How to pass the Goethe-Institut B1 exam (Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD))

Things you'll need:

• German language knowledge (reading, writing, listening and speaking)


• Passport or other form of accepted identification


• Two #2 pencils and an eraser


• Lunch and a snack and drink

1.Go online to Goethe Institut to find your nearest exam center. Register for the test and pay the required fee.

2. Order the Goethe practice tests or check the library or bookstore or online for sample tests.

3. Review a sample test to get familiar with it. The format of the questions is always the same.

4.Take a test under timed conditions to see how well you can do it. Then identify your problem areas so that you can work further on these parts.

5. Practice the speaking sections in advance by writing and memorizing some sentences to introduce yourself and general things to talk about (your profession, what you study, how long you have studied German, etc.)

6. Get a German speaking friend or colleague to listen to your speaking sentences to be sure that they are complete and clear and well spoken.

7. Practice your German letter writing and memorize the informal letter format so that you are ready to do that section.

8. Arrive early to the test center with your identification and pencils to take the test.

Tips & Warnings:

• Get a good night's sleep before the test.


• Don't stress if you miss a question or to understand a spoken sentence. Just keep going and pick it up again.


• Be sure to erase completely on the scanned sheets if you change an answer as the machine will read any stray pencil marks.


• Be prepared to wait a few weeks to receive the results in the post.


• Don't bring a cell phone to the test center, or be prepared to hand it to the examiner or perhaps to store it in a locker. Best to avoid bringing it with you if possible.


• Don't bring other extra items such as dictionaries, study sheets, etc. Some examiners are very strict about not bringing these items into the test room.