Learning German

12 Essential topics for the German B1 exam in 2025: Complete preparation guide

Preparing for a German B1 exam- whether it's Goethe, telc, or ÖSD - requires understanding the key topics that might appear in your test. This comprehensive guide breaks down the most common themes you'll encounter and provides practical preparation strategies to help you succeed in 2025.

Why understanding B1 exam topics is critical for success

The German B1 exam doesn't just test your grammar and vocabulary - it evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in everyday situations. When you familiarize yourself with potential exam topics:

  • You can build targeted vocabulary relevant to exam scenarios

  • You'll feel more confident in all test sections

  • Your ability to respond spontaneously and fluently improves

  • Test anxiety significantly decreases

Studies show that candidates who prepare with topic-specific vocabulary score up to 20% higher than those who focus solely on grammar. Let's explore the 12 most important themes for your B1 exam preparation.

1. Travel & Leisure: Navigate conversations about vacations and activities

This topic consistently appears across all B1 exam formats and is particularly important for the writing section and oral exam.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Writing travel reports or reviews

  • Describing vacation experiences in monologues

  • Comparing travel options in discussions

  • Composing emails to hotels or tour operators

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Vacation activities (to visit, to relax, to explore)

  • Transportation methods (ferry, train, tram)

  • Accommodation types (guest house, youth hostel, vacation apartment)

  • Travel problems (delay, lost luggage, rebooking)

Practice tip: Read German travel blogs and practice writing short reviews of places you've visited or would like to visit.

2. Technology & Advertising: Discuss modern devices and marketing strategies

This contemporary topic frequently appears in reading comprehension and written expression sections.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Writing a complaint about a defective product

  • Composing a blog post about a new device

  • Analyzing and understanding advertising texts

  • Expressing opinions about technology products

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Devices (smartphone, laptop, smartwatch)

  • Technical problems (break down, malfunction, defect)

  • Advertising language (convince, offer, recommend)

  • Complaint vocabulary (warranty, customer service, refund)

Practice tip: Collect German product descriptions or advertisements and practice summarizing their key selling points.

3. Life changes: Express personal transformations and experiences

This personal topic enables you to discuss your own experiences - ideal for the speaking section and personal writing tasks.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Reporting on a turning point in your life

  • Writing about moments of happiness

  • Conducting conversations about life changes

  • Composing letters about personal development

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Life stages (childhood, adulthood, retirement)

  • Life changes (moving, getting married, changing jobs)

  • Emotions (excitement, uncertainty, satisfaction)

  • Time expressions (back then, nowadays, previously, since)

Practice tip: Record yourself talking about significant changes in your life for 1-2 minutes to improve fluency.

4. Work & Job applications: Master professional communication

A practical topic with real-world applications, especially valuable if you plan to work in a German-speaking country.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Writing job application letters

  • Simulating job interviews

  • Reporting on work experiences

  • Understanding and responding to job advertisements

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Application process (resume/CV, cover letter, references)

  • Professional qualifications (training, studies, experience)

  • Workplace routine (colleagues, tasks, working hours)

  • Personal qualities (reliable, team-oriented, flexible)

Practice tip: Create a German resume and practice introducing yourself professionally for 30-60 seconds.

5. Environment & Sustainability: Discuss ecological issues

An increasingly important topic in all exam formats, especially in reading comprehension and discussions.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Writing position statements on environmental protection

  • Understanding articles about sustainability

  • Suggesting solutions for environmental problems in discussions

  • Composing reports about local environmental projects

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Environmental problems (climate change, pollution, deforestation)

  • Sustainable practices (recycling, saving energy, reusable)

  • Energy sources (renewable energy, solar energy, wind power)

  • Wildlife protection (endangered species, habitat, protection)

Practice tip: Listen to German podcasts about environmental topics and note down key vocabulary.

6. Future plans & Wishes: Express aspirations and possibilities

A versatile topic that can appear in all exam sections and allows creative use of language skills.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Discussing your future plans

  • Writing letters about your wishes

  • Composing stories about an ideal future

  • Participating in discussions about societal developments

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Future plans (intend, plan, aim to)

  • Wishes (hope, dream of, wish for)

  • Possibilities (could, perhaps, possibly)

  • Time expressions (in ten years, soon, in the near future)

Practice tip: Write a short paragraph about where you see yourself in five years, using appropriate future tenses.

7. Relationships & Conflicts: Navigate interpersonal communication

An emotional topic is particularly important in role plays and written expression.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Writing apologies

  • Conducting conflict conversations

  • Discussing friendships

  • Giving advice on interpersonal problems

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Relationships (friendship, partnership, family)

  • Conflicts (argument, misunderstanding, disagreement)

  • Resolution approaches (apologize, find a compromise, forgive)

  • Feelings (disappointed, angry, relieved)

Practice tip: Role-play conflict resolution scenarios with a study partner to practice both vocabulary and appropriate expressions.

