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Presentation in German

We prepared for you 5 answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding experience with presentation in German. Feel like at home.

I want to learn to present, but I do not like talking in public

How to present a bad message, i do not feel comfortable delivering presentations in english, how to learn presentation skills, i have to present tomorrow, .sg-popup-overlay-3, .sg-popup-content-3 { z-index: 9999 important; } #sg-popup-content-wrapper-3 { padding: 0px important; } sg_popup_data[3] ={"id":"3","title":"contact 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role=\u0022form\u0022 class=\u0022wpcf7\u0022 id=\u0022wpcf7-f906-p860-o1\u0022 lang=\u0022cs-cz\u0022 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\u0022screen-reader-response\u0022\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cform action=\u0022\/en\/presentation-in-german\/#wpcf7-f906-p860-o1\u0022 method=\u0022post\u0022 class=\u0022wpcf7-form cf7-style\u0022 novalidate=\u0022novalidate\u0022\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\u0022display: none;\u0022\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\u0022hidden\u0022 name=\u0022_wpcf7\u0022 value=\u0022906\u0022 \/\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\u0022hidden\u0022 name=\u0022_wpcf7_version\u0022 value=\u00224.7\u0022 \/\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\u0022hidden\u0022 name=\u0022_wpcf7_locale\u0022 value=\u0022cs_cz\u0022 \/\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\u0022hidden\u0022 name=\u0022_wpcf7_unit_tag\u0022 value=\u0022wpcf7-f906-p860-o1\u0022 \/\u003e\n\u003cinput type=\u0022hidden\u0022 name=\u0022_wpnonce\u0022 value=\u0022530762d683\u0022 \/\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003edo you know that only 21 % manage to do the first step\u003cbr \/\u003e\ntake a deep breath and go on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003clabel\u003e how shall we call you\u003cbr \/\u003e\n \u003cspan class=\u0022wpcf7-form-control-wrap your-name\u0022\u003e\u003cinput type=\u0022text\u0022 name=\u0022your-name\u0022 value=\u0022\u0022 size=\u002240\u0022 class=\u0022wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\u0022 aria-required=\u0022true\u0022 aria-invalid=\u0022false\u0022 \/\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/label\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003clabel\u003e where to answer you\u003cbr \/\u003e\n \u003cspan class=\u0022wpcf7-form-control-wrap email-931\u0022\u003e\u003cinput type=\u0022email\u0022 name=\u0022email-931\u0022 value=\u0022\u0022 size=\u002240\u0022 class=\u0022wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-email wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-validates-as-email\u0022 aria-required=\u0022true\u0022 aria-invalid=\u0022false\u0022 \/\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003clabel\u003e what number will you call us from\u003cbr \/\u003e\n \u003cspan class=\u0022wpcf7-form-control-wrap text-788\u0022\u003e\u003cinput type=\u0022text\u0022 name=\u0022text-788\u0022 value=\u0022\u0022 size=\u002240\u0022 class=\u0022wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\u0022 aria-required=\u0022true\u0022 aria-invalid=\u0022false\u0022 \/\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003clabel\u003e what do you want to tell us\u003cbr \/\u003e\n \u003cspan class=\u0022wpcf7-form-control-wrap your-message\u0022\u003e\u003ctextarea name=\u0022your-message\u0022 cols=\u002240\u0022 rows=\u002210\u0022 class=\u0022wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-textarea wpcf7-validates-as-required\u0022 aria-required=\u0022true\u0022 aria-invalid=\u0022false\u0022\u003e\u003c\/textarea\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/label\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cinput type=\u0022submit\u0022 value=\u0022i am sending and looking forward to your reply\u0022 class=\u0022wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-submit\u0022 \/\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\u0022wpcf7-response-output wpcf7-display-none\u0022\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/form\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","customevent":"0"};, reserve a the trial session for free now.

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Do you know that only 21 % manage to do the first step? Take a deep breath and go on.

How shall we call you?

Where to answer you?

What number will you call us from?

What do you want to tell us?

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Cultural differences: meetings & presentation style 101, how to avoid cultural business traps: how to do international business like a pro.

As we all know, effective communication is the basis in any business situation. In order to do so, considering cultural nuances is key. The way we grow up shapes our perception, and sometimes there can be a disconnect between what we believe is effective communication and what others perceive. So, before heading into your next international business call or meeting, make sure to take the time to dive deeper and familiarize yourself with each country’s cultural norms.

how to write a presentation in german

All the countries and markets that German Accelerator is active in – Singapore, Germany, India, and the U.S. – there are unique cultural differences in both personal lives and a business environment. Here are some key areas to be keenly aware of before you schedule that next business call or meeting:

Who Makes The Decisions?

Decisions in German companies are typically made by consensus, which contrasts with American culture where there is normally an authoritative decision-maker at the top (either a CEO or President) who makes a decision the entire organization abides by. In Singapore, decisions are very often made by the owner of the company and most functional managers will play more of the role of collating information and presenting the information for the owner’s final decision. “If you want to start a business anywhere in Asia, whether that is Singapore or anywhere in SEA – you really have to understand the culture,” says Toby Ruckert , CEO of UIB and German Accelerator Mentor.

How Are Meetings Organized?

When it comes to how meetings are actually conducted, in most business settings you should expect a detailed agenda prior to the meeting; however, Germans tend to follow it more rigorously than Americans will. Regardless of which country you are located in, meetings typically always open with light chit-chat and it is considered a bit a bit aggressive to dive into business without the initial pleasantries. This is especially true for U.S. based meetings. The reason behind this is summed up perfectly by global sales and marketing expert and one of more than 300 international German Accelerator mentors Melanie Klaschka “People in the U.S. like to buy from those they trust and know, so they first get to know you, and then they talk business”. This is also true for meetings in Asia. Timothy Toh , German Accelerator mentor recommends to “take it more casually. Small talk is important as is getting to know the other party.”

It’s key to not rush straight into the presentation as it is more important to get to know your counterpart than it is to immediately present your slideshow. Invest time in building rapport and credibility with your counterpart/ client during this initial meeting. Hint: Small talk about the weather is always a good default topic and usually works in all markets. 🙂

Are Any Topics Off Limits?

In Singapore and India, business and personal life merge a lot more, and you do not experience the distinct separation as you would be used to in Germany. While it may be commonplace to inquire about income or body weight (really no topic is off-limits) during a meeting in Singapore or India, these topics would be viewed as too invasive in an American or German business setting.

How Quickly Can Meetings Happen Across the Globe?

Americans can quickly schedule last-minute meetings, the American view is that time is money and it is better to be spontaneous than to miss the opportunity for a meeting. German Accelerator mentor Jens Weitzel shared “a venture capitalist once told me ‘in Europe they say that $1 million is a lot of money, and in the Valley (Silicon Valley) they say that one hour is a lot of time.’ When people agree to meet and allot a certain amount of time, you need to be respectful of their time and be prepared to fully utilize this time to network.” Be it responding to emails or accepting networking opportunities, in the U.S. you must be sure to quickly act or the opportunity will pass you by.

how to write a presentation in german

Indian organizations and clients will have a more fluid and relaxed notion of time. They mean no offense, but given their experience, they have a different way of dealing with time as navigating through India often has a lot more uncertainties that regularly lead to delays.

According to Timothy Toh, business meetings can happen more spontaneously in Singapore compared to Germany. He said, half-jokingly “In Germany when I meet with people, I plan one or two months in advance. It’s a little bit less spontaneous, I’d say,” compared to Singapore, for example.

Do I Need To Adapt My Presentation Style?

In many facets, German engineering and ingenuity are looked to as the gold standard. “Being from Germany is like a brand in itself – the engineering excellence and reputation for great processes are an advantage for startups in Southeast Asia,” says Dr. Arne Kruse , Managing Director at Rytle, one of German Accelerator’s Southeast Asia program alumni. This same meticulous approach is usually applied to German business presentations. In U.S. business presentations, emphasis is put on the bigger picture rather than the details. There, audiences want to listen to a story and hear your “bold vision” first and then see some data supporting the vision. In Asia even, “backing up your initial data with secondary data is strongly recommended. Sometimes if that is not mentioned explicitly by a startup, there will be follow up questions on how certain numbers or projections were generated,” according to mentor Timothy Toh.

Having experienced this mentality in Silicon Valley, German Accelerator mentor Daniela Caserotto-Leibert states “Americans are born as communicators. Investors love to listen to visionary founders. They like to hear the elevator pitch and the story of the founder to see what kind of person he or she is, why they should invest time and money, and what is in it for them.”

