Intermediate German
B1 is the third level of the CEFR. At this level, you can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken.
Estimated study time: 200 hours
What You Can Do
At B1 level, you can:
- Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters
- Deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling
- Produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest
- Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions
- Briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans
- Understand the main point of radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of personal interest
- Read articles and reports about contemporary problems
- Write simple connected text on familiar topics
- Participate in conversations on familiar topics
- Express opinions and explain advantages and disadvantages
Vocabulary
Master intermediate German vocabulary with approximately 2,400-2,600 words covering work, education, travel, hobbies, current events, and abstract concepts.
B1 Vocabulary →Reading
Practice B1 reading comprehension with short everyday texts and interactive questions.
Read a blog post about a year abroad. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Read a short newspaper article about cycling in a city. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Read a complaint e-mail about a faulty laptop. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Read two forum posts about working from home. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Read a cover letter for a job application. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Read a course description from an adult-education centre. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Read an e-mail from a landlord about the utility bill. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Read a reader's letter to a newspaper. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Read a consumer advice article. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Read an interview with a volunteer. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Read a health advice article. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Read an information text about registering your address. Read the text and practice true/false, multiple choice and fill-in questions.
Grammar
Master intermediate grammar structures. Key topics include:
All Cases (Nominative, Accusative, Dative, Genitive)
Subjunctive I & II (Konjunktiv)
Passive Voice
Relative Clauses
Prepositions with All Cases
Complex Sentence Structures
Past Tenses (Präteritum, Plusquamperfekt)
Future Tense
Skills
📖 Reading
You can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language. You can understand the description of events, feelings, and wishes in personal letters.
✍️ Writing
You can write simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. You can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.
👂 Listening
You can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You can understand the main point of many radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of personal interest.
🗣️ Speaking
You can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. You can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest, or pertinent to everyday life.
Practice Exercises
Practice B1 level German with interactive exercises covering vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
B1 Exercises →Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know for B1 German?
For B1 German, you need to master the vocabulary, grammar topics, and skills listed on this page. Focus on understanding and using the grammar structures, building your vocabulary, and practicing all four language skills.
How long does it take to reach B1 level?
It typically takes approximately 200 hours of study to reach B1 level. This includes structured learning, practice, and regular exposure to the language.
What's the difference between B1 and the previous level?
B1 represents a significant step up from A2, with the ability to communicate independently on familiar topics and understand the main points of clear standard input.