To pass the German B1 exam you need 60 percent. In the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 that means at least 60 out of 100 points in each module – reading, listening, writing and speaking – and you can retake any module on its own. In telc Deutsch B1 you need 135 of 225 points in the written exam and 45 of 75 in the oral exam; a failed part can be retaken alone within the same or the following calendar year.
The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ), taken at the end of the integration course, works differently: each part is rated A2 or B1, and you receive an overall B1 if you reach B1 in speaking and in at least one written part.
Grade bands
- Goethe B1 (per module): 90–100 very good, 80–89 good, 70–79 satisfactory, 60–69 pass, below 60 fail.
- telc B1 (total of 300): 270–300 very good, 240–269.5 good, 210–239.5 satisfactory, 180–209.5 sufficient.
- DTZ: listening/reading combined – 20 of 45 for A2, 33 of 45 for B1.
If you fail
- 1Read your result sheet: it shows points for each skill.
- 2Goethe: book only the module you failed – there is no limit on retakes beyond the exam centre’s capacity.
- 3telc: retake only the written or oral part within the same or the next calendar year. The retake result replaces the old one.
- 4DTZ: ask your course provider about repeating up to 300 lessons through BAMF, usually possible once.
- 5Train the weakest skill specifically – writing is often the fastest to improve with feedback.
Does a B1 certificate expire?
Goethe and telc certificates do not show an expiry date. However, universities, embassies and employers sometimes ask for a certificate that is not older than a certain period. Check the requirement of the institution you are applying to.
Turn a fail into a pass
- 1
Find the gap
Which skill and how many points?
- 2
Practise with feedback
Write regularly and read every correction.
- 3
Track progress
Make sure your scores stay above 60%.
Free to download on iPhone & iPad
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for the German B1 exam?
60%. Goethe: 60/100 per module. telc: 135/225 written and 45/75 oral.
Can I retake only one part of the B1 exam?
Yes. Goethe lets you retake single modules; telc lets you retake the failed written or oral part within the same or the following calendar year.
How long do German B1 exam results take?
It depends on the provider and centre; several weeks is common for telc. Your exam centre gives the exact date.
Does the B1 certificate expire?
Goethe and telc certificates have no expiry date, but some institutions require a recent certificate.
How can I improve my German B1 writing score?
Practise exam tasks with instant feedback, for example in Deutsch B1 Prüfung: Schreiben for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6788904694