So… What Does “Tell Us Your Vision” Mean?

Having a story-telling element to your presentation is very important in a U.S. business context, especially when it comes to pitching in front of investors. Daniela shares another valuable tip: “the story needs to get to the point because investors here do not have the time and will make their decision often within the first two minutes of listening to you. In Europe in comparison, due diligence is much more appreciated and paid attention to during a first meeting.” When seeking money in the U.S., be sure to paint a big, bold and broad picture of where your company is going – oftentimes German startups are viewed by U.S. investors as having a limited view of where their company can grow. German Accelerator mentor Han Jin (Co-Founder & CEO, Lucid) elaborates on this presentation style difference in our #GACoffeeSession , “Back in German high school, we were trained to pitch something only when we could deliver on it. We could not talk about our big dream because we didn’t know exactly how to get there. There is a notion that you have to underpromise to overdeliver – that’s the German mentality.”

Is Networking Still An Important Skill?

how to write a presentation in german

Perhaps the best way to understand and excel through business meetings and presentations in other countries is to immerse yourself fully at that particular location. “The German Accelerator opens up networks that can help startups grow rapidly and very efficiently, ” confirms German Accelerator’s Silicon Valley program alumni company KeyX. Thus, German Accelerator mentor Melanie Klaschka highly recommends “immersing yourself in the culture and environment. Getting out and networking with other people in your respective industry. Finding out about who your competitors are and seeing them at networking events. These kinds of events are great indicators to learn how you should act and how you should not act.”

how to write a presentation in german

Another important thing to remember the next time you travel is what German Accelerator mentor and Associate Trainer, Dale Carnegie Singapore Alex Tan says “take the time to understand if there may be religious connections with certain practices, pleading ignorance only reflects on one’s insensitivity and sense of cultural superiority. Being sincere and authentic always helps bridge any cultural divide there may be.” Now that you have some of the basics covered, the next step is to learn how to expertly give and receive feedback in a business setting.

To Summarize

how to write a presentation in german

  • #Business Basics
  • #Local Flavor
  • #Useful Tips

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DialoguE German Public Speaking programmes are designed to provide you with the key skills, tools and terminology to operate in an international public speaking environment. Whether you need assistance with writing speeches in German or need to expand your knowledge of Public Speaking Techniques, DialoguE and its team of specialist German Public Speaking trainers are uniquely placed to assist you.

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how to write a presentation in german

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Meetings And Presentations In Germany

time concepts

To meetings and presentations in Germany you should come well prepared and ready to passionately debate and defend your viewpoints. One explanation why meetings can become rather large in regard to the number of participants is that German companies tend to employ specialist. In discussions, designated specialists from various departments are expected to contribute information from their field of expertise due to this meetings can become quite lengthy at times.

In search of the right answer, direct and firm debating is encouraged. Sometimes these meetings can seem to be fiery, passionate and intense. However, the discussion will normally be based on the factual and not on the personal level.

Participants of the meeting

Who is invited to a meeting can vary very much. In general, only participants are chosen, who can contribute reasonable and important input to the topic of the meeting or who are able to make a decision or have a say in the matter. In order to tackle a task most effectively and to find suitable solutions the number of participants should be as small as possible, yet include all necessary expertise.

Meeting procedure

A well-prepared business meeting should follow a formal procedure. German managers work with precise and detailed agendas, which can already contain a chain of thoughts (›roter Faden‹: guiding thread). This is why agendas are usually strictly followed. Meetings always aim for decisive outcomes and results, rather than providing a forum for open and general discussion. Often after meetings, one can expect written minutes trying to summarise what was said and to list the tasks (and the persons attached to them) that need to be completed next. (written word!)

Business meetings should start and end punctually, often the starting and ending time are communicated. The recommended time to schedule a business meeting is between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm or between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Avoid scheduling appointments or meetings on Friday afternoon, and avoid rescheduling.

The agenda is actually already the outline of a plan. That is the reason why the agenda is of such importance and should not be skipped or changed too much. Hard work has already been put into it.

If you want to make sure, that your points are addressed in the meeting, make sure they are on the (written) agenda. Otherwise, people will be surprised and might have a hard time following you, because they had no time in advance to deal with your points. The individual points of the agenda occasionally already give the structure of the record.

Punctuality / Planning

Meetings and presentations in Germany are often scheduled well in advance and planned thoroughly which can be very time-consuming. But once the planning is done, the assignments clarified and the timelines set, the process can move ahead quickly. Being punctual shows respect and reliability. Try to be punctual for a meeting. If you are going to be even slightly late, call and explain your situation.

Also, follow your co-workers and observe the specific meeting culture in your department. Maybe there is a tolerance of a few minutes, maybe not.

Presentation style

A good presentation follows a logical structure and invites people to follow the line of thoughts. Presentations in Germany should be well prepared, comprehensive and clear. They should be presented in a formal and rational manner. You can show facts and figures to underline your arguments. This is a good way to show, that they are valid.

Communication in Germany

Presentation materials

The material should be well structured and proofread. A handout is a good opportunity to show data, numbers and facts. You should take advantage of the information in the handout.

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How to Prepare for the German Oral Exam B1

Preparing for the German oral exam B1 TELC, Goethe, ÖSD (AU) or Fide (CH) is very doable if you know how. This article will provice you with an approach that helps you prepare for your oral exam in German without the help of a tutor. You’ll use ChatGPT and I’ll show you how.

I’ll also provide you with a list of topics that have been used in the past and that will help to prepare yourself even though they will not be the topics you’ll get in your exam. The topics will be different from exam to exam but the range of topics is relatively limited. Here a list of very common topics for the mündliche Prüfung B1 provided by my students who have taken it in different countries and cities at TELC or Goethe Institut over the last 5 years.

Tips on How to Prepare Efficiently for Your German Oral Exam B1

Here also some top tips on how to use these to prepare efficiently for your German B1 oral exam at TELC or Goethe:

  • You never have to tell the truth. If you simply can’t relate at all to a topic, make things up. E.g. you have no opinion or experience about extreme sports just say what’s common sense. Anything extreme is problematic and dangerous. I suggest a more moderate way to do sports. “common sense” is not always easy to grasp (see diverse internet comments if you doubt this) so cut yourself some slack to get into this kind of thinking. The exam is not about a truthful account of your experiences or personality at all!
  • Smile be patient and friendly. Impatience and unfriendliness will cost you points that you need to pass.
  • No one ever expects perfection in B1. I call B1 the elementary school level of intelligence. If you sound like a 10 year old intellectually that’s fine. You shall pass.
  • Keep things simple. While boxed sentences, complex vocab or the occasional Nebensatz will give you bonus points, you don’t need (m)any of those to pass with 60%. Use one “weil” and one “dass” sentence (which the structure above provides already) and you’ll be fine. Expressing yourself in a simple manner needs practice. So practice.
  • Assume that the examiners are on your side. They want you to pass (in 99% of the cases). If they are grumpy that isn’t related to you personally at all. You never know what caused their grumpiness. Rather feel compassion for them than being self-concsious. I promise it is never related to you unless you directly insult them.
  • The oral exam is only 20mins long usually divided by 2 as you will have a partner in your exam and minus 2 mins instructions. That leaves your speaking time at about 9mins. At a max speaking speed of 80 words per minute you’ll only have to produce 720 words of which 50% will be repetitive words like articles and prepositions and such. So, to pass the oral exam all you need to know is 360 different words. Admittedly they better be the right ones but all I wanted to show to you here is that you don’t have to have a very broad vocabulary to get through your B1 oral exam in German.
  • General advice: Even though it seems obvious: get enough sleep, eat light before the exam but don’t fast, arrive an hour earlier at the examination center and sit in front near the audio device they use (for the written parts of the exam). Take a bottle of water with you and don’t forget your watch in case they don’t have a clock in the room. In the oral exam you won’t need your watch as time will pass by very quickly.

How to Prepare for Your German Exam By Yourself

Now here’s how to prepare efficiently for your B1 oral exam without having to pay a tutor:

For Presentation (TELC & Goethe)

Put this prompt into ChatGPT (free version suffices):

“You are an examiner in a German oral exam level B1. You follow the examination guidelines of Goethe and TELC institutions. I need to hold a 2minute presentation in German on level B1 CEFR about the topic below. Can you first provide me with a sample presentation that follows the following format:

– Was ist das Thema: – In meinem Heimatland… – Als Kind / in meinem Leben… – Ein Vorteil / Nachteil von xy ist… – Ich denke, dass man… – Prompt me to say: Vielen Dank für Ihre Aufmerksamkeit. Haben Sie noch Fragen?

