Your path to successfully passing your exams
Concisely explained, clearly structured, well prepared.
Assess German language skills objectively, fairly and transparently
We are an independent language testing provider specializing in the assessment of German language proficiency. The tests we design for this purpose are developed, administered, and evaluated in-house. Our German language tests are aligned with the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Quality through process reliability
Quality in aptitude diagnostics doesn't happen by chance, but through a systematically managed life cycle. We work according to the internationally recognized standard ISO 29992, which governs the evaluation of learning outcomes. For the field of German as a foreign language, we have specifically operationalized this standard, ensuring that scientific quality criteria are firmly anchored in our testing procedures.
Valid test design
Each task undergoes a multi-stage development process. Through needs analyses and pilot projects, we ensure that precisely the competencies required in reality are tested.
Objective evaluation
Our assessment procedures eliminate arbitrariness. Through standardized assessment grids, trained assessors, and statistical analyses of the quality of judgments, we guarantee that the result depends solely on the performance of the participants—regardless of who is conducting the assessment.
Fairness & equal opportunities
ISO 29992 obligates us to avoid any discrimination. We systematically review our tasks for cultural biases and ensure, through barrier-free access, that all candidates have the same opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.
Certified security
We don't just claim quality, we have it proven. The independent certification body DeuZert monitors our work through regular audits. DeuZert certifies that our processes, documentation, and quality assurance measures fully comply with the requirements of ISO 29992. DeuZert verifies the integrity and compliance of our audits.
With a certificate from our company, you receive more than just a grade: you receive valid proof of language competence.
B2: This is what you need to know for the exam
The B2 German exam tests your language skills at the fourth level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Level B2 represents advanced independent language use. It demonstrates that you understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics and can follow specialist discussions in your own field.
Passing the B2 exam proves that you can communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with native speakers is quite possible without major effort on either side.
The four communication skills are tested:
📖 Read
You can read and understand articles and reports on current issues in which the writers express a particular attitude or viewpoint. Understanding contemporary literary prose texts also presents no major difficulties for you.
🎧 Listen
You can understand longer speeches and lectures and follow complex arguments if you are reasonably familiar with the topic. On television, you can understand most news broadcasts, current affairs reports, and feature films, provided standard language is spoken.
✍️ Write
You can write clear and detailed texts on a wide variety of topics that interest you. You are able to summarize information in an essay or report, or to present arguments for and against a particular point of view. In letters, you can clearly convey the personal significance of events and experiences.
🗣️ Speaking
You can actively participate in discussions in familiar situations, explaining and defending your views. You provide clear and detailed explanations of many topics within your areas of interest, clarify your position on current issues, and confidently weigh the pros and cons of various options.
Exam structure – How the exam is structured
Get an overview of the individual exam sections, the respective task formats, and the available processing times in the online exam.
| Examination | Part | Tested competence | Task type | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | ||||
| the Hörversteh | A | Global Understanding | 5 Questions Knowledge Matrix | 20 Min |
| B | Understanding details | 10 Questions Knowledge Matrix | ||
| C | Selective understanding | 5 Questions Knowledge Matrix | ||
| the Leseversteh | D | Global Understanding | 10 Questions Survey Matrix | 26 Min |
| E | Understanding details | 5 multiple-choice questions | ||
| F | Text reconstruction | 10 Questions Survey Matrix | ||
| Grammar & Vocabulary | G | Grammar | 10 Questions Fill in Blanks | 16 Min |
| H | Lexicon | 15 Questions Survey Matrix | ||
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck | I | Writing skills | Essay | 20 Min |
| J: 10-minute break | ||||
| Mündlicher Ausdruck | K1 | Presentation | Monologue/Dialogue with Examiner | 15 Min |
| K2 | Discussion | |||
| K3 | Solve a task | |||
Question types
Your online exam will contain various question types designed to assess your language skills in different ways. Here's how each question type works. Use this information to prepare effectively for the exam and make the most of your strengths.
True/False
Multiple Choice
Multiple response
Multiple Lists
Screening
Fill in blanks
Knowledge Matrix
Likert Scale
Survey Matrix
hotspot
Spoken Response
Essay
Evaluation and required points
The exams are evaluated centrally by Digital Language Testing UG in a fully digital and secure system. Non-productive sections of the exam—such as multiple-choice questions—are automatically evaluated by our system. Qualified assessors evaluate the productive skills, i.e., the oral and written exam components. To pass the exam, you must achieve at least 60% of the possible points in each section.
| Exam part | Points | percent |
|---|---|---|
| Written exam | ||
| Complete in writing | 225 | 60 % |
| the Hörversteh | 75 | 50 % |
| the Leseversteh | 75 | 50 % |
| Grammar & Vocabulary | 30 | 50 % |
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck | 45 | 50 % |
| Mündliche Prüfung | ||
| Total Oral | 75 | 60 % |
| Part 1 | 25 | 50 % |
| Part 2 | 25 | 50 % |
| Part 3 | 25 | 50 % |
clef
| percent | minimum points | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 90 % | 270 | very well |
| 80 % | 240 | growing |
| 70 % | 210 | satisfying |
| 60 % | 180 | sufficient |
A maximum of 300 points can be achieved. The grade is calculated as the percentage of points achieved out of the total possible points. Your grade will be calculated based on this percentage according to the grading scale shown.
