What Is My German Level? Breaking down A1-C2 German Levels

by Gyovanna Monreal

Before beginning any German language class, it’s important to understand your level of speaking, reading, and writing in that language.

In Germany, these language levels are categorized using the following distinct levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Though you may or may not be familiar with the differences between these levels, it is important to know which level you fall under so that you can enroll in the right language class. Written with the help of our beloved instructor R. Zengerle, this blog post breaks down each of the German levels and provides sample worksheets (along with answer sheets) for you to test your skills. After reading and practicing, you should easily be able to determine which German class is the best fit for you at Primus Fremdsprachen!

 

A1 Level German

Beginning with A1 level, this is the most basic level of German and the level at which anyone who is new at speaking the language should start.

  • Students can understand familiar words and simple sentences if spoken slowly and clearly, as well as single words and easy phrases (e.g. signs and billboards).
  • Communicating in simple terms is possible, as well as writing short and simple postcards and filling in forms.

 

To test your A1 level skills now, check out Primus’ worksheets (Arbeitsblatt) #12 and #15. After writing down your own answers, feel free to check your results using the solutions (Lösungsblatt) sheets.

 

A2 Level German

Next, A2 German is a step up from the basic level into more lengthy tasks such as reading short and simple texts (e.g. advertisements or personal letters).

  • Students should have a basic understanding of themes in short, clear, and simple messages.
  • Speaking some German phrases to communicate in ordinary situations of daily life is now possible.
  • Finally, students should be able to write short and simple notes, messages, and personal letters.

 

To test your A2 level skills now, check out Primus’ worksheets (Arbeitsblatt) #18 and #19. After writing down your own answers, feel free to check your results using the solutions (Lösungsblatt) sheets.

 

B1 Level German

Not quite basic but not quite intermediate, B1 is a great level for students feeling a bit above average in their German skills, but who want to build more vocabulary and structure before diving into speaking full sentences.

  • The primary themes at this level include topics of work, school, and free time.
  • Overall, students should be able to understand texts using the common German language for work and everyday life.
  • Students can now participate in simple conversations about family, hobbies, work, travel, or current events.
  • Students can write simple and coherent texts about familiar topics and discuss them with others.

 

To test your B1 level skills now, check out Primus’ worksheets (Arbeitsblatt) #10 and #16. After writing down your own answers, feel free to check your results using the solutions (Lösungsblatt) sheets.

 

B2 Level German

B2 is a difficult, yet rewarding, level because it prepares students to become more fluid in their sentence structure and be sure of their grammar skills. Reading and writing become less strenuous, but there are still several vocabulary words to learn.

  • Students can follow longer speeches, most television programs, and movies if the topic is fairly known.
  • Reading articles, reports, and literary texts of prose comes more easily- as well as communicating quite spontaneously and fluently in discussions.
  • Students can write detailed texts such as essays, reports, or letters and state their point of view through arguments.

 

To test your B2 level skills now, check out Primus’ worksheets (Arbeitsblatt) #9 and #11. After writing down your own answers, feel free to check your results using the solutions (Lösungsblatt) sheets.

 

C1 Level German

Heading towards the top of your language journey, C1 is often considered the ideal level since it means students are able to speak much more fluently. Writing and reading come more naturally, and students are able to articulate themselves over various topics. Understanding German is much easier- resulting in access to jobs or university classes that predominately speak German.

  • Students can understand long speeches, television programs, and movies without great effort.
  • Reading and understanding long and complex factual or literary texts is now possible.
  • In conversation, students express themselves spontaneously, fluently, flexibly, and precisely.
  • Students express themselves clearly and are well-structured when speaking about complex issues- choosing an adequate style of speaking for the situation.

 

Because C1 is considered the level desired by most universities, jobs, and particularly in business-level German settings, students typically stop taking German language courses after completing the C1 level.

 

To test your C1 level skills now, check out Primus’ worksheets (Arbeitsblatt) #13 and #20. After writing down your own answers, feel free to check your results using the solutions (Lösungsblatt) sheets.

 

C2 Level German

Known as the highest level of German, this level allows students to understand spoken German without difficulty- even if spoken quickly.

  • Students can read all texts effortlessly, summarizing and discussing both factual and literary texts with ease.
  • Participating in discussions is simple, as students are familiar with colloquial language, slang, and idioms in everyday German conversation.
  • Finally, writing demanding and complex texts at the university or business level German is now possible.

 

C2 is the only level not yet offered at Primus Fremdsprachen, but we hope to offer worksheets for our students soon! Already completed all of the worksheets in your level? Stay tuned for more worksheets posted every week by liking and following our Facebook page here.

 

German Courses at Primus Fremdsprachen

At Primus, we offer both intensive and compact German language courses beginning with the standard A1 level and continuing up to the more advanced C1 level. Our intensive courses are roughly 20 hours per week, 4 hours per day, and vary in terms of price and time of day. They are often broken up into mornings (8:30 am – 12:30 pm) and afternoons (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm) to accommodate different schedules. Compact courses vary but are typically offered in the late afternoons for those who have packed work schedules. Read more about each of our courses by visiting our German course list here!

 

Still unsure about your German level or which Primus course you should take? Contact us via email at info@primus-fremdsprachen.de with your name, desired start date, and details regarding your German language experience so far. We look forward to helping you with your German language journey!