Write two short sentences per item of this list. Then prompt me one by one with these items and wait for my input.

When I’m closing the presentation with “haben Sie noch Fragen” continue to ask me three follow up questions to what I used in my presentation (priority) or simply questions related to the topic but about my personal life and attitude towards the topic.

Ask them one after the other. Wait until I’ve answered one question before posing the next question.

At the very end provide me with feedback on my performance in English in regard of the given level on whether or not I was close to the topic, about my grammar and sentence structure and about the level of my vocabulary. And finally give me a grade between 0% and 100% considering the language level b1 CEFR and the exam guidelines from Goethe and TELC.

The topic is: leben vegetarier gesünder? ← add your topic.”

If GPT says something in German that is too complex, give it the following instructions: Das verstehe ich nicht. Einfacher bitte. I don’t understand. Simpler please.

For Event Planning

Put this prompt into ChatGPT:

“You are an examiner in a German oral exam level B1. You follow the examination guidelines of Goethe and TELC institutions. I need to plan an event for about 3 minutes with a fellow examinee in German on level B1 CEFR about the topic below.

Ask me for the topic and after you received the topic start by providing me with a short summary of the situation (2–3 short simple sentences) asking me the first question to start off our event planning conversation.

After each response or question of mine, respond accordingly and always wait for my input. After about 7 sentences/questions of yours let’s come to an end whether the topic is concluded or not. Smoothly bring the conversation to an end.

After we are done provide feedback in English language – this is important – about my performance and grade it according to the examination guidelines and the level b1 CEFR in %.

Then restart the same conversation but with changed roles. I’ll now start the conversation off by providing a short summary of the situation and by asking you the first question. I will be the one that brings the conversation to an end. Not you.”

These prompts can help you get the most out of ChatGPT for your German learning. If you’d like more tips on how to learn German using unique resources, check out our series .

Possible Topics for your German B1 Oral Exam

Opinion / Presentation:

  • Viele Leute essen Fertigmenüs Many people eat ready meals
  • Essen und Trinken Diet/food
  • Leben Vegetarier gesünder? Do vegetarians live healthier?
  • Kann man auf Dating-Websites wirklich Liebe finden? Can you really find love on Dating Websites?
  • Sollten sich sowohl Männer als auch Frauen um den Haushalt kümmern? Should both men and women take care of household?
  • Leuten in der Freizeit helfen Helping people in your free time
  • Mit 25 noch bei den Eltern leben Still living with parents at 25
  • Ist es einfach in einem fremden Land zu leben. It is easy to live in a foreign country
  • ins Kino gehen oder Fernsehen Go to the cinema or watch TV
  • Ist Social Media gut oder schlecht für uns? Is social media good or bad for us?
  • Einkaufszentren: alles an einem Platz Shopping centers: everything in one place
  • Sollten Großeltern Babysitten? Should grandparents babysit?
  • Sollten Kinder alleine Entscheiden? Should children decide alone?
  • Was denken Sie über Extremsport? What do you think about extreme sports?
  • Wieviel Sport ist gesund How much sport is healthy
  • Schuluniformen School uniforms
  • Sollten Kinder Süßigkeiten essen? Should children eat sweets?
  • Wieviel Fernsehen ist gut für Kinder? How much television is good for children?
  • Geschwister oder Einzelkind? Was ist besser? Sibling or only child? What is better?

Event Planning:

  • Einen Ausflug in die Natur organisieren Organize a trip to the nature
  • Eine Überraschungsparty zum Geburtstag planen Plan a surprise birthday party
  • Party für Kollegen who moves away Party für einen Kollegen, der wegzieht
  • Besuch planen – eine ausländische Studentengruppe kommt nach Berlin Planning a visit – a foreign student group comes to Berlin
  • Ihr Deutschkurs ist zuende. Planen Sie eine Abschlussfeier. Your German course is over. Plan a graduation ceremony.
  • Planen Sie ein Klassenpicknick Plan a class picnic
  • Sie besuchen einen Klassenkameraden im Krankenhaus You visit a classmate in the hospital
  • Gemeinsam ein Geburtstagsgeschenk für eine Freundin kaufen Together buy a birthday gift for a friend

B1 German According to the Common European Framework

Reaching the (lower) intermediate level, denoted as B1 on the Common European Framework of Language ’s scale, is a significant transition and marks your coming of age as an “independent user of the German language.” While there are still limitations, your expressions remain relatively straightforward compared to those of a native speaker. Your speaking skills largely center on common, everyday topics, and you may comprehend the main points of clear, moderately paced speech.

However, during your preparation, you will have covered a substantial portion of prevalent German grammatical patterns, aiming for a vocabulary of approximately 2,400 words. With an active command of these words and patterns, along with a passive understanding of others, you can confidently navigate most real-life situations while traveling.

Moreover, you’ll be able to articulate more extended phrases, delving beyond immediate situations or needs to discuss events, attitudes, and plans. The Goethe-Institute German B1 exam certificate holds significance in various life milestones, such as obtaining citizenship in the BRD and admission to a year-long Studienkolleg in Germany, preparing individuals to study any discipline at a German university.

We provide B1 preparation courses at SmarterGerman. So, if you’d like help, come check out our course !

Body Language

Success in a German oral examination goes beyond the mere choice of words and phrases as you answer the examiner’s questions. It extends to encompass your body language, eye contact, and overall demeanor, all of which are pivotal components of your speaking skills.

Maintain a confident posture, sitting upright while remaining calm and relaxed. Keep your hands folded on your lap, avoiding the placement of hands in your pockets.

Establish consistent eye contact with the teacher/examiner. Eye contact holds considerable importance in the context of oral exams. Failure to look at the examiner and speaking with a downward gaze is regarded as indicative of low self-confidence.

FAQs about passing the B1 German language exam

Here are some of the questions people ask about the oral B1 exam in German.

How long is the German oral exam?

The German oral exam typically lasts between 14 to 18 minutes, assessing speaking skills and covering main points from the topics you’re asked about.

How much is German oral worth?

The German oral exam holds significant weight, constituting 27 out of 32 points (83%) in the overall evaluation. Proficiency in speaking, eye contact, and effective communication is crucial.

Can I do B1 German by myself?

Yes, it is possible to prepare for the B1 German exam independently. Adequate preparation time, practice with a relevant word list, conversations, watching videos, and focusing on relevant vocabulary and grammar are key tips for success.

What does the B1 German test consist of?

The B1 German test consists of various components, including speaking, writing, and understanding. It assesses vocabulary, grammar, and the ability to communicate effectively in real-life situations.

How long does it take to get to B1 German?

The time to reach B1 proficiency in German varies, but with dedicated learning and practice, one can expect to achieve this level, covering the most frequent grammatical patterns and a vocabulary of around 2,400 words.

How long is the German B1 exam valid for?

The German B1 exam certificate, issued by the Goethe-Institut, is typically valid for an indefinite period and can be beneficial for citizenship applications in the BRD or admission to German universities.

Summing Up: How to Prepare for the German Oral Exam B1

Reaching the B1 level in German marks a crucial milestone in language proficiency. Our comprehensive guide equips learners with practical tips for self-preparation, emphasizing the significance of body language and efficient vocabulary usage.

The Goethe-Institute B1 certificate opens doors to citizenship and university admission, making this guide an essential resource for success. If you’d like to learn German in a structured, helpful way, come check us out at SmarterGerman !

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24 German Essay Phrases

We need to talk about your German essays.

Essay writing is a skill that you can learn in any language.

All you need is to brush up your vocabulary and follow a few simple strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to writing your first masterpiece.

This post will provide you with a list of useful German words and phrases to include in your next essay, plus the different types of German essays, a few writing strategies and even a sample essay at the end. 

German Essay Phrases

General explaining, ordering facts and ideas, demonstrating contrast, expressing your opinion, summarizing and concluding, what are german essays like, the different types of german essays, how to write an essay in german in 4 steps, 1. write down a list of words , 2. do your research, 3. make an outline using transition words, 4. write directly in german, an example of a german essay, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Let’s start with the words and phrases themselves. As you’ll see, they’re grouped according to how and when you’ll use them. Let’s start off with some that will help you explain your arguments.

1. Weil (Because)

Daniel muss lernen, weil er morgen einen Test hat.

(Daniel has to study because he has a test tomorrow.)

2. Da (Because)

Daniel muss lernen, da er morgen einen Test hat.

