The B2 German exam evaluates candidates at an upper-intermediate level of German proficiency. The format may vary slightly depending on the exam provider (e.g., Goethe-Institut, telc, or ÖSD), but the structure typically includes the following components:
1. Reading (Lesen)
- Duration: ~60–90 minutes (depending on the provider).
- Format:
- Reading comprehension tasks with various types of texts (e.g., articles, letters, advertisements, emails).
- Tasks include multiple-choice questions, matching headings to paragraphs, and completing information based on the text.
- Skills Tested:
- Understanding the main ideas and specific details of complex texts.
- Identifying implicit meaning or opinions.
2. Listening (Hören)
- Duration: ~30–40 minutes.
- Format:
- Listening to dialogues, interviews, announcements, or radio broadcasts.
- Questions include multiple-choice, true/false, and filling in missing information.
- Skills Tested:
- Understanding spoken German in different contexts, accents, and speeds.
- Grasping both general content and specific details.
3. Writing (Schreiben)
- Duration: ~60–90 minutes.
- Format:
- Writing tasks include formal and informal emails, essays, or reports.
- You might need to express opinions, describe experiences, or summarize information.
- Skills Tested:
- Structuring texts logically and coherently.
- Using appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and style for the context.
4. Speaking (Sprechen)
- Duration: ~15–20 minutes.
- Format:
- Conducted as a pair or individual interview with an examiner.
- Tasks include:
- Presenting a topic or argument.
- Discussing a topic with a partner or examiner.
- Providing solutions to a problem or debating an issue.
- Skills Tested:
- Fluency, coherence, and pronunciation.
- Ability to argue, explain, and interact effectively.
Grading and Passing Criteria
- Each section (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) contributes equally to the total score.
- A typical passing score is around 60% overall, but exact thresholds may vary by provider.
Exam Providers for B2 Level
- Goethe-Zertifikat B2: Offered by Goethe-Institut, recognized worldwide.
- telc Deutsch B2: Focuses on academic and professional contexts.
- ÖSD Zertifikat B2: Common in Austria and internationally recognized.
- TestDaF (B2/C1): For students planning to study in German universities.
References
- Goethe-Zertifikat B2: The Goethe-Institut provides comprehensive information about the B2 exam structure, including reading, listening, writing, and speaking components. Goethe-Institut
- Practice Materials for Goethe-Zertifikat B2: To familiarize yourself with the exam format, the Goethe-Institut offers sample papers and practice exercises. Goethe-Institut
- Exam Preparation Resources: Additional preparatory materials for various German exams, including B2, are available to help candidates understand the test structure and expectations. Goethe-Institut
- telc Deutsch B2: The telc website outlines the structure of their B2 exam, detailing the written and oral examinations. telc
These resources should provide you with detailed insights into the B2 German exam format and help you prepare effectively.