Goethe-Zertifikat exam prep
Format, scoring and free practice for the Goethe A1, A2 and B1 exams.
Pick your exam
Each level page shows the four parts, timing and scoring, and links to practice for each part.
Not sure which level? Take the free level test. It places you between A1 and B1 and shows how you did in each skill.
Practice by skill
Each skill page explains that part of the exam at A1, A2 and B1, with free sample tasks.
Schreiben (writing)
Write forms, messages and emails. See what each level asks for, with model answers.
Sprechen (speaking)
Introduce yourself, ask and answer, plan together, present a topic.
Lesen (reading)
Read short texts, ads and emails. Answers are checked right away.
Hören (listening)
Listen to announcements, phone messages and short conversations.
Mock tests
A full timed exam in your browser, with all four parts.
Frequently asked questions
The Goethe-Zertifikat is an internationally recognised German language certificate issued by the Goethe-Institut. It certifies your German proficiency from A1 (complete beginner) to C2 (mastery). German citizenship applicants require at least the B1 certificate.
There is no limit on retakes. A1 and A2 are taken as one whole exam, so a retake means sitting all four parts again. From B1 upward the exam is modular: you can book and retake single modules, each priced separately by your exam centre, as often as you need.
No. Goethe exams are not offered from home. Some exam centres run a digital version, but you still take it on site at the centre. Check your local Goethe-Institut or licensed exam centre for formats and dates.
From B1 upward, you retake only the module you failed — each module gets its own certificate. If you want one overall certificate showing all four modules, they usually need to be passed within one year, and the exam centre decides whether it can issue one. A1 and A2 are non-modular — if you fail, you retake the whole exam.
It depends on who will read the certificate. For German citizenship, any B1 exam on the BAMF list counts — Goethe, telc, ÖSD and also the DTZ. Universities and employers set their own lists, so check the receiving institution first. If all three are accepted, choose by exam centre, date and price; preparation transfers well between them.