8. Health & Body: Communicate about wellbeing

A relevant everyday topic that appears in various exam sections, especially in listening comprehension and role plays.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Conducting doctor's appointments

  • Understanding texts about healthy habits

  • Writing emails to friends about health tips

  • Participating in discussions about work-life balance

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Body parts (head, back, knee)

  • Symptoms (headache, cough, fever)

  • Healthy lifestyle (eat a balanced diet, exercise, get enough sleep)

  • Medical care (doctor's appointment, prescription, health insurance)

Practice tip: Learn vocabulary for describing common illnesses and practice explaining symptoms clearly.

9. Art, Culture & Leisure: Engage with creative topics

A diverse subject that often appears in reading comprehension and written examination.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Writing reviews of cultural events

  • Understanding articles about museums

  • Discussing leisure activities

  • Composing invitations to cultural events

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Cultural institutions (theater, museum, cinema)

  • Events (concert, exhibition, festival)

  • Art forms (painting, music, literature)

  • Leisure activities (reading, hiking, cooking)

Practice tip: Visit the websites of German museums or theaters and summarize an exhibition or performance that interests you.

10. Society & Politics: Discuss broader social issues

A challenging topic that plays a role, especially in reading comprehension and discussions.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Understanding texts about the EU

  • Expressing opinions on social topics

  • Discussing volunteer work

  • Writing letters to authorities

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Political structures (government, parliament, election)

  • Social issues (equality, integration, education)

  • Volunteering (engage, help, support)

  • Opinion expressions (in my opinion, I think, I believe)

Practice tip: Read simplified German news articles and practice summarizing the main points.

11. City life & Mobility: Navigate urban environments

A practical topic that often appears in listening comprehension and role plays.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Giving directions

  • Understanding city guides

  • Discussing advantages and disadvantages of city living

  • Writing complaints about traffic problems

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Urban areas (downtown, suburb, neighborhood)

  • Infrastructure (public transportation, bike lane, pedestrian zone)

  • Orientation (right, left, straight ahead, intersection)

  • Housing (apartment hunting, rent, moving)

Practice tip: Practice giving directions to important landmarks in a German city of your choice.

12. Money & Economy: Handle financial discussions

A more complex topic that may appear in various exam sections, especially in telc and ÖSD formats.

How it appears in the exam:

  • Conducting bank conversations

  • Understanding articles about economic developments

  • Participating in discussions about consumer behavior

  • Writing texts about saving measures

Essential vocabulary to master:

  • Finances (account, transfer, loan)

  • Shopping (price, offer, discount)

  • Economic terms (inflation, job market, income)

  • Payment methods (credit card, invoice, installment payment)

Practice tip: Role-play opening a bank account or discussing a financial matter in German.

Key differences between exam providers in 2025

The three main B1 exam providers have distinct emphases:

Goethe-Institut

  • Focus: Places special emphasis on cultural topics and intercultural communication

  • Format: Four separate modules that can be taken individually

  • Distinctive feature: More focus on German culture and society

  • Pass rate: 72% of first-time test takers succeed

telc

  • Focus: Greater emphasis on everyday communication and practical situations

  • Format: Combined exam with all sections typically taken on the same day

  • Distinctive feature: More workplace and practical communication scenarios

  • Pass rate: 68% of candidates pass on their first attempt

ÖSD

  • Focus: Often includes topics related to Austria and Austrian culture

  • Format: Can be taken as a complete exam or in modules

  • Distinctive feature: Regional vocabulary and Austrian cultural references

  • Pass rate: Similar to other providers at approximately 70%

Exam Preparation: Proven strategies for success

Topic-based preparation techniques:

  1. Create vocabulary lists: Develop a specialized vocabulary collection for each topic with keywords and phrases.

  2. Thematic reading practice: Find simple German texts on the mentioned topics and practice reading comprehension.

  3. Train listening skills: Use podcasts, YouTube videos, or language learning apps with thematically relevant content.

  4. Practice writing tasks: Write short texts on various topics and have them corrected by a teacher or language exchange partner.

  5. Oral practice: Find a conversation partner and discuss exam topics to develop fluency.

  6. Familiarize yourself with exam formats: Get to know the specific task types of your B1 exam (Goethe, telc, or ÖSD).

Conclusion

Thorough preparation for the thematic content of the B1 exam not only gives you confidence in the test situation but also improves your general German skills for everyday use. The topics presented here cover the most common areas that may appear in the various B1 exams.

Remember: Regular practice with authentic materials is the key to success. Use every opportunity to apply your German - whether reading German news, listening to German music, or speaking with native speakers.

Good luck with your B1 exam!

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