3. Denn (Because)

Daniel muss lernen, denn er hat morgen einen Test.

(Daniel has to study because tomorrow he has a test.)

A quick note: Weil, da and denn are generally interchangeable. Keep in mind though that denn requires a different word order.

4. Damit (In order to; So that)

Lisa lernt viel, damit sie den Test besteht.

(Lisa is studying a lot in order to pass the test.)

5. Um (To; In order to)

Lisa lernt viel, um den Test zu bestehen.

(Lisa is studying a lot to pass the test.)

6. Im Grunde (Basically; Fundamentally)

Im Grunde ist Deutsch keine schwierige Sprache.

(Fundamentally, German is not a difficult language.)

7. Eigentlich (Actually)

Eigentlich ist Deutsch nicht so schwierig, wie es scheint.

(Actually, German is not as difficult as it seems.)

8. Ein Beispiel anführen  (To give an example)

Ich möchte ein Beispiel anführen .

(I would like to give an example.)

9. Dieses Beispiel zeigt, dass… (This example shows that…)

Dieses Beispiel zeigt, dass das Lernen einer Fremdsprache beim Reisen viele Vorteile hat.

(This example shows that studying a foreign language has many advantages when traveling.)

10. Erstens… zweitens… (Firstly… secondly…)

Erstens kann man sich auf Reisen besser verständigen und zweitens lernt man viele neue Leute kennen.

(Firstly, you can communicate better while traveling, and secondly, you meet many new people.)

11. Das Wichtigste ist…  (T he most important thing is…)

Das Wichtigste ist , die Angst vor der Sprache zu verlieren.

(The most important thing is to lose your fear of the language.)

12. Außer dem (Furthermore)

Außerdem kann man beim Reisen seine Sprachkenntnisse verbessern.

(Furthermore, you can improve your language knowledge while traveling.)

13. Nicht nur… sondern auch…  (Not only… but also…)

Nicht nur im Unterricht, sondern auch im Alltag kann man viel Deutsch lernen.

(Not only in class, but also in everyday life you can learn a lot of German.)

14. Obwohl (Even though)

Obwohl Anna viel lernt, hat sie Probleme mit der deutschen Grammatik.

(Even though Anna studies a lot, she has problems with German grammar.)

15. Allerdings (However)

Anna lernt gerne Deutsch, allerdings hat sie Probleme mit der Grammatik.

(Anna enjoys studying German; however, she has problems with the grammar.)

16. Trotz   (Despite)

Trotz ihrer Probleme mit der Grammatik lernt Anna gerne Deutsch.

(Despite her problems with German grammar, Anna enjoys studying German.)

17. Im Vergleich zu (In comparison to)

Im Vergleich zu Russisch ist Deutsch eine einfache Sprache.

In comparison to Russian, German is an easy language.

18. Im Gegensatz zu (In contrast to; Unlike)

Im Gegensatz zu Anna lernt Paul gerne neue Vokabeln.

Unlike Anna, Paul enjoys learning new vocabulary.

19. Meiner Meinung nach (In my opinion)

Meiner Meinung nach sollte jeder eine Fremdsprache lernen.

(In my opinion, everybody should study a foreign language.)

20. Ich bin der Ansicht, dass…  (I believe that…)

Ich bin der Ansicht, dass jeder eine Fremdsprache lernen sollte.

(I believe that everybody should study a foreign language.)

21. Ich finde es schade, dass…  (I think it’s a pity that…)

Ich finde es schade, dass die Schulen keine anderen Fremdsprachen unterrichten.

(I think it’s a pity that schools don’t teach other foreign languages.)

22. Alles in Allem (Overall)

Alles in allem ist Deutsch nicht so schwierig, wie es scheint.

(Overall, German isn’t as difficult as it seems.)

23. Im Großen und Ganzen (Overall)

Im Großen und Ganzen ist Deutsch keine schwierige Sprache.

(Overall, German isn’t a difficult language.)

24. Zusammenfassend kann man sagen, dass…  (In summary, it can be said that…)

Zusammenfassend kann man sagen, dass Sprachen beim Reisen sehr hilfreich sein können.

(In summary, it can be said that languages can be very helpful when traveling.)

Ok, let’s get a little deeper into the actual essays themselves. How do they compare to the essays that you’re probably used to writing?

  • They have a similar structure to English essays. Remember how English essays have a beginning, middle and end? Good news: German essays contain those same parts. When you’re writing a German essay, you’ll want to include an opening paragraph with your argument, three supporting paragraphs that further your argument and a conclusion. German and English are often surprisingly similar, and essay structure is no exception.
  • German essays are more to the point. Although German essays and English essays are structured similarly, German essays—just like German speakers—tend to be more blunt and to the point. You won’t need to dance around your conclusions or obfuscate in German: just say what you mean.
  • German punctuation is different. Germans have different rules for punctuation than English speakers. For example, Germans introduce a direct quote with a colon instead of a comma. They use quotes instead of italics for the names of books, movies and newspapers. And they set off relative clauses beginning with dass (that) with a comma, unlike in American English. Understanding these differences between English and German punctuation will ensure you don’t give yourself away as a non-native speaker through punctuation marks alone!

Before you get started on your essay, make sure you know what type of essay you’re going to write. If it’s a school essay, be sure to read and understand the instructions.

Here are a few notes about the most common kinds of essays in German.

  • An Erzählung  is a narrative essay that tells a story. Your teacher might give you some keywords or pictures and ask you to create a story around it. An Erlebniserzählung (“experience story”) is about a personal experience and can be written in the first person.
  • An Erörterung is an argumentative essay, a writing piece meant to persuade someone to think the way you do. This writing genre requires you to investigate your topic well and provide evidence to prove your point.
  • In a Nacherzählung you summarize and recount a book, a film or an article you have read, from an objective perspective. Depending on the essay instructions, you might be asked for your personal opinion in the conclusion.

Are you ready to start writing? Use these four strategies to wow your teachers and write the perfect German essay.

You should look at any new activity as an opportunity to learn and master new vocabulary . Instead of using the same words that you use in your everyday German speech, use this essay as an opportunity to introduce new words into your German lexicon.

Besides, incorporating academic words that help you craft and shape your argument can make your essay sound more professional and polished. So before you start writing, write down a list of the German words you’d like to incorporate in your essay.

As with everything else, you should look at the research portion of the essay-writing process as an opportunity to learn more about Germany—this time, about German culture, history , politics or travel .

Chances are if you’re writing your essay for a language-learning class, you’ll be assigned a topic pertaining to one of these aspects of German life, so use this as a chance to learn more about Deutschland.

For example, Deutsche Welle offers information and resources about German history. Other newspapers such as Berliner Zeitung and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung offer another perspective on politics and daily life in Germany.

There’s nothing clunkier than an essay that doesn’t flow naturally from one point to the next. Besides, thinking about how your arguments and points interact with each other will help you organize your essay and make sure you get your point across. (Do they support each other? Counter each other? How exactly do they function to further your argument?)

Examples of transition words:

  • Vorher (prior)
  • zur gleichen Zeit (at the same time)
  • dann (then)
  • trotzdem (nevertheless)
  • noch (still)

Writing an essay in English and then translating it into German often results in stilted, poorly formed sentences and unnatural constructions.

For example, remember that German word order is different from English. If you write “He didn’t read the book,” a one-to-one literal translation would be Er hat gelesen nicht das Buch . But the correct translation is actually  Er hat nicht das Buch gelesen. In this example, translating word for word leads to errors.

There’s another, less tangible reason why it’s not a good idea to write in English and translate to German. Sure, you could just remember that you need to change the word order when translating into German. But isn’t it better to adapt your brain so that German word order seems fluid and natural?

Learning to think and write off-the-cuff in German is an essential step towards fluency, and devising sentences in German, instead of sentences in translation, will help you learn to do that.

One good way to learn to think in a language is to hear it spoken in natural contexts. You can hear German spoken naturally in German language TV shows , movies and YouTube videos .

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

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Listening to German spoken at a natural speed and native accent will help get you thinking in the language in real time. This will help get you to the point where you can come up with your own sentences in German, rather than thinking in English sentences first and then translating them in your head before you speak or write. That will greatly improve your speed and fluency when writing in German.

So, simply start writing the essay in German. Look up any words you’re not sure of and double-check any grammatical constructions that you’re not familiar with. After you finish writing, ask a German-speaking friend to look over the essay to make sure it sounds natural.

Now that we’ve explored strategies and phrases for writing top-notch German essays, let’s take a look at an example.

