I am going to attempt the B2 Goethe exam at the end of October, and I am wondering if anyone has recommendations of online resources or books to help prepare. I know there are some courses out there but I would love to save a bit of cash and do some work at home on the written/reading comprehension part as I have some native German speakers who can do corrections with me and practice the oral part.
Goethe has a couple sample exams online but not too many. If anyone has used a book that has proved useful I would love to hear. Thanks so much in advance!
I used Hüber series B2 book. For Grammar I again used from Hüber -
Grundstufen Grammatik from Monika Reimann. You can refer to some B1 books as well, the main difference between B1 and B2 is the difference between vocabulary, B2 requires very good grammar in written as mistakes are not accepted as compared to B1. Spoken level I would say has to be decent enough where you are able to talk on different topics without thinking too, if not fluently.
I passed the B2 Goethe exam in July. I used two textbooks which focused on the exam. They were Fit fürs Goethe Zertifikat: B2 by Evelyn Fry and Prüfungstraining Daf: Goethe Zertifikat B2 by Gabi Baier and Roland Dittrich.
Both of them give really useful tips about how to approach the exam and ways to save time in the exam. If you know you stuff, the main problem that you will have is the time constraints. So these tips were very useful for me.
I also tried to speak as much German as possible in the run up to the exam. As you know native speakers, ask if they can help you with the speaking practice. It really requires no effort from their side and last about 10/15 minutes. I practiced this with my boyfriend. I did the presentation (which I prepared in advance) while he timed it and listen. Then he would give me some feedback and then we would do the conversation part together.
Also listen to as much German as you can. I watched most of my TV-fix in German and I watched a few films as well. Even if the speaking is a bit faster than you are used to and you don't find it so easy to follow, it is still well worth doing because then the exam will seem a bit easier.
In my experience the hardest part was that it was such a long day and by the end I was totally exhausted. If you survive the day, you are half way there!
FYI, the Goethe B2 test will be changing in 2019; some test sites will still use the old test and some will use the new test through March 2019. After that they will all use the new test.
Differences I'm aware of between old and new:
--Old has paragraphs with last word on each line missing; that type of exercise isn't in the new one.
--The new test is longer, though it takes the same time--so you have to work quickly to get through more exercises.
I don't know if other tests have also been changed.
I would like to take German language examination in order to apply for a c-permit (ZH).
I went through the forum and got much excellent info, but now im a bit
My current strategy is to do self study for few months and then perform the examination. Ill probably would go for the Goethe exam as it is recognized.
some open questions:
1. I could find info regard Telc exam options in Zurich.
Can anyone recommend an option to take the Goethe exam in Zurich?
2. Most of the books recommended in the forum for the exam preparation are dedicated to a certain level, for example . However, at this point I do not know if Im B1 or B2. Therefore, which approach is the best to proceed? Im concern that Ill buy a prep material which will be in a higher level which will be too difficult.
3. Its mentioned in the current thread that exam format is changed as of March 2019. In such case, I wonder if the above-mentioned books (e.g. They were Fit fürs Goethe Zertifikat: B2 by Evelyn Fry and Prüfungstraining Daf: Goethe Zertifikat B2 by Gabi Baier and Roland Dittrich) will be still valid for the new format.
4. last but not least, I plan to apply for the C permit later on. I understood there is no time limit for the language certificate once obtained. e.g. if I obtain a B1 now and apply within 1-2 years, it will ok.
even if my application will be rejected and Ill need to wait some more years, the language certificate will be still valid for the application.
I suggest you get in contact with Migros Klubschule. You can talk to them and have your level assessed with a human interview, and then they might recommend you a custom learning path. They will of course refer to the courses they offer, but then you will have the option to register with them or go by yourself knowing where you stand. Or go for a mixed approach, e.g. being involved in a course for a couple of months just to make sure you have all the basics covered, and then continue by yourself.
They even provide an online evaluation test but it's not so reliable.
For those looking for ways to improve their language skills, I recommend having a look at this bumper-post of drremobond007.... even if you are not a doctor.
I got B1 too, but after the interview they recommended me to join the A2 course. I did it, and I totally don't regret it. Coming from self-administered online courses I could probably have filled the A2 gaps while doing B1, but it would have been tough.
- I contacted the authorities (ZH) who told me that I will need a B2 for the C-permit. It seems that the requirements were updated as of 2019.
- I contacted Alemania, Migros Klubshucle and ZHAW, who told me that they dont do any assessment regard my level (even if I would like to register for a course) nor any interview. Instead, they told me to perform the mock exam on their website.
ZHAW told me to do the mock exam on the Goethe institute website .
The B2 exam is different as of 2019!
mid conclusions:
I know what are the language requirements
I do not know exactly my current level, but maybe Ill challenge to the B2
Not at all. You and the others gave me a good direction.
Actually, I found the Goethe exam example which can give an idea about the Hören and Lesen part. Regard the Schreiben and Sprechen, I got in contact with a private teacher will assess it.
Soon Ill take a decision to which level I will prepare. Then prepare a study plan (also using the good recommendations in the EF).
Again, Im thankful for your and the others comments
A2 is for regular C after 10 years , spouses of Swiss and foreigners with C, or C after 5 years for citizens of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece Great Britain, Irland, Island, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Vatican, or USA.
For early C based on VINTA you will need B1 PLUS if you have a spouse they will need A2 even if they not apply (B1 when they also apply for early C).