B1 Module Details: Lesen (60 Min), Hören (40 Min), Schreiben (60 Min), Sprechen (15 Min)

The B1 German exam-whether Goethe-Zertifikat B1, telc Deutsch B1, or ÖSD B1-follows a clear CEFR-aligned structure. Understanding the exact timing, task types, and expectations for each module is the key to passing confidently.

This pillar post breaks down each B1 module in detail: Lesen (60 Min), Hören (40 Min), Schreiben (60 Min), and Sprechen (15 Min).
You’ll learn what tasks look like, how scoring works, and proven strategies to succeed.

Overview: Why B1 Module Timing Matters

B1 exams are not extremely difficult, but they are strictly timed.
You must manage your pace across:

60 minutes Reading → long texts, multiple tasks
40 minutes Listening → fast audio, detailed information
60 minutes Writing → email + argument or text production
15 minutes Speaking → structured, short, performance-focused

With good timing, B1 becomes much easier.

LESEN (Reading) - 60 Minutes

Reading is the longest module and contains 3-5 parts depending on the exam provider.

What B1 Reading Tests

Understanding the main idea of texts
Identifying **important details
**
Recognizing **opinions vs. facts
**
Comparing **forum comments
**
Understanding emails, ads, and articles

Typical B1 Reading Task Types

1. Multiple Choice

You read a longer text and choose the correct answer.

2. Matching Statements

Match descriptions, advertisements, or comments to questions.

3. Forum Comments / Opinions

You compare several comments and choose who says what.

4. Long Email or Article Interpretation

You answer questions about structure, purpose, or opinion.

5. True/False or Yes/No

Used frequently in telc.

Strategies for B1 Reading

1. Read the questions first

Know what information you are searching for.

2. Scan the text for key vocabulary

Don’t read every line.

3. Expect paraphrasing

German exam texts rarely use the exact words from the question.

4. Manage your time

Spend about 12 minutes per task (5 tasks × 12 min = 60 min).

5. Leave 3 minutes at the end to check

Correcting 1-2 answers can change your score.

HÖREN (Listening) - 40 Minutes

The listening module contains 3-4 listening tasks.
Audio plays once (Goethe) or twice (telc).

What B1 Listening Tests

Understanding important details
Following short discussions
Recognizing tone and opinion
Extracting information from announcements
Understanding radio interviews or short lectures

Common B1 Listening Task Types

1. Short Conversations

Example: A customer and shop assistant; two friends; a phone call.

2. Announcements

At train stations, supermarkets, schools, events.

3. Interviews / Reports

A slightly longer monologue or interview.

4. Opinions Comparison

Who agrees/disagrees? Who mentions what?

Strategies for B1 Listening

1. Read the answer options BEFORE the audio starts

Predict keywords and ideas.

2. Focus on signal words

dann, deshalb, aber, trotzdem, später, gestern

3. Don’t panic-move on

Missing one detail should not break your confidence.

4. In telc: use the second listening wisely

Confirm answers or fix mistakes.

5. Expect distractors

German listening tasks often include sentences that sound right but are wrong.

SCHREIBEN (Writing) - 60 Minutes

Writing is the most important skill to prepare strategically.
You will complete two tasks in 60 minutes:

Email writing (formal or informal)
Short text or opinion/argumentation (depending on Goethe/telc)

Writing Task 1: Email (25-30 min)

What Goethe/telc expects:

Cover all bullet points
Write 80-100 words
Use correct greeting and closing
Use simple B1 connectors

Useful Connectors:

_zuerst, dann, später, aber, deshalb, weil, obwohl, außerdem
_

⭐ Email Template (Formal)

_Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
_ich schreibe Ihnen, weil …
Ich habe folgende Fragen:

…?
…?
Außerdem möchte ich wissen, ob …
Vielen Dank für Ihre Antwort.
_Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
_Name

⭐ Email Template (Informal)

_Hallo …,
_ich hoffe, es geht dir gut.
Ich schreibe dir, weil …
Ich möchte dich fragen: …
Vielleicht können wir …
Viele Grüße,
Name

Writing Task 2: Short Opinion or Narrative (25-30 min)

Goethe B1

Often asks for:

describing an experience
telling a short story
giving a personal opinion

telc B1

More structured:

topic introduction
your opinion
2 reasons
conclusion

⭐ Opinion Template

_Meiner Meinung nach ist … ein wichtiges Thema, weil …
__Ein weiterer Grund ist, dass …
_Zum Schluss möchte ich sagen, dass …

Scoring for Writing

Examiners look for:

Task completion
Grammar accuracy (especially word order)
Appropriate connectors
Clear structure
Legible handwriting

Mistakes are allowed-as long as the message is clear.

SPRECHEN (Speaking) - 15 Minutes

Speaking is paired (telc) or individual/paired (Goethe).
It has 3 parts.

Part 1: Self-Presentation

You speak briefly about:

your background
your work/studies
hobbies
daily routine

⭐ Sample B1 Introduction

Hallo, ich heiße Daniel. Ich komme aus Ägypten und wohne seit zwei Jahren in Hamburg. Ich arbeite als Softwareentwickler. In meiner Freizeit lese ich gern und gehe oft ins Fitnessstudio. Heute möchte ich über mein Lieblingshobby sprechen…

Part 2: Picture Description or Task Discussion

You must:

describe what you see
explain the situation
give your opinion
relate it to your own experience

⭐ Picture Description Structure

Allgemeines: Was sehe ich?
Details: Personen, Ort, Handlung
Vermutungen: vielleicht / wahrscheinlich
Meinung: Was denke ich dazu?
Erfahrung: Wie ist das bei mir?

Part 3: Planning Together (telc) or Role Play (Goethe)