World War I doesn’t get as much coverage in the States as World War II (where it was more directly involved). But for Europe, World War I was a devastating example of the dangers of modern technological warfare and the horrors of violence.

Let’s take a look at an example opening paragraph and outline of an essay about the effect of World War I on German government and life.

Opening paragraph:

Der Erste Weltkrieg war ein totaler Krieg, der Deutschland völlig veränderte. Dieser Krieg hat 1914 angefangen, und 1918, als der Krieg zu Ende kam, waren die deutsche Gesellschaft, Regierung und Kultur nicht mehr erkennbar. Am Anfang hat der Erste Weltkrieg altväterliche Ideen und Systeme verstärkt. Am Ende hat dieser Krieg dagegen diese altväterlichen Dinge zerstört.

(The First World War was a total war that completely changed Germany. This war began in 1914 and in 1918, when the war came to an end, German society, government and culture were no longer recognizable. At the beginning, the First World War strengthened old-fashioned ideas and systems. However, by the end, this war destroyed these old-fashioned things.)

Notice that this opening paragraph is not very different at all from the first paragraph of an English essay. You can use the same structure you’ve always used to write your German essay, leaving you free to focus on grammar and vocabulary.

Notice also the use of phrases such as Am Anfang (at the beginning) and Dagegen (however). Words like these can help you make a point and counterpoint in your opening paragraph (or anywhere in your essay, for that matter).

I. Am Anfang (at the beginning):

– Dieser Krieg hat Deutschland vereint . (This war united Germany.) – Menschen hatten ein patriotisches Gefühl. (People had a patriotic feeling.) – Menschen dachten, dass der Krieg bald zu Ende kommen würde. (People thought that the war would soon come to an end.)

Notice that these points employ words like dachten (thought). Written German often relies on Präteritum , a form of the past tense that’s rarely used in spoken Deutsch. It’s often called “literary past tense” for this reason. Check out this guide to the Präteritum to include this tense in your essay.

II. Andrerseits (on the other hand):

– Bald gab es kein Essen mehr . (Soon there was no more food.) – Menschen wurden krank und desillusioniert . (People became sick and disillusioned.) – Es gab Proteste und Unruhen. (There was protest and unrest.)

Like in an English essay, your second and third paragraphs can include supporting points or counterpoints that contribute to the overall theme of your piece. The word Andrerseits (on the other hand) is an ideal transition word to show that you’re moving into another section of your essay.

Also notice that this essay will rely on vocabulary words that the average language learner might not have come across in his or her learning. After all, who learns the words for “disillusioned” and “unrest” in their intermediate German class? But don’t be daunted by the fact that your essay might include eclectic vocabulary. Instead, use this as an opportunity for more learning.

III. zum Schluss (in conclusion):

– Der Kaiser hat abgedankt . (The Emperor abdicated.) – Eine Republik wurde geboren. (A Republic was born.) – Die alten Werte waren weg. (The old values were gone.)

Once again, abgedankt (abdicated) is an example of the literary past tense (and an example of a word that you probably haven’t come across in your previous German studies!)

IV. Schließlich (finally)

– Der Erste Weltkrieg hat Deutschland verändert . (The First World War completely changed Germany.)

Again, like in an English essay, you should use this paragraph to summarize your main point.

Feeling a bit more confident about your next German essay now?

Just make a great essay plan, write down some new words and phrases that you want to include and off you go!

By sprinkling these bits of flair into your German essays, you’re sure to make your writing better and more effective.

Enjoy writing!

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How to get fluent, with Dr Popkins

How to learn a foreign language. Methods, matrials and stories to help you maximise your effectiveness on the road to fluency

In-depth explorations, actionable tips and inspiring conversations for language learners who REALLY want to get fluent…..plus a little bit of fun along the way.

The Goethe-Institut German B1 exam explained

By Dr Popkins 25 Comments

If you want the Goethe-Institut German B1 exam clearly explained, you’re in the right place. In this post we’ll unpick the format of this important “intermediate” German language exam. We’ll get clear on just what the B1 test German exam itself involves. That’ll help you decide whether it’s for you. You’ll get a better sense of what you need to achieve to pass this intermediate German exam as well.

What’s the level of the German B1 exam?

The (lower) intermediate level – B1 on the Common European Framework of Language’s scale – isn’t called the “threshold” level for nothing. If you manage to pass the B1 test German, there’s a real sense that you’ve entered a new word. It’s all about coming of age as an “independent user” or, as I like to say, becoming a “going concern” in the language.

Yes, you’ll still have your limits. What you can say remains rather simple when compared with a native speaker. Your conversations will still mainly be limited to the most common, everyday topics. You may often still only catch the main points of what’s being said even if it’s expressed in clear speech that isn’t that fast.

Nevertheless, you’ll have covered the best part of the most frequent German grammatical patterns. You should be aiming for a vocabulary of about 2,400 words. With an active command of a lot of these words and patterns and a passive understanding of more of them, you can expect to be able to deal well with most real-live situations when travelling. You’ll also be able to use longer, more complex phrases than before to talk not just about your immediate situations or needs but about events, your attitudes and plans.

You could use the Goethe-Institut German B1 exam certificate will help you over a couple of majors “thresholds” in life. First, it’s accepted to meet the minimum for citizenship of the BRD. Second, the B1 certificate enables admission to one of the year-long Studienkolleg preparation to study any discipline at a German university.

Goethe Institut B1 exam

Where can you take the Goethe-Institut German B1 exam?

The exam is typically held at one a Goethe Institute on one day.

There are a network of Goethe Institutes around the world, with the greatest number in Germany itself. The number of times a year that the exam is offered will vary from centre to centre, with some centres only holding the exam once or twice a year and bigger, busier ones, such as Berlin, maybe offering several sittings a month. The price varies from country to country as well. The exams are also offered by overseas partner institutions of the Goethe-Institut. Always check the latest arrangements with your chosen exam centre, especially in 2022 as the COVID crisis continues!

The German B1 exam format section by section

The B1 test German exam is “modular” in the sense that you don’t have to sit (or pass) all four sections in one sitting (see details on pass marks and retakes below).

The exam is split into four parts. These cover the fours skills of listening, reading, reading and writing. There isn’t a separate grammar or vocab test (unlike, for example, in the Russian TRKI exams).

Let’s look at the format of each section in turn. I’ve used the Goethe Institute’s own “model paper” (“Modellsatz”)(2nd revised edition, 2015) to prepare this. Always check the most up-to-date format for yourself before the exam in case things change.

Reading Section (Lesen)

The total time is 65 minutes

The reading test is divided into five sections (Teil 1 bis Teil 5). There’s only one correct answer for each.

Reading Part 1 (Teil Eins)(10 Minutes):

You get a text of about 300 words. In the model paper, this is a blog entry (approx 330 words) in which the blogger explains how she unwittingly lost her briefcase and got it back (minus the money that was in it).

You have to choose whether six statements about the content of the blog entry are true or false.

Reading Part 2 (Teil Zwei)(20 minutes):

You are given two short press reports (both about 180 words each).

In the model paper the title of the first articles is “Ein Dorf für grüne Energie”. It’s about a village in Brandenburg that is freeing itself from dependency on fossil fuels). The second article has the headline “Tour durch Murtens Geschichte”. The subject is a bike tour through the small town of Murten (Switzerland).

There are six questions in all, three to each article.

For each question, you are given the first half of a sentence and you have to choose which one of three possible phrases will complete it in a way true to the content of the article.

Reading Part 3 (Teil Drei)(10 minutes):

You’re faced with short, adverts/announcements from different sources in the German media (each one complete in itself).

In the model paper, they mainly concern German language courses.

There is a list of seven people and their needs. The task is to match the up each individual with the ad offering what they’re looking for.

There are two twists. First, You’re told that there’s one person for whom none of the ads fits. You must identify that person from his or her details. Second, given that there are nine ads and only six remaining people, you’ll need to rule out two of the ads entirely as there are nine in total but only six people remaining.

Reading Part 4 (Teil 4)(15 minutes):

In the model paper there are seven short newspaper “letters to the editor” (Leserbriefe). They are written in response to an article on a controversial topic. You don’t get to see the article but are told what it was about.

In the model answer, the issue was whether violent computer games should be banned.

You have to decide whether each of the seven correspondents is in favour of or against the issue (here: the games).

Reading Part 5 (Teil 5)(10 minutes):

You’re given a more official text (in the model paper it’s the “Hausordnung” for a vocational training centre).

There are four questions about what the rules are on a particular subject and you have to pick the correct answer (from three).