Our examiners: Experienced. Qualified. Fair.
Experts in testing and evaluation
All examiners are trained in standardized examination procedures and apply the assessment criteria confidently, consistently, and in accordance with regulations. This ensures comprehensible, transparent, and objective results.
Professionally qualified
Our examiners possess academic qualifications in fields such as German as a foreign or second language (GFL/GSL), German studies, or language didactics. They are thoroughly familiar with the language requirements of each CEFR level and can assess performance accordingly.
Competent in the digital examination environment
Our examiners are comprehensively trained in the use of digital examination formats. They reliably employ digital tools and ensure a professional, secure, and technically smooth process, even in online examinations.
How will your written work be assessed?
We also place great importance on a fair and transparent assessment of your written work. Our examiners read your texts carefully and evaluate how well you have addressed the task in terms of content and language. At the B2 level, we expect clear, detailed texts in which you carefully weigh arguments. The assessment is based on these four criteria:
Content / Task fulfillment
Here, your work on the writing task will be assessed to determine its completeness and suitability. You are expected to address all key points of the assignment, synthesize information from various sources, and clearly articulate your own perspective by weighing the pros and cons. Significant gaps in your content or substantial deviations from the topic will negatively impact your grade.
Communicative design and coherence
This criterion refers to how well you structure your thoughts and build your text logically. Your arguments should be internally consistent and reader-friendly. Appropriate paragraphing and the targeted use of various linking words (connectors) play a central role here.
Linguistic accuracy, vocabulary mastery & spelling
The assessment evaluates your proficiency in German grammar and vocabulary. At the B2 level, you demonstrate a fairly good command of grammar, and your spelling should also be largely error-free. A few mistakes (especially in very complex sentences) are perfectly normal and not critical, as long as they don't impede comprehension.
Spectrum: Linguistic structures & vocabulary
In this section, you demonstrate a broad linguistic repertoire. The more varied and precise your expression, the better. Unlike the lower levels, at B2, the confident use of complex sentence structures (e.g., subordinate clauses or the passive voice) is viewed favorably. Frequent repetition or an overly simplistic vocabulary can lower your score.
How will your oral performance be assessed?
In the B2-level oral exam, we don't expect native-speaker perfection. Rather, we want to see that you can communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation is easily possible for both parties. To ensure that the assessment is always fair and objective, our specially trained examiners follow clear, standardized guidelines. Your performance will be assessed based on the following areas:
Content / Task fulfillment
Here we assess whether you complete the task fully and appropriately. At the B2 level, it is important that you can describe facts clearly and in detail, convincingly justify your opinions, and actively participate in discussions. It is viewed positively if you respond to the arguments of your conversation partners and confidently weigh the pros and cons of different options. If you forget essential aspects, lose focus, or stray significantly from the topic, this will negatively impact your assessment.
Spectrum: Linguistic structures & vocabulary
In this section, you demonstrate that you possess a sufficiently broad linguistic repertoire. We pay attention to whether you utilize a diverse vocabulary and can also employ some complex sentence structures (such as subordinate clauses or passive constructions). Varying your phrasing to avoid repetition is viewed favorably. You don't need to memorize unnatural phrases; rather, it's about showing that you can express your viewpoints flexibly without appearing to be searching for words too obviously.
Fluidity and coherence
Here, your fluency is the focus. You will be assessed on whether you speak at a fairly consistent pace and link your statements together with an appropriate number of conjunctions to form a coherent contribution. At the B2 level, it is perfectly normal and acceptable to occasionally hesitate while speaking to search for the right structure or the appropriate word. Only noticeably long pauses or highly disjointed, incoherent sentences will result in point deductions.
Linguistic accuracy and vocabulary mastery
Here we assess your proficiency in German grammar and vocabulary. At the B2 level, you demonstrate a generally good command of grammar. However, you don't need to speak flawlessly! Occasional slips or minor errors are absolutely no problem, as long as they don't lead to misunderstandings and you can be easily understood. Points will only be deducted if frequent errors disrupt communication or if fundamental grammar rules are disregarded.