German | How to use textbooks, problem sets, and official practice tests for Goethe-Zertifikat A1-B1 exam preparation

I have taken the Goethe-Zertifikat exams up to B1 through self-study. Looking back, the exam preparation process has been almost the same at every level.
I have also studied for the Cambridge English exam using a similar method, so I believe this can be applied not only to Goethe but also to other language exams.

Although this is my personal method, I hope it will be helpful for those who are unsure about what steps to take, and I would like to summarize it here for my own reference.

My exam history

August 2023: Started self-studying German.
November 2023: Took Goethe-Zertifikat A1 → Passed
March 2024: Took Goethe-Zertifikat A2 → Passed
September 2024: Took Goethe-Zertifikat B1 → Passed

Exam preparation process

My exam preparation flow is as follows.
1. Solve official practice tests
2. Learn grammar for that level using a textbook
3. Solve problem sets

1. Solve official practice tests

At the beginning of studying for a level, I try solving the Goethe-Institutpractice tests on their official website once. Of course, it is very difficult, but at this point, I can roughly grasp how many words and grammar points I don't know, and what the content of each part is like. However, if you are taking the A1 exam with no prior knowledge (as I was), it is impossible, so I start by studying the textbook.

When I first try solving the problems, I do it without a time limit to see how much I can do if I have time. I grade it and record the score so I can see it when I solve it again later. I check how many unknown words there are and look up their meanings, but I don't try to memorize everything at this point.
Also, for Schreiben and Sprechen, I think it is enough to just look through the questions if they are difficult.

I try to solve these official practice tests several times before the exam, leaving some time in between. Once I can do them to some extent, it is important to read them carefully.It is good to carefully study not only the Lesen but also the Hören scripts. I also used the youth versions for practice.

2. Learn grammar for that level using a textbook

For grammar, I studied using this textbook for A1, A2, and B1. It is very useful because the necessary grammar for each level is explained and summarized in an easy-to-understand way.

However, rather than spending time studying every detail of this textbook, I used it by reading the grammar explanation pages thoroughly and practicing. If you want to focus on the exam, it is more efficient to memorize vocabulary and read texts carefully using problem sets that follow the actual exam format.

Of course, if you have time, trying to work through the entire textbook is very interesting and informative, as it contains many place names, dishes, and cultural content from German-speaking regions. When I first thought about studying A1, I was worried, thinking, "But German seems difficult... will I be able to keep it up?" but thanks to this textbook, I was able to start learning very happily. I see many people with the same textbook at the exam venue.

Also, for those who want to study grammar in German, "Grammatik aktiv A1-B1" is also good. It can be used not only for grammar practice but also as a dictionary, so I use it regularly.

3. Solve problem sets

Once you have a grasp of the grammar, solve problem sets that follow the actual exam format.

From A2, I also used the Testbuch, which can be used as a mock test. It is also good to study intensively with the textbook mentioned above and reinforce weak parts with the Testbuch.

When writing the meanings of words or translations of sentences in such problem sets, I use a pen that can be erased with a red sheet so that I can review them many times.

For Schreiben and Sprechen, it takes time to try to think of sentences blindly without prior knowledge, so at first, I read through the model answers to get a feel for the responses. It is convenient to check and stock phrases that seem highly versatile whenever you find them. I create and summarize something like a phrasebook digitally (using an app called Notion). And I review this many times until just before the exam.

Supplement 1: About studying vocabulary

I make a point to focus especially onmemorizing the vocabulary that appears in the official practice materials. Also, as you work through problem sets, you will start to get a sense of which words appear frequently, so it is a good idea to prioritize learning those as well. I also used a vocabulary book in parallel. This was easy to learn from because it included example sentences.

Supplement 2: About summary notes

Regarding grammar, I don't really summarize things in a notebook; my style is to learn by solving as many problems as possible for the time being. I only write down and review grammar points that I keep getting wrong or things that simply have to be memorized by rote.

I keep phrases needed for Schreiben and Sprechen organized digitally, as mentioned above. For example,the basics of how to write emails for Schreiben that you learned in A1 and A2 will be extremely useful even when you reach B1,so it is convenient to keep them summarized so you don't forget. There are many situations where this can be applied not just for the exam, but in real life as well. I once had the opportunity to write an email inquiring about a product or ticket I purchased online, and what I learned for the exam was very helpful.

Thank you for reading until the end.
I am rooting for everyone who will be taking the exam! ☺︎