Goethe B1 exam paper

Listening Section (Hören)

The total time is 40 mins

The listening section of the B1 test in German exposes you to a range of different speakers (ages, accents) and to different registers of language (casual conversations, more formal announcements or reports, discussions).

The feel of the recordings is pretty realistic. It’s perhaps clearer than real speech would often but but the pace seems to me to be generally at or not far below the slower end of normal speech.

The whole soundtrack for the model exam is on the Goethe website.

Let’s look at the four sections in a detail!

Listening Part 1 (Teil Eins):

The recording lasts ten mins including repetition and the pauses for reading the questions and answering them).

There are ten brief monologues with two questions to each.

Before each part, you have ten seconds to read the questions.

The first is question is “true” or “false”. To the second question is a statement about the clip that you have to complete by choosing one of three options.

You then hear the “text” twice. The speed is at the slower end of natural speed (though the instructions are a little slower still ).

In the model paper the monologues are set in a number of different contexts, such as messages on an answering machine (complete with a bleep and a “tinny” sounding voice), a traffic update and a radio weather forecast , both with a radio jingle, a station announcement given by a man with a Swiss accent, with a slight loudspeaker echo effect and background noise from the station.

Listening Part 2 (Teil Zwei):

There is one recording and five questions (either sentences for completion or questions).

First you get sixty seconds to read all five questions.

Then you hear the recording, once only. You must choose one from three answers options to each question.

In the model paper, the speaker is your imaginary guide on a tour round the Münchener Stadtsmuseum.

Listening Part 3 (Teil Drei):

There is one recording of a conversation

You have sixty seconds to read seven statements before the conversation, which you only get to hear once. Then you have to say whether each statement is true or false.

In the model paper, the conversation is between a man and a woman at a bus stop. They’re talking about a birthday party that the woman attended over the weekend.

Listening Part 4 (Teil Vier):

The recording is a radio discussion of a topic.

In the model paper there is a presenter and two parents discussing the topic “Should small children go to a pre-school nursery?”

You have eight statements from the discussion and you have to chose which of the three said what.

After 60 seconds to read the questions, you hear the whole discussion twice.

At the end of all five parts, you have five minutes to copy your answers to the answer sheet.

Writing Section (Schreiben)

The total time is 60 minutes

Writing Task One (Aufgabe Eins)(20 minutes):

You have to write an email of about eighty words. You should cover the three points that are presented in the question. You are also told be pay attention to the “Textaufbau” (structure and presentation) of the email: the salutation, introduction, structure and the end of the email/signing off.

Writing Task Two (Aufgabe Zwei)(25 minutes):

You have to write about 80 words expressing your views on a given topical issue. You’re given the topic and a view to interact with.

So, in the model paper, you’re told that you’ve seen a TV discussion programme on “Personal Contacts and the Internet”. You are given the views of one viewer (from the comments on the programme’s on-line homepage).

Otherwise, there’s no further guidance.

Writing Task Three (Aufgabe Drei)(15 minutes):

You have to write an email of about forty words and are told not to forget the salutation and the sign-off.

In the model paper the scenario is that your course organiser has invited you to a meeting to discuss your learning goals. You can’t make the appointment, so need to write to excuse yourself and explain why you cannot attend.

German hat and books

Speaking Section (Sprechen)

The total time, during which you are examined with another candidate, is 15 minutes.

You are first given the three speaking scenarios and fifteen minutes planning time (you plan on your own and can make notes, which you can take in to the meeting with you as prompts, but you have to speak freely during the meeting).

Speaking Part One (Teil Eins)(about three minutes):

In the model paper, you’re told that a participant in your German class has had an accident and is in hospital. The task for you and the other candidate is to arrange to visit the patient in hospital and to decide on a suitable present.

You’re given four discussion points that you should cover (e.g. When should the visit be? How can we help the patient next week when he/she is discharged) You can also cover other aspects.

Speaking Part Two (Teil Zwei)(about five minutes):

You have to make a short presentation on an issue of the day (ein aktuelles Thema). To help structure your presentation you have five miniature presentation slides (topic title/”My personal experience”/The situation in my country/arguments for and against my position/conclusion and thanks. There is some space for you to jot notes during the presentation and brief guidance as to what you should cover to each slide (this is the same for both sets of slides).

In the model paper the two topics you can choose from are “‘Papa, ich will ein Handy!’ Brauchen Kinder Mobiltelefone” or “‘Mama es ist gerade so lustig… …Nur noch fünf Minuten!’. Sehen Kinder zu viel Fern?” There are two topics five slides each with a few words and sometimes a picture.

Speaking Part Three (Teil Drei)(about four minutes in total, so two minutes per candidate)

The task is to react to the feedback and questions of the examiners and your fellow candidate have about your presentation. You also have to give feedback on your fellow candidate’s presentation and ask him or her a question about it.

Pass marks and retakes

The modular nature of the Goethe B1 German exam means that you can take one, two, three or all four parts at a centre in one day. If you take and pass all four on one sitting or in a two or more sittings within one year, you can get one certificate for the whole exam.

You need to get at least 60% in a module to pass it.

Either way, if you don’t take them all at once you’ll get a certificate for the modules that you’ve taken. So, as I understand it, if you take more than a year to pass all four, you can build up to a pass in all four sections with separate certificates.

You can retake the whole exam, or one of the four parts, any number of times (although the centre where you took the exam may impose a pause period before you can have another go).

You also have the flexibility to take (or retake) the modules at different exam centres.

Want to know more?

If you’ve already approaching a B1 “exam ready” level, check out the model paper and the other practice material for the Goethe-Institut German B1 exam on the Institut’s website. I’ve done my best to get things right above, but double-check yourself and remember, formats and requirements do sometimes change and that’s all the more true so long as COVID-19 remains an issue.

Viel Erfolg in your preparation and in the exam!

Would you like to see more content on the topic here on the site? Let me know in the comments below!

Other posts in this series:

The Goethe-Instutut A2 exam explained

Intermediate German (B1) vocabulary and grammar: what and how?

From beginners (A2) to intermediate (B1) German: the difference?

Motivation for Intermediate (B1) German: enjoying the highs and getting through the lows

How to remember German noun gender: the ultimate guide

German future tense: top dos and don’ts

German imperfect tense: forms and uses made clear

German cases made simple (Goodbye to endless tables!)

German genitive case: the only guide you’ll ever need

German modal verbs: the ultimate guide

Joining it up: how conjunctions can transform your intermediate German

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Hi. How much does the B1 exam (at the Geothe Institute) cost please?

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It depends which Goethe Institut you take it atk, Fabrice. You can easily check this on the website of the relevant Goethe Institut. Viel Erfolg beim Deutschlernen!

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This was quite helpful. Vielen Dank!

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Will my partner and I be together while the 15 mins preparation for the b1 sprechen?

Sorry for the delay in replying, Anibal. I run this site all on my own….there’s always too much to do! 🙂 Your question, is a very good one and I’m afraid I don’t know the answer. I have checked thoroughly on the Goethe website and looked at their pdf downloads about the exam rules, but I can’t find the answer. So that you know what to expect, I think you should check directly with the exam centre where you plan to take the exam. Please do share the answer here in the comments! Viel Erfolg!

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Hi, I don’t know how late this reply is but I would like to answer that question and add some information.

I’ve taken the exam before and for my situation (I took the B1 Goethe exam in Jordan), there were around 12 students who were taking the exam in the room, no one knew who’s going to participate with and no one was allowed to talk with the other, we were given the preparation papers with the topic and what should we talk about, and at the very end when it’s time for the test, they revealed the pairs taking the exam and sent them to another room, where we met the two teachers who’re going to test us.

Good luck to all who’re participating in the exam!

Thanks for sharing your expoerience, vielen Dank, Hisham! Are you working for the B2 now or enjoying the level you’ve already reached (or both! 🙂 ).

sadly repeating the B1 writing and reading exams, but i’ll be continuing to study after that until C1 😀

Good luck with the retakes, Hisham! It happens to us all (I had to retake my Russian C1 writing)…

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Good evening doctor . My name is David Buta and I am at Goethe institut doing the A2.2 level . A friend of mine at the course told me that if you have a B1 certificate you can go study in Germany with a scholarship from Daad ,Erasmus program and student portal . I need to be in Germany by 2023 and would really appreciate your help by means of explanation . And I would also like to interview you via Skype to discuss blogging.

