The Goethe-Zertifikat is the Goethe-Institut's German exam. You can take it at Goethe-Instituts and partner exam centers around the world, and each center sets its own dates and fees. There is one exam for each CEFR level, from A1 for beginners to C2, which is called the Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom.
Bubblegum is a language app that writes German lessons at your level. When an ending or a word order confuses you, you can ask Poppy, your AI tutor, about it while you read. You can read one of her lessons below.
What Are the Goethe-Zertifikat Levels?
Every level has four parts: reading, listening, writing and speaking. From B1 up, each part is a separate module, which you can take together or one at a time.
- A1
Start Deutsch 1
- Written: 65 minutes
- Speaking: about 15 minutes, in a group
- Pass: 60 of 100
- A2
Goethe-Zertifikat A2
- Written: 90 minutes
- Speaking: about 15 minutes, in pairs
- Pass: 60 of 100
- B1
Modular
- Written: about 165 minutes
- Speaking: about 15 minutes, in pairs
- Pass: 60% in each module
- B2
Modular
- Written: about 180 minutes
- Speaking: about 15 minutes, in pairs
- Pass: 60% in each module
- C1
Modular
- Written: about 180 minutes
- Speaking: about 20 minutes, in pairs
- Pass: 60% in each module
- C2
Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom
- Written: about 195 minutes
- Speaking: about 15 minutes, on your own
- Pass: 60% in each module
There is also an A1 exam for young learners called Fit in Deutsch 1, which you pass with 30 out of 60 points.
What Is on the Test?
| Level | Reading | Listening | Writing | Speaking (time to prepare) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 25 min | About 20 min | 20 min | About 15 min |
| A2 | 30 min | About 30 min | 30 min | About 15 min in pairs, 10 alone |
| B1 | 65 min | About 40 min | 60 min | About 15 min (15 min) |
| B2 | 65 min | About 40 min | 75 min | About 15 min (15 min) |
| C1 | 65 min | About 40 min | 75 min | About 20 min (20 min) |
| C2 | 80 min | About 35 min | 80 min | About 15 min (15 min) |
At A1 and A2, the whole exam is scored out of 100, and you need 60 points. A2 also asks for at least 45 points in the written part and 15 in speaking. From B1 up, each module is scored on its own, and you pass a module with 60 percent. You can take a module again without retaking the ones you already passed.
How Do You Book a Goethe Exam?
You book with a Goethe-Institut or a partner exam center, and that center lists its dates and fee on its own website. As an example, Goethe-Instituts in Germany charge adults 155 euros for A1, 259 euros for B1 and 359 euros for C2. Some centers run the written modules on a laptop at the center, with the speaking test in person.
How to Prepare with Comprehensible Input
From B1 up, each module counts on its own, so one weak skill means taking that module again. You can build your listening and reading with lots of comprehensible input, German you can follow from start to finish.
- Find Your Weakest ModuleNotice which skill feels hardest when you read and listen in German, and give it extra time each week.
- Replay What You MissListen to German audio you can mostly follow, and replay the bits you miss until you catch every word.
- Do the Whole Paper OnceThe free practice paper has every module, with the listening audio. Go through all of it once before exam day, so nothing on the day is new.
This lesson is about ordering food and drinks and greeting people. Start at Level 2 and see how far up you can read.
Everyday German at Five Levels
From Bubblegum’s guide Ordering Food, Drinks, and Greeting People in Daily Life. It works here the way it works inside Bubblegum.
I can handle simple exchanges.
At the Office
Anna and Lukas meet in the office.
Good morning, Lukas! You're here much earlier today.
Good morning, Anna! I'm just organizing these books and papers.
That's nice, the coffee tastes better today too.
True, let's get started!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Goethe-Zertifikat
Does a Goethe certificate expire?
No. The Goethe-Institut says its certificates from A1 to C2 are valid without a time limit. It also says many institutions ask for a certificate that is no more than two years old, so check with yours.
Which Goethe level do I need for a German visa or citizenship?
The Goethe-Institut says Start Deutsch 1 (A1) is accepted for a spouse joining a partner in Germany, and B1 is accepted for permanent residence and citizenship. Check the current rules with the office that handles your case.
Is Bubblegum free?
Yes. The lesson library is free for everyone, because we believe everyone should be able to learn. It holds lessons that other learners asked Poppy for. A new custom lesson costs us real money to make, so your first one is free, and Bubblegum Pro gives you unlimited custom lessons.
Sources
- Goethe-Institut: German exams overview and FAQ (modular exams, digital exams, uses)
- Goethe-Institut: exam regulations (Prüfungsordnung, as of 1 September 2025)
- Goethe-Institut: rules for Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 (as of 1 September 2025)
- Goethe-Institut: rules for Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Fit in Deutsch 1 (pass mark 30 of 60; digital exams on a centre laptop)
- Goethe-Institut: rules for Goethe-Zertifikat A2
- Goethe-Institut: rules for Goethe-Zertifikat B1
- Goethe-Institut: rules for Goethe-Zertifikat B2
- Goethe-Institut: rules for Goethe-Zertifikat C1
- Goethe-Institut: rules for Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom
- Goethe-Institut: how long certificates are valid
- Goethe-Institut: exam fees in Germany
- Goethe-Institut: practice materials for each level
