grammar -
Test what you remember
701 questions, every answer explained.
Start practiceOr pick one typeGrammar Gap-FillVocabulary Gap-Fillder, die or dasVerb ConjugationWord OrderReading ComprehensionTrue or False
Once these four are behind you: German B2: Upper Intermediate → Fluent, spontaneous German for study and work, including abstract and technical topics.
Or jump to another level
Common questions
What is German B1?
B1 is the intermediate level of the CEFR, formally "Threshold". Deal with most situations while travelling and describe experiences, dreams and plans.
How many words do you need for B1 German?
B1 itself adds 1,607 words to what you already have; cumulatively from A1 that is about 2,999. Syllabuses vary by a few hundred either way, but the order matters more than the total: the commonest words carry most of the meaning.
How long does B1 German take?
The Goethe-Institut's own rule of thumb is roughly 350–650 hours of guided study to reach B1 from zero, assuming you also work outside class. Someone who already speaks another Germanic language will be at the low end.
Which exam matches B1?
Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and telc Deutsch B1 both map directly onto this level.