From A1 to B1: how long it takes and what plan to follow

Updated: 4 October 2026 · The Prufling team

People starting German from zero usually ask two things: how long it takes to reach B1 and where to start. This page contains only verified figures; the rest is a plan template for you to fill in.

The official figure: 80–200 teaching units for A1

The Goethe-Institut Uzbekistan states that reaching level A1 takes 80–200 teaching units (Unterrichtseinheiten, 45 minutes each)^[1]. The range is wide because the result depends on prior language experience, independent practice and the intensity of the lessons.

This page gives no figures for A2 and B1: we could not verify them on the Goethe-Institut pages. Your course centre or teacher can tell you the hours in their own programme — put them into the formula below.

Calculate your own timeline

The formula is simple: teaching units needed ÷ teaching units per week = weeks. One teaching unit is 45 minutes. The calculation for A1:

Teaching units per week	Hours per week (60 min)	A1 (80–200 units)
5	3.75	16–40 weeks
10	7.5	8–20 weeks
15	11.25	6–14 weeks

Example: at 10 teaching units a week (7.5 hours), 80 units take 8 weeks and 200 units take 20 weeks. This is only arithmetic, not a guarantee.

Weekly plan template

Choose your weekly hours yourself. Because the exam tests four skills, split your time between them. A sample (10 teaching units a week):

4 units — new grammar and words (course, textbook);
2 units — Lesen and Hören, tasks in the exam format;
2 units — Schreiben: writing a short text and analysing the mistakes;
2 units — Sprechen: answering aloud, conversation with a partner.

Vocabulary review works well at 10–15 minutes a day; do not count it in the hours above.

What to practise at each stage

A1

In Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 the written part takes 65 minutes: Hören (~20 min.), Lesen (25 min.), Schreiben (20 min.). Sprechen is taken in a group of up to 4 people, ~15 minutes, with no preparation time. The pass mark is 60 out of 100 points^[2]. Practise: introducing yourself, numbers and time, understanding simple notices and messages, filling in a form, a short letter. Goethe A1 guide, telc A1 and A2.

A2

In Goethe-Zertifikat A2 the written part takes 90 minutes: Lesen 30, Hören ~30, Schreiben 30 minutes. Sprechen is ~15 minutes in pairs or ~10 minutes alone. To pass you need 60 points overall, at least 45 in the written part and at least 15 in the oral part^[3]. Practise: everyday situations (shopping, directions, work, health), finding the information you need in short texts, short formal and informal letters. Goethe A2 guide.

B1

Goethe-Zertifikat B1 consists of four modules, each graded separately (60 out of 100): Lesen 65 minutes, Hören ~40 minutes, Schreiben 60 minutes, Sprechen 15 minutes with preparation^[4]. telc Deutsch B1 also has a Sprachbausteine part (grammar and word combinations)^[5]. Practise: longer texts, giving and justifying an opinion, a forum post and a formal letter, a presentation on a topic. Goethe B1, telc B1, how they differ.

When to start taking a Modelltest

Midway through a stage — get to know the format of each Teil in separate exercises: question type, timing, answer sheet.
A few weeks before the exam — your first full Modelltest. The result shows which module is weakest.
In the remaining weeks — give the weak module more time, then take another Modelltest.
Registering for the exam — at the Goethe-Institut Tashkent, places open on the 1st of every month; plan the date in advance (details).

Prufling has 8 full Modellsatz papers for each exam (Modellsatz 1 is free). Lesen, Hören and Sprachbausteine are scored automatically; AI scores Schreiben and Sprechen. AI scores are estimates, not official results.

Common mistakes

Studying only grammar. The exam tests four skills; do not leave Sprechen and Schreiben for the last week.
Going in without knowing the format. The question type and timing differ in every Teil. Seeing the format for the first time on exam day costs you time.
Not timing yourself. Practise with the exam timing: for example, 25 minutes for Lesen in Goethe A1.
Neglecting one part. In Goethe A2, even if your overall score is enough, you need at least 15 points in the oral part.

This page is general information. Exam rules and prices change — check the exam centre's official page before you register.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to reach level A1?

The Goethe-Institut gives 80–200 teaching units (45 minutes each) for A1. At 10 units a week that is roughly 8–20 weeks. The exact time depends on your previous experience and the quality of your practice.

How much time do A2 and B1 need?

This page gives no figures for A2 and B1, because we could not verify them in an official source. The method of calculation is the same: divide the teaching units you need by the units you study per week.

When should I start taking a Modelltest?

Once you recognise the format of each exam part from your practice, a few weeks before the exam. Your first Modelltest shows which module is weakest; spend the remaining time on that module.

How many points do I need to pass the A1 exam?

Goethe-Zertifikat A1 requires at least 60 of 100 points, and you must sit all parts of the exam. At A2 you need 60 points overall, with at least 45 in the written part and at least 15 in the oral part.

Practise in the exam format, free

Prufling has Lesen, Hören, Schreiben and Sprechen practice in the exam format, with AI scores and feedback on writing and speaking.

Start free Telegram bot

Prufling is independent and not affiliated with the Goethe-Institut, telc gGmbH or ÖSD. AI scores are estimates, not official results.