Goethe-Zertifikat B2: the exam parts

Schreiben

Two texts in 75 minutes: a forum post giving your opinion on a topic (approx. 150 words, suggested 50 minutes) and a message in a work situation, usually to a superior (approx. 100 words, 25 minutes). You may start with either task. It is marked against task fulfilment, coherence, vocabulary and structures — and at B2 in particular on how precisely the content points are covered and how well sentences and paragraphs are linked. Sample tasks and model answers: Schreiben B2.

Duration, points, passing

Each module gives a maximum of 100 points; you pass it with 60. The Goethe-Zertifikat B2 is modular: the four modules can be taken together or separately and retaken one by one.

What B2 asks of you

At B2 you understand the main content of complex texts too, can interact spontaneously and fluently, and can defend a point of view with arguments. So the exam asks less for single details and more for connections: recognising attitudes, weighing up arguments, taking a position.

• Lesen: five parts, most of them matching tasks — opinions to people, sentences to gaps, statements to texts. The last part tests whether you understand rules and instructions.
• Hören: in Teil 1 you hear five short conversations only once, each with two items. Teil 2 and Teil 4 — a radio interview and a short talk — are played twice. In Teil 3 you hear a conversation between several people once and decide for each statement: who says it?
• Sprechen: a talk of about four minutes on one of two topics, with introduction, main part and conclusion, followed by questions; then a discussion on a controversial question, at the end of which you sum up your position. More in Sprechen B2.

What you need the certificate for

B2 is often required for jobs that involve a lot of communication, and for some vocational training and degree programmes. Which certificate a body recognises — an employer, a recognition authority, a university — is up to that body. Check with them before you register.