I live in Windhoek , Namibia as a foreigner. Thank you for your precious help

Hello David, good to hear that you’re studying German at the Geothe Institut. I think you need to identify potential student programmes/scholarships that would work for you first, then see what the language requirements are. It’s always important to check specific, up-to-date information. If you don’t yet meet the requirements, you can then plan how to get them (and even find out whether there are grants available to attend language courses). As I understand it, most DAAD scholarships are aimed at post grad students and I imagine that the language requirements will vary: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/ For Erasmus, a good place to start is here: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/about_en If you have any questions about blogging, feel free to email me!

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Thank you so much for your helpful blog post! For the speaking presentation, I was wondering if we are given any vocabulary lists or if we have access to our dictionaries / phones during the preparation time? I’m worried that they will give me a topic that I have no vocab for!

Glad you found the post helpful, Nat. I’m not sure about what you’ll have access to during the speaking prep time but I doubt it and I’d check with your chosen Goethe Institut (let us know in the comments what they say). Remember, though, you won’t have that much time and, so far as possible, I would use the time to work out how to make the most of what you already know. There is a published Goethe wordlist: https://www.goethe.de/pro/relaunch/prf/en/Goethe-Zertifikat_B1_Wortliste.pdf I think they’ll stick to mainstream topics. They aren’t out to trip you up. They want you to show off what you can do, bearing in mind what’s expected at B1 level. Viel Erfolg!

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Hey Gareth,

Thanks for a helpful blog post. I have a question – is the written section typed on a computer or written by hand? Same for the answers for the reading and listening sections – digital or analog output expected from the candidates? Thanks!

Grüße Marvihs! Thanks for reading and commenting. My understanding is that everything is done by hand and so I would practise that way as well (relevant, for example, to help you estimate whether you’re round about the right length for written work). But do check with the Goethe Institut where you’re taking the exam (and it would be great if you could let us know in the comments!). Viel Erfolg!

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Hallo Thanks for all. In case l do retakes and finally get the required mark of 60. Do l need to get a one document certificate or l present the different module certificates, that is four certificates arising out of each module?

Hallo, Francis! B1 is a modular exam so you will get a certificate for the modules you’ve passed. If you pass all four within one year, you can get one, consolidated certificate (I think with all the passes on). It’s a bit complicated, but that’s my understanding. See p. 11 of the Prüfungsordnung and check with the Goethe Institut where you want to take your exams: https://www.goethe.de/pro/relaunch/prf/en/Pruefungsordnung.pdf Viel Erfolg!

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Hallo sir I want to appear in B1 within one or two months.leider if fail in any module then i can give that specific module or whole test 4 modules. And for LLM B1 WOULD be enough or more………………Danke shön

Hi Faheem, as I say in the post, you can retake modules, you don’t have to retake the whole exam. To study law at university level in Germany, you’ll need to be a lot higher than B1. See my separate post on this site on “Which German Exam is Best”? Viel Erfolg!

Exam taken in March 2022

Funny that I asked this question. The exam was on a computer for the listening, reading and writing sections (an individual laptop for each person, including headphones for the Listening section of the exam).

However, in my Writing exam, something went wrong and I got logged off, so I ended up doing the exam ‘old school’ using pen and paper that they provided me.

Hope this is helpful.

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Thank you for your very informative article. If one fails one module in the Goethe Institut B1 language exam , can they use the certificates of the three passed modules to apply for FSJ ( volunteer year ) in Germany ?

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Thanks for a helpful blog post. I have a question is theire a possibility of styding b1 in morocco thank you .

Grüße Hamza, glad you found the post helpful Have a look here: https://www.goethe.de/ins/ma/fr/spr/prf.html

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Hello, thank you for all the info. I passed the speaking module at January 2022 and if I take the other 3 modules remaining at January or February 2023 would be a problem or I have to take the full test even speaking in this case? Best regards!

Hi Mika, my understanding is that you will get a certificate showing the modules that you pass at a given sitting (for you, Speaking). If you want to get the other three plus your existing speaking certified IN ONE CERTIFICATE, you have to retake the other three at the the same centre and within one year and they will issue a new certificate (also showing your speaking results). If you pass the other three (or some of them) at another centre and/or later than one year after speaking, you will just get separate certificates for each section. But all the certificates together still = the whole exam passed. See para. 14.2 of the Prüfungsordnung, here: https://www.goethe.de/pro/relaunch/prf/de/Pruefungsordnung.pdf (Do check with your Goethe Institut centre as I can only tell you my personal understanding, of course.) Viel Erfolg with the remaining three sections.

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how to write a presentation in german

Words for Giving Presentations in German

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how to write a presentation in german

How to start, write and end a letter in German [formal + informal]

Marie Schmoll

Marie Schmoll

“Dear reader,

Today i picked up my pen to write to you about the long lost art of letter writing.”.

We all know how to text and send quick emails full of abbreviations but when was the last time you sat down to write someone a letter with pen and paper? Taking the time to do this will show the other person you’ve put in some real effort, which is likely to get you what you want - whether you’re trying to impress a German love interest, writing a complaint letter to a German company or asking that nice German-speaking sales rep about the delicious perfume you didn’t get the chance to buy.

Getting those letters right demonstrates your commitment to effective cross-cultural communication and impresses the other person. So we’ll teach you exactly how to write a letter in German.

Why learn how to write a letter in German?

In German-speaking countries, it’s still fairly common to write letters, especially to formal offices or your bank. These are often the kind of important letters you want to get just right - but watch out! Writing a letter in German is not just like writing an English letter in a different language.

There are a number of things to take into account that will be different - starting with the size. In Germany, all standard mail comes in the size A4, not letterbox. It’s what people print their documents on and the size you’ll see in all stationery.

Next up, you wanna get your format and tone of voice right, and make sure your greeting and sign off are appropriate. Luckily there are a number of fool-proof words and phrases you can learn or copy and once you get them right, you’ll come off as a sophisticated German-speaker.

Learn how to write a letter in German.

Key letter writing vocabulary to keep in mind

Let’s get started with these important letter-related words.

Formatting a letter in German

If you’re talking to a friend or a loved one, you can obviously relax about formatting your letter - but for any other purposes, try to stick to the common format, with this step by step guide on how to write a formal or a business letter in German:

  • Start by placing your address on the top left corner of the page
  • Next, add the recipient's address, aligned on the top right corner. Remember to include their name, street, postal code, and city.
  • On the top right, write the date in long format (19. Juni 2023)
  • If you’re using reference numbers, include them below the recipient's address, on the right-hand side and feel free to put them in parentheses or square brackets
  • Add a polite salutation like “ Sehr geehrter/ Sehr geehrte ” if you’re addressing a stranger, followed by “ Herr/Frau ” and the person’s last name
  • State what you want. No matter how long German words usually are, keep your content short and to the point by avoiding unnecessary fluff
  • Sign off with a greeting like “ Mit freundlichen Grüßen ”, plus your name, and make sure you sign the letter by hand, even if you typed out the rest

Formatting a letter in German.

How to write the date on a letter in German

German dates are a little different from the American standard:

  • The conventional date format is DD.MM.YYYY. So, if today is June 10, 2023, you would write it as 10.06.2023
  • When writing dates within a paragraph, remember to capitalize the days of the week (Montag, Dienstag, etc.) and months (Januar, Februar, etc.)
  • Also, Germans use a dot (.) as the separator, not of a comma (,)

How to write a formal or business letter in German

Formal letters in German require a professional tone and adherence to proper etiquette. When writing a formal letter to a stranger in German, remember to:

  • Use the appropriate formal pronouns, such as " Sie " instead of " du "
  • Maintain a clear and concise structure
  • Stick to polite and respectful language, avoid slang
  • Learn about German business vocab and etiquette

Formal letter greetings

How to start a formal letter in german.

When it comes to crafting a formal letter, keep in mind why you’re writing the letter and what you’re hoping to get from the recipient.

Whether you’re applying for a job, writing an apology or trying to sell a product, we’ve collected just the right phrases to start your letter in German.

Learn how to write a cover letter when applying for a job in German.

Cover letters when applying for a job

Letter of enquiry, letter of complaint, letter of apology.

For more ways to apologize in German, check out this helpful guide !

Letter of response

Letter of sales / promotion, how to sign off or end a formal letter in german.

Man thinking of how to sign off or end a formal letter in German.

If you need more inspiration for signing off a letter or an email, head to our guide on saying goodbye in German !

