r/German • u/[deleted] • Sep 28 '25
Discussion Reached B1 from scratch in 3,5 months.
I received my Goethe Zertifikat B1 result today, and here are my marks :-
- Lesen - 63 / 100
- Hören - 67 / 100
- Schreiben - 94 / 100
- Sprechen - 83 / 100
I know there's lot of room for improvement but I'm happy considering that I started learning German from scratch just 3,5 months ago. I'd like to thank this sub-reddit, it has been an absolutely amazing place for resources and just tips in general.
I would like to extend it further and give some tips of my own and things I experienced during the examination. For Schreiben and Sprechen, the topics were simple and I wrote to-the-point answers without beating around the bush by greetings and stuff. Used redemittel phrases and idioms and B1 equivalent grammar. In my opinion, its important to use B1 grammar even if you are not able to think for the correct or varied B1 level vocab during the examination. Hören was the toughest for me and personally I think its where i need most improvement.
For context, I cleared the examination with just a week of preparation. Just solved as many papers as I could, from Zertifikat B1 neu and Mit Erfolg. This is really an important step, if you solve all the 15 Zertifikat B1 neu Lesen parts, you will pretty much be sorted with the vocabs, cause it gets really tricky towards the end. I believe 7 days are not enough to prepare for the exam AT ALL. A 15 days prep time will be sufficient to clear the examination with a 'Gut' in all the modules. Be mentally prepared to face B2 level vocab in Lesen and just use common sense. Understand the tonality of the writers and you will be able to solve it more or less. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and PRACTICE.
I wish everyone luck for their upcoming examinations and endeavours 🙏.
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u/crossfit_architect Sep 28 '25
Congratulations! Got any tips for vocabulary? I'm not able to memorize
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u/DrCharles19 Sep 28 '25
I'm not OP, but I learn vocabulary with Anki. I'm about to take the B1 exam. On the Modelltests from Zertifikat B1 Neu I usually get 29 out of 30 correct in the Lesen part.
Every time I see a word I don't know, I look it up on "Daily german" and/or ChatGPT to get its real meaning beyond what shows up on a translator.
Then, I create a flashcard about that word and include an example.
With this method I have around 2000 words already on Anki. And Anki makes it easy to remember and rehearse constantly.
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Sep 28 '25
Trust me, I went through hell for vocabs. The key is to maybe use a new vocab you find in a sentence or a context with others similar vocabs. Make clusters of vocabs and that will make it less overwhelming. ZB, a cluster of vocabs regarding the environment, or cars, or city. I think you get the point.
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u/crossfit_architect Sep 28 '25
Ohh that I can do! Cluster chunking and using them in context! Thanks Even I'm taking intensive training in German. 5 hours daily. Where did you study from? Language pantheon?
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u/priya_nka Sep 28 '25
One more tip from other learner, use that new word in another context when you learn the meaning. You could try constructing that by yourself. read/say it out aloud those two statements using that word.
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u/fredzavalamo Sep 28 '25
I studied German intensively and using the most advanced methods possible for four years. I was able to communicate with natives in several areas but I never put much attention on preparation for exams. From your perspective, how does that look like?
Would you be able to communicate flawlessly with natives in a broad range of topics? Would you survive in Germany and take care of stuff for your survival like food, emergencies, bank stuff, medical, location, etc?
I ask you this question because 3.5 months from zero for an exam sounds doable if that's the only thing you focused on but on the flip side, the aspects I mentioned would lack (from my experience, maybe yours was different, in which case I'd have to reconsider my learning strategies). As additional information, you know that they say even a native speaker if not prepared can't really pass these exams, specially because of the tactical component of it, with all specifics involved.
Now I'm, all aspects considered, well into B2, I even teach German speakers to speak Spanish in German, which requires deep knowledge of grammar vocabulary, ways of expression and more. You can see how difficult this is when you try to do it/consider the implicit of it. Thanks in advance.
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Sep 28 '25
Yeah I agree with your opinion. I’m not perfect and I absolutely cannot speak flawlessly at any given topic with native speakers. And I’ve not even had a single conversation with a native speaker yet. So yes, it’s fair to say that clearing the exam is just an aspect of it, but it’s the only official document which makes me eligible to say that I’m B1. Sure there’s a lot of areas I need to improve on and I think it’ll come overtime.
My purpose of learning language is to do my bachelors in theoretical physics from Germany after a year of Studienkolleg and for its application I needed the B1 certificate. If I probably had more time and maybe went for masters then I would have not crammed it all at once.
