From discussing the subtext in a Thomas Mann novel to just being able to order a Bratwurst in your local Metzgerthere’s a world of difference in the levels of German attained by foreigners in Germany, and of course most people improve the longer they stay here.
But gaining citizenship requires formal qualifications, so we’ve put together some sample questions to give you an idea of the level required.
This article relates solely to your language ability – applying for citizenship has several other requirements, including having to demonstrate knowledge of German culture and history via the citizenship test.
The current citizenship rules in place require German at level B1 on the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
So what does B1 mean?
B1 on the CEFR scale is defined as being able to “understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.”
A B1 candidate “can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken” and can also “produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.”
In other words, you are not required to be able to speak perfect, error-free German, only to be able to make yourself understood and understand any replies you are given.
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Tests
Testing in Germany for language competency as part of a citizenship application is handled at the state level. Therefore there might be some small variation in the requirements from state to state. It is important to check with your local authority on just what certificate is recognised.
Generally though, naturalisation authorities will recognize tests conducted either by the Goethe Institute or by telc Gmbh.
The testing is not done by state authorities so you will need to contact a nearby language school to find out whether they work with either of these organisations to do testing. A good bet is getting in touch with your local Community College where testing at all levels of language proficiency is done on a regular basis.
The nitty gritty
A full B1 test written by the Goethe Institute involves testing on four components: reading, listening, writing and speaking. You are not allowed to use a dictionary at any time during the test.
The reading component takes 65 minutes and involves having to comprehend several texts and answer questions about them.
The listening component requires you to listen to several pieces of audio and state whether statements about them are true or false.
The written component takes an hour and requires you to write a letter as well as express your opinion on a topic.
The spoken component takes 15 minutes and is done in discussion with a partner who is also taking the exam.
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Reading
The following questions come from a section of a sample test by the Goethe Institute. The text, which you can find heretalks about a project to create electricity in a village by using biogas. You need to decide which of the following options makes the statement true.
This text is about…
- the new technology from Eckhard Meier?
- environmentally friendly electricity production in Feldheim?
- a course at the University of Göttingen?
The scientists wanted to show that…
- an entire village can live on modern energies?
- does a biogas plant produce more electricity than a village needs?
- you can save larger amounts of electricity?
So that the idea also works in other villages…
- you need a lot of money.
- you need enough space for the technology.
- the population must be for it
Young men take part in a German course in Hesse in 2015. Photo: dpa | Andreas Arnold
Listening
For this section you will have to listen to audio of German people talking. The format of this section varies: for example, it could be a news report, an interview or a recorded discussion.
Here are some sample questions from a past B1 paper, in which you hear five short texts at the start of the audio (listen here). You have to decide which of the following statements about the texts are true.
Text 1
Ms Stein should…
- bring the chip card?
- pay ten euros?
- Call back?
Text 2
Herr Thomas…
- would like Mrs. Brahms to sign a new contract?
- needs testimonials from Mrs. Brahms?
- will call again later?
Text 3
There is a traffic jam on the freeway because of…
- a construction site?
- of commuter traffic?
- an accident?
Text 4
Which train is cancelled? The train to…
- Bern?
- Geneva?
- Lausanne?
Text 5
To be predicted…
- Thunderstorm on the Elbe?
- Temperatures below 10 degrees?
- Heavy rains in the west?
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Writing
In the written section of the exam you are required to compose three texts. You are given them all at the same time and so you can chose which one you begin with but you will have to complete all of them in the 60 minute time frame.
The first task requires you to write an email to a friend addressing the following issue:
You celebrated your birthday a week ago. A friend of yours couldn’t come to your party because he/she was ill
The email should be around 80 words in length and address the following three points:
– Describe the celebration.
– Which gift do you find especially great and why?
– Suggest a time for a meeting.
Spoken
In the spoken component of the text you must present a short speech on a topic as well as discussing a scenario with your discussion partner.
In the following situation you need to discuss what to do with your partner.
A participant from the German course had an accident and is in the hospital. This week you want to visit him and bring a gift from the whole group. He can leave the hospital next week. Since he lives alone, he will need help. Think about how you can support him.
The discussion should last for three minutes.
You can find the full exam paper with the correct answers (at the bottom) HERE.
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