Goethe B2 exam pass mark: format, timings and retakes

What is the Goethe B2 exam format?

The exam, officially the Goethe-Zertifikat B2, has three written modules taken in a group (Lesen = reading, Hören = listening, Schreiben = writing) and one speaking module (Sprechen), usually taken in pairs. The table shows every part as the Goethe-Institut describes it in its official model test for adults.

The three written modules take about 180 minutes without breaks. The recommended order is reading, listening, writing, but the exam centre may change it. There is a break of at least 15 minutes between modules. In reading and listening you transfer your answers to the answer sheet at the end, and you should keep about 5 minutes of the exam time for that. Dictionaries and phones are not allowed.

Speaking takes about 15 minutes in pairs, or about 10 minutes if you are examined alone (only in exceptional cases). Before it you get 15 minutes to prepare on your own, and you may use your notes during the exam. There is also a version for teenagers with the same parts and timings, using informal address and topics from school and training.

What is the pass mark for Goethe B2?

Each module is worth up to 100 points, and you pass a module with at least 60 points, which is 60 percent. Every module is scored and passed on its own. There is no overall total that lets a strong reading score make up for a weak writing score.

How many correct answers do I need in reading and listening?

Reading and listening each have 30 questions, and each correct answer scores one point. The Goethe-Institut converts these into result points with a fixed table (times 3.33, rounded). This is what it means in practice:

How are writing and speaking marked?

Two examiners score your work independently against fixed criteria, and the average is rounded to whole points. In writing there is one more rule: if one examiner is above the pass mark of 60 and the other below it, and the average falls below 60, a third examiner marks the text. Only what is on the answer sheet counts, not your draft paper.

On top of that come 16 points for pronunciation, rated once across both parts: 44 plus 40 plus 16 makes 100. The short warm-up chat at the start is not marked, and the speaking examiners do not see your written results. Note how much the 12 points for questions and answers after your presentation are worth: more than any other single speaking criterion except pronunciation.

Can I retake only one module?

Yes. The four modules can be taken individually or in any combination. Under § 7 of the exam rules you may take or retake modules as often as you like, as long as your exam centre offers dates. The rules set no waiting period and no deadline for a retake.

• If, for example, you failed only writing, you register again for writing only.
• Whether modules from different exam dates together count as proof of B2 is decided by whoever asks for the certificate: the university, the employer, the embassy or the authority. Ask them before you retake a single module.
• Dates and fees, including for single modules, are set out by your exam centre or Goethe-Institut.

What grades appear on the certificate?

The front of the certificate shows your points or percentage for each module. The back explains which grade goes with which points:

How long is the Goethe B2 certificate valid?

The exam rules do not state a validity period. Whether an older certificate is still good enough for your purpose is decided by whoever asks for it, for example a university, an employer, an embassy or a visa office. Check with them before you book a new exam.

Is the Goethe B2 exam on paper, on a computer or online?

Besides the paper exam there is a digital exam on a laptop at the exam centre. According to the Goethe-Institut the content is the same. You hear the listening texts through headphones, type your texts on a German keyboard, and reading and listening are scored automatically. The speaking tasks are still handed out on paper. An online exam on your own computer exists only under certain conditions, with a webcam and microphone; tablets are not allowed. Which format you can book depends on your exam centre.

How is Goethe B2 different from telc B2?

For telc B2 you need 60 percent in the written exam and 60 percent in the oral exam, and the written parts can balance each other out. For Goethe B2 each of the four modules must reach 60 points on its own, but in return you can retake any module separately. Which exam you need is decided by whoever asks for the certificate, not by the exam provider.

How to prepare

1. Reading: keep to the suggested 18, 12, 12, 12 and 6 minutes. That is 60 minutes; the other 5 are for transferring your answers to the answer sheet.
2. Listening: practise parts 1 and 3 without replaying, because in the exam you hear those texts only once.
3. Writing: in part 1, plan about 10 minutes for your outline and the content points. In part 2 you choose the order of the content points yourself; do not forget the greeting and sign-off.
4. Speaking: build your presentation with an introduction, a main part and a conclusion, and speak for about 4 minutes. Then practise answering questions on your topic, because they are worth 12 points.

You can work through every module under real timing in the Goethe B2 practice exam. More tasks are in the practice area.