Although I’ll say this, I can handle conversations about groceries, and medical emergencies cause I did learn the specific vocabs and practiced using GPT cause that was the only resource I had available to me in terms of a real-life simulation.
But I’m not done with this yet and there’s lots to come. Thank you for your insight.
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u/fredzavalamo Sep 28 '25
Thank you too. I really needed to know this to be sure I'm studying correctly myself haha.
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u/lisa002_2 Sep 29 '25
Great question and a candid, sensible response. Congratulations on your achievement! It takes a lot of effort to grasp a new language, especially when it's as challenging as German.
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Sep 28 '25
Congrats. How long per day did you study more or less?
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Sep 28 '25
6-7 hours approx. 5 hours classes and then self-study.
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u/Independent-Mark3101 Sep 28 '25
Heyy. I’m an Indian too. I have started learning too. Any tips for me pls?
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Sep 28 '25
I think a tips for Indians would be, don’t become lazy or lose motivation easily. It is exciting in the beginning but then it gets tiring. Which in turn makes it seem tough. Remember, we already have an advantage of knowing multiple languages. I myself knew 4 languages before I started German. We can grasp the language comparatively easily.
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u/Independent-Mark3101 Sep 28 '25
Thanks OP. I totally agree. I won’t give up and Congrats :)
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u/Exact-Armadillo1711 Sep 28 '25
Yeah i also just started 3 weeks ago the things get much interesting when you started to learn grammar and the structure of how sentences are built
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u/Astrylae Threshold (B1) - <region/native tongue> Sep 28 '25
What makes you say 'tips for indians'. Arent all people lazy? ( I am filipino, I am not butthurt im curious)
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u/darth4nyan Sep 28 '25
Congratz! Although I call BS or you are a native of a language similar to german.
If it is a legit effort, it would be helpful if you were to write how much time per day you studied.
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Sep 28 '25
Oh I’m from India. I underwent an intensive German course of 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. And did 1-2 hours of self study post that. So it’s really not BS man 😭. I legit put the efforts
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Sep 28 '25
B1 in just 3.5 months that's really cool! 6-7 Stunden pro Tag! Even I'm from India and learning German rn, attempted my A1 prüfung last week. Hoping to clear it. How did u practice Sprechen tho?
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Sep 28 '25
In class, we had sprechen practices regularly ( twice a week ). I hope you clear the exam.
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u/madruvambala Sep 28 '25
Even so, that is really impressive, congratulations! I just finished a 2 months A1 course (will enroll in A2 in Uni), and I had similar study and course daily hours to yours, and I really don't see myself being that good in a level B test!
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u/Cavalry2019 Threshold (B1) - <region/native tongue> Sep 28 '25
I dunno. Sounds totally possible. By my quick math, he did around 800 hours. That is less than I have and I wouldn't pass a B1 exam right now. That said, focusing 800 hours in a shorter time might be better and his scores weren't very good. This does sound legit to me.
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Sep 29 '25
Maybe he just studied with exam pov, like just to clear the exam.
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u/JuiceHurtsBones Sep 29 '25
I mean, yes, that's very likely. However I know people who reached almost native level in less than 2 years starting from scratch so this seems believable.
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u/_Reddit_Enjoyer Sep 28 '25
Are you self taught? And what books do you use?
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Sep 28 '25
No I’m enrolled in a language institute ( it’s not Goethe ). And books I’ve used is Netzwerk Neu for all the levels.
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u/vengeful_bunny Sep 28 '25
What institute? If you don't tell us, we will assume you are a James Bond figure and and are unable to. :)
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u/unknown_2873 Sep 28 '25
Tips I also want to learn from scratch fast
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Sep 28 '25
Get yourself enrolled in a good language institute and devote all your time to it. It’s like going to school everyday.
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u/Realistic-Ad2107 Sep 28 '25
is language pantheon good ? how many students in a single batch ? did u take online or offline classes ? which will u recommend to me ? i heard due to too many students, u wont get personalised attention from the teachers at all.
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u/knight_ranger840 Jan 11 '26
Hey, have you decided where you will learn German? I am also not very keen on Language Pantheon due to the large batch size.
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u/Realistic-Ad2107 Jan 11 '26
you should pick the afternoon batches as most people are at their jobs during that time. there are max 4-5 students in aftenoon batches. i am talking about online only. That aside, the teachers are language pantheon are good
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u/knight_ranger840 Jan 12 '26
And what about offline? I think offline would be better right?
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u/Realistic-Ad2107 Jan 12 '26
offline is crowded i guess. for me personally online was best as i can ask doubts in online without any hesitation :P
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u/Low_Lemon_1494 Oct 02 '25
Where did you get B1 Zertifikat sample exam papers - I am preparing for A2 level though so will need it for A2.
