Goethe-Zertifikat B2: format, time and pass mark
Teile, timing and the pass rule for Goethe-Zertifikat B2.
Modules
- Reading Lesen65 minutes
- Listening Hören40 minutes
- Writing Schreiben75 minutes
- Speaking Sprechen15 minutes
Pass mark
- Each module is marked out of 100 and passes at 60.
- In this app you are marked ready when every module is at least 70.
Source: Goethe-Institut: Goethe-Zertifikat B2 (modular), Durchführungsbestimmungen (Stand 1 Sept 2025); Modellsatz Erwachsene
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FAQ
What score do you need to pass?
Each module is marked out of 100 and passes at 60. In this app you are marked ready when every module is at least 70.
How long is Reading?
Reading is 65 minutes.
How long is Listening?
Listening is 40 minutes.
How long is Writing?
Writing is 75 minutes.
How long is Speaking?
Speaking is 15 minutes.
How to prepare
From B2 the Goethe-Zertifikat in this app is modular. Each module is passed on its own. A strong speaking score does not repair a failed reading module. The level page has the pass line per module.
The texts argue. You match opinions, you follow a commentary, and you write a forum post with a position plus a shorter formal message. Speaking is a presentation and a discussion.
A worked example
Einerseits spart die Regelung Kosten. Andererseits trifft sie die kleinen Betriebe härter.
One sentence, two sides, a verb that shows who is affected. That is a B2 move.
A list of pros without a verb, or a single “I think it’s bad”, stays below what the rubric calls a position.
What usually drops the point
- Assuming the A1-style total of 60 across all modules. Check the modular rule.
- Writing complex nesting you cannot finish. A clean obwohl-sentence is enough.
- Discussing without taking a turn: waiting, then repeating the partner.
How to use the mock
Practise one linking pattern a day: einerseits, obwohl, je … desto, daraus folgt. Use them in the forum task, not as a list in your notebook.
- Write six lines on a local rule, with one concession.
- Read a commentary and say in one sentence what the author wants.
- Give a four-minute presentation and answer two questions without notes.
Author: Fahrplan Deutsch. Last reviewed 2026-10-27. reviewed: false. A native-speaker review is still open. This page is not a Goethe-Institut paper.