Example of a formal letter in German

Absender: Sophie Schaller An der Welle 3 60486 Frankfurt am Main

Empfänger: Frau Milena Eichbaum Leiterin der Parfumabteilung Drogeriegeschäft Kranz Hauptstraße 5 10178 Berlin

Frankfurt am Main, den 7. Juni 2023

Betreff: Anfrage bezüglich eines bestimmten Parfums

Sehr geehrte Frau Eichbaum,

Ich hoffe, diese Zeilen erreichen Sie in bester Gesundheit und Stimmung. Vor Kurzem hatte ich das Vergnügen, Ihr Geschäft zu besuchen, wo ich in den Genuss Ihrer exzellenten Beratung in der Parfumabteilung kam.

Zu meinem Bedauern musste ich meine Suche nach dem perfekten Duft unterbrechen, da ich einen unerwarteten Anruf erhielt und das Geschäft vorzeitig verließ. Da wir während meiner Beratung mehrere Parfums ausprobiert haben, ist mir leider der Name des Parfums entfallen, das mir so gut gefiel.

Ich erinnere mich noch vage daran, dass es eine blaue Flasche hatte und herrlich nach Jasmin und Vanille duftete, mit einer weiteren Note, die mich an den Strand erinnerte. Ich wäre Ihnen sehr dankbar, wenn Sie mir helfen könnten, dieses spezielle Parfum zu identifizieren.

Ich freue mich auf Ihre Antwort und bedanke mich im Voraus für Ihre Hilfe!

Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

Sophie Schaller

Translation:

Sender: Sophie Schaller An der Welle 3 60486 Frankfurt am Main

Recipient: Frau Milena Eichbaum Leiterin der Parfumabteilung Drogeriegeschäft Kranz Hauptstraße 5 10178 Berlin

Frankfurt am Main, June 7, 2023

Subject: Inquiry regarding a specific perfume

Dear Mrs. Eichbaum,

I hope these lines reach you in the best of health and spirits. I recently had the pleasure of visiting your store, where I had the honor of receiving your excellent advice in the perfume department.

To my regret, I had to interrupt my search for the perfect fragrance as I received an unexpected phone call and left the store early. Unfortunately, since we tried several perfumes during my consultation, I forgot the name of the perfume that I liked so much.

I vaguely remember that it had a blue bottle and smelled delightfully of jasmine and vanilla, with another note that reminded me of the beach. I would be very grateful if you could help me identify this particular perfume.

I look forward to your reply and thank you in advance for your help!

With kind regards,

How to write an informal letter in German

If you have German-speaking friends, I’m sure it would absolutely make their day if they got a handwritten letter from you!

It can be to a new acquaintance you met in transit at the Frankfurt airport or the coworker from your company’s German team that you’ve recently befriended.

Or you can go online and find a German-speaking pen pal, which is a super fun way to practice your German language skills !

Informal letters give you the liberty to write in a more personal and relaxed tone. They commonly start with a friendly greeting like " Liebe/r " (Dear) or " Hallo " (Hello) and end with casual sign-offs such as " Viele Grüße " (Many Greetings) or " Bis bald " (See you soon) - and in between you can get creative and say whatever comes to mind.

Write a postcard from Berlin to friends and family.

Informal letter greetings

When crafting an informal letter to a friend or a loved one, don’t worry about a formal greeting!

How to start an informal letter in German

You’re not trying to open a new bank account or complain about a service. This is a letter to a regular person in your life, so just write the way you’d talk to them!

How to sign off or end an informal letter in German

Sign off your letter with one of these phrases and don’t forget your name after that!

How to write an email in German

If this all sounds like a little too much work and you’re wondering how to write a German email instead, keep these things in mind:

  • Punctuality: Most Germans value punctuality, so try to respond to emails in a timely manner
  • Formality: Even in emails, it's common to use formal greetings and sign-offs if you don’t know the other person well
  • Structure: Like traditional letters, German emails also tend to follow a specific structure with a greeting, body, and conclusion
  • Politeness: Germans generally prefer directness in communication, but it's essential to stay polite. Consider using phrases like " Ich würde mich freuen, wenn... " (I would appreciate it if...) to make requests more courteous
  • Fonts: Stick to professional, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid colored fonts and excessive use of bold or italic text
  • Emojis: Generally avoid emojis in formal emails to strangers but if you do know the other person, go ahead. Using emojis in writing is like smiling while talking!

“Alles Liebe”

As you set out to write your own letters and emails in German, remember that each one of them is an opportunity to deepen connections, express your thoughts, and participate in a cultural exchange. So, grab that pen or start typing, and let your words brighten someone’s day!

P.S.: If you’re looking for more inspiring articles that all read like little love letters to the German language, find our German vocabulary blog!

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    Skills required to achieve mastery of public speaking and power presentations with the help of role-playing. By the end of the German Public Speaking course you will be able to: structure the presentation and link the various parts. use key language and a variety of rhetorical techniques. prepare and incorporate visual aids.

  11. Presenting in Germany

    For the most part, when giving a presentation in Germany, you don't have to worry. Depending on the audience, it is often acceptable to present in English, but it is always a good idea to confirm this beforehand. This fact might make presenting in Germany sound easy; however, Germans expect presentations to go beyond superficial information ...

  12. Key takeaways in German in a presentation

    Zusammenfassung is not the right word because it is not a summary. It's more about the learning points of my talk. @infinitezero Public talk on a startup conference. @Peter-ReinstateMonica "tl;dr" is very much a modern expression. I'm sure if I wrote "tl;dr" to my mom, she would not understand. @MechMK1 Well, the event is most likely not ...

  13. Meetings And Presentations In Germany

    A good presentation follows a logical structure and invites people to follow the line of thoughts. Presentations in Germany should be well prepared, comprehensive and clear. They should be presented in a formal and rational manner. You can show facts and figures to underline your arguments. This is a good way to show, that they are valid.

  14. I'm preparing for my first German presentation and have a few ...

    /r/German is a community focused on discussion related to learning the German language. It is also a place to discuss the language at large. New visitors, please read the FAQ: /r/German/wiki/faq ... Hope I could help and good luck for your presentation Reply reply

  15. German Grammar and Vocabulary

    Premium Google Slides theme and PowerPoint template. Make learning the language of Goethe easier and more enjoyable with this creative template. This simple, cream-colored template helps you to organize and structure your language learning journey with a unique and creative approach. Not only does it provide you with the basic German grammar ...

  16. How To Prepare For The German Oral Exam B1

    I need to hold a 2minute presentation in German on level B1 CEFR about the topic below. Can you first provide me with a sample presentation that follows the following format: ... The B1 German test consists of various components, including speaking, writing, and understanding. It assesses vocabulary, grammar, and the ability to communicate ...

  17. HOW TO make a Presentation in GERMAN "Fremdsprachen lernen ...

    Deutsch für alle - ¡Alemán para todos!Yo soy Gabriel - Aprende alemán conmigo!~~~¡Suscríbete!~~~ ~~~¡Dejame un comentario!~~~ ⏩Mi Instagram: https://www.ins...

  18. 24 German Essay Phrases

    The Different Types of German Essays. How to Write an Essay in German in 4 Steps. 1. Write down a list of words. 2. Do your research. 3. Make an outline using transition words. 4.

  19. topics for presentation in german class (help!) : r/germany

    Grimm fairytales, Christmas markets, cinema, the origins of differences in the dialects, etc. Germany is known as the land of "Dichter und Denker" so you could do something with that. I did a whole presentation on Christmas traditions in Switzerland for extra credit for a French class. You could do something like that or differences in Easter ...

  20. The Goethe-Institut German B1 exam explained

    Pass marks and retakes. The modular nature of the Goethe B1 German exam means that you can take one, two, three or all four parts at a centre in one day. If you take and pass all four on one sitting or in a two or more sittings within one year, you can get one certificate for the whole exam. You need to get at least 60% in a module to pass it.

  21. Top 15 words related to Giving Presentations in German.

    Learn to talk about Giving Presentations in German with these 15 words.Discover new vocabulary with the pronunciation and a mnemonic illustration.

  22. How to introduce yourself in German (easy PDF script)

    Mein Name ist Lucy Stein. - My name is Lucy Stein. First two options are less formal. "Mein Name ist …" is more often used when you say your full name. 2. Country and nationality in German. Ich komme aus _______ . - I am from (country). Examples:

  23. How to start, write and end a letter in German [formal

    The conventional date format is DD.MM.YYYY. So, if today is June 10, 2023, you would write it as 10.06.2023. When writing dates within a paragraph, remember to capitalize the days of the week (Montag, Dienstag, etc.) and months (Januar, Februar, etc.) Also, Germans use a dot (.) as the separator, not of a comma (,)