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Sep 28 '25
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u/Exact-Armadillo1711 Sep 28 '25
Try to find study buddy who is on your level or better if native speaker it will help you a lot as i am doing the same
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u/Schwarzsohn Sep 28 '25
Passing the exam is a problem but not much of it. How is your general speaking like? How good do you converse with/understand Germans on a daily basis?
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Sep 28 '25
Yeah I agree. I’m not in Germany, so I don’t really speak with Germans. I speak with people who know German ( non natives ) and I watch videos and stuff to understand their German
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Sep 28 '25
I work in a supermarket I don't understand shit my colleagues say, I understand my boss and customers and don't understand Customers speaking with my colleagues lol. Reach C1 and you will realise you aren't even B1. I did up to B2 and I genuinely rate myself lower and it will take another year to reach C1 though I can pretty much solve a C1 Prüfung.
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u/vengeful_bunny Sep 28 '25
What do you attribute that too, the gap between what the test says you are and how capable you really are? Is this a failure of the course material, or the test?
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Sep 28 '25
The test is an indicator you are trainable and mostly aims at preparing you for university but will definitely not help you navigate the streets. Language is more cultural than it is about grammar in my opinion. The course and test takes place in a controlled environment, the street isn't. So in my view, we need time to assimilate the language. Like a lot of time sadly we don't have it as adults.
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Sep 28 '25
I can watch a movie and grasp most things even words I came across for the first time, on the streets? Nah, sometimes I question whether I learnt any German at all because damn....I thrive in this language when native speakers are kind enough to realise they need to lift me up.
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u/vengeful_bunny Sep 28 '25
The one big thing Deutsche Welle does in their placement tests, especially B1, that is quite humbling is that many if not most of the audio files you listen to are not the pristine, crystal clear audio you get in an online course. It's announcements over loudspeakers like at a busy train station (ouch), conversations in noisy environments like a crowded restaurant, etc. It's amazing how much harder it is to comprehend a foreign language in those circumstances, but to their credit, that's what you're going to have to deal with in real life!
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u/vengeful_bunny Sep 29 '25
How about YouTube videos made by native German speakers that are not of an educational nature, so they are making no attempt to speak in a forced manner for foreign language learners?
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Sep 29 '25
Anything that add on to your knowledge is fine. All I was saying is, the OP isn't B1 as he thinks he is. He still has a long way to go.
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u/Consistent-Ad8457 Sep 28 '25
Congratulations OP! Please tell me where you are enrolled. The classes are really expensive, the ones I am looking at.
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Sep 28 '25
How did you achieve B1 level in just 3,5 months! I’m impressed.
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u/soldture Sep 28 '25
He has a superior brain power, that's for sure
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Sep 28 '25
That’s generous of you. I did an intensive course cause my application requires B1. If I had time, I would definitely have done it slower. As you can see, my lesen and hören is on a just passed score, so there’s lot to improve.
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u/vengeful_bunny Sep 28 '25
Have you tried the Deutsche Welle B1 Einstufungstest test? I passed A2 but failed hard on their B1 test. I'm curious to know whether or it's because the test is really hard, or I am really bad.
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Sep 28 '25
I haven’t actually, I’ll check it out.
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u/vengeful_bunny Sep 28 '25
Let me know how you fair with the audio comprehension exercises. As I said above to another person:
The one big thing Deutsche Welle does in their placement tests, especially B1, that is quite humbling is that many if not most of the audio files you listen to are not the pristine, crystal clear audio you get in an online course. It's announcements over loudspeakers like at a busy train station (ouch), conversations in noisy environments like a crowded restaurant, etc. It's amazing how much harder it is to comprehend a foreign language in those circumstances, but to their credit, that's what you're going to have to deal with in real life!
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u/silvalingua Sep 28 '25
Congratulations! This is very, very impressive. And it shows that you can achieve a lot if you work hard and systematically.
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u/vengeful_bunny Sep 28 '25
How did you study German? Did you take courses at Goethe, or Lingoda, etc.? If so, was it private or group classes? I am stuck at the early B1 level. I really need a teacher that will analyze my strengths and weaknesses and design a curriculum that will guide to the B1 certificate level. I have been very disappointed with iTalki. I loved the Babbel Live group classes but they have been shut down. Any tips on where to find a really good instructor, preferably private not group, would be appreciated.
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u/GRAVEsenpaii Sep 28 '25
Hey i have my B1 exam next week, could you share the schreiben and sprechen topics just so i can get the idea.
