Level 3 of 6
German B1: Intermediate
The independent-user threshold: opinions, plans, experiences, and connected written German.
How to use this level
Do these four, in order
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Test what you remember
1,096 questions, every answer explained.
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Next: German B2: Upper Intermediate →
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Common questions
What is in the German B1 section?
1,550 B1 words, commonest first, each with its meaning, its forms and a real example sentence. 50 short reading texts, easiest first, with an English translation for every line: in the first one you already know almost every word. 1,422 conjugation and declension tables for the B1 words, and 580 mistakes real learners made at this level. 1,096 practice questions, every answer explained.
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 1,550 words to what you already have; cumulatively from A1 that is about 3,146. 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.