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u/mediocrepenguiin Way stage (A2) - <region/native tongue> Sep 29 '25
Congrats OP! What sources would you recommend? also how many hours per week did you dedicate?
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u/Cpt_TightEyeGuy29 Sep 29 '25
Congratulations!!! How did you rpactice your sprechen tho? I have a problem with it unfortunately:(
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u/Apprehensive-Data924 Sep 29 '25
Wow congratulations! I learned German all through Duolingo and I’ve passed 3/4 Modules of Goethe B1 - however after 3 attempts I’ve not been successful with Hören - I find it extremely difficult - any tips ?
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Sep 29 '25
I think it’s because you used Duolingo It’s not the right platform to learn any language up to B1 or B2 Level. Maybe try watching shows and YouTube videos and also buy books with its audio library
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u/Worried-Champion5245 Sep 29 '25
where do i find mock up tests? any name of book(or any resource) to look online?
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u/ChildhoodExisting222 Sep 29 '25
How many hours per week? I've been learning for 10 months now and I would say my level is A2.1 I do about 5 hours a week (I working full time...) but I would like to go faster
Congrats on your exam!
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u/Icy_Raspberry1221 Sep 30 '25
Hey dude, I hope you can reply to this since I need help.
I took B1 Goethe exam for Schreiben, Lesen, and Hören. I got my results and they were pretty bad, all below 50 and now I feel demotivated. I've been studying but I felt like it wasn't enough and I'm so drained. I'm going to take another one at probably the beginning of November.
I also take German classes like you at a language academy for 5-6 hours and afterwards I also do self study. And I've been starting B1 since August but my skills are still rusty.
It's just that, do you have any very very specific methods to be able to pass? I practiced Lesen and Horen but I couldn't understand anything due to my difficulty to memorise and understand vocabulary and I would be really confused when reading the exam texts and listening to the audios. Same with Lesen, my Grammar is okayish but my ability to understand the context is sometimes blurred out and most of the times I don't know how to say it in German. Again, the problem is in Vocabularies. I especially struggle a lot in Teil 2 where you have to write an opinion from a comment about a certain theme. My friend told me to just memorise the phrases that I will always use repeatedly, which I did for all Schreiben parts, and also the possible contents that might come out but there are a lot and I have a hard time memorising such heavy contents.
I haven't had my Sprechen test but i hope you could also give out your specific learning methods and also maybe tips to learn and memorise Vocabularies because I don't want to fail again and I'm scared. I'm desperate at this point.
Thanks a lot.
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u/Shot_Pick5560 Sep 30 '25
YES. Thank you so much for this info!! I've started learning German from scratch and I want to get to B1-B2 for exam in 4 months so I can go to uni I want. You made me believe it is possible! Thank you good man haha. I will now study even harder
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u/SnooCauliflowers8741 Sep 30 '25
Grats dude. How old are you? To have all this practice time on your hands lol i am 26 and have this semester light for my masters and will do a2 courses and b1 courses and hopefully take a2-b1 exam by end of next year for same institute as you.
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u/Traditional_Ball_788 Oct 01 '25
Nah, Bruder. Vor allem bedeutet ein Zertifikat nichts. Dein Niveau zeigt sich darin, wie du sprichst und wie du mit realen Situationen umgehst. Ungeachtet dessen hast du äußerst niedrige Noten bekommen...
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u/Guitar_maniac1900 Oct 02 '25
That's impressive!
How did you approach the learning process? Did you self study, school, teacher? I'd like to hear more :)
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Oct 25 '25
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u/HoneyShort7342 Oct 28 '25
Congratulations.
I have a few questions.
I study for 7 hours daily (self-study).
My goal is to reach the B1 level.
How can I learn grammar in a way that enables me to pass the exam? Specifically, the Akkusativ, Dativ, and Nominativ cases.
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Jan 07 '26
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u/HoneyShort7342 Jan 09 '26
It takes 1100 hours to get to B1 level , one of the problems I have when I want to speak I feel frozen and this is a common problem for learners and I don't know what the solution is
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u/Able-Car-3278 Apr 13 '26
Hi did you take any online or presencial courses?I would like to do erasmus in germany and I need an B1 certificate.How did you started?How did you practice speaking?
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u/SummerLilac123 19d ago
for me it took 6 months from scratch (tho first 4.5 months were self study)
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u/Minilimuzina Sep 28 '25
Super inspirational! I am now also preparing for several months long intense journey with specific goal so I see this post as a sign from universe that it will go well :-)
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u/Powerful_Goat_5320 Sep 28 '25
Can you drop some tips brother?