It's generally considered that reaching B2 is having basic fluency. You'll have a vocabulary of about 4000 words. In fact, the standard requirements at German universities are levels B2 to C1, so if it is enough to get you into a German-speaking university, it is enough to be able to communicate.
Depending on the German federal state, level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
Working in Germany
If you´d like to work in Germany you´ll get by if your German is on level B1/B2 (online test). The certificate issued by GLS is recognized by many employers and even some universities in Germany.
Admission Requirements
The entry requirements for studying Medicine in Germany are as follows: Above average marks in SEE/SLC (at least 75% or GPA 3.5) Above average marks in 10+2 or equivalent (at least 70% or GPA 3.0) German language proficiency at least B1/B2 level.
B2 is the fourth of six language levels defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It corresponds to the "advanced intermediate" language level and is usually achieved by people learning German as a foreign language.
How much time do you need to learn German to a B2 level? A quick google search shows that The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) suggests that you need about 750 hours to get to this level. An offer of many German-language schools seems to confirm this number.
You will need an official language certificate from a recognised language centre, such as the Goethe-Institut or a telc-certified institute. Depending on the German federal state, level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
German universities usually require levels B2 to C1 to study in German. Some universities also require international students to enter an aptitude test, known as TestAS, which tests their ability to handle the degree program's requirements.
Most universities in Germany ask for at least a B1 level, so undoubtedly, B1 can be the ultimate test for students to get admission to Germany.
Level B2 corresponds to a more advanced, more independent level than previous levels. A B2 user can communicate easily and spontaneously in a clear and detailed manner. This is not yet an experienced speaker, but a B2 user is able to understand and be understood in most situations.
A B2 level of English would allow you to function in the workplace in English, and indeed, many non-native English speakers in international workplaces have this level of English. A person working in English at a B2 level will, however, lack nuance particularly outside his own field.
The B2 exam is more explicit in what it expects learners to do and how they answer questions. C1 speakers are expected to understand more implicit meanings and sarcasm in a wide variety of situations.
If you are opting the course in German taught program then the universities will ask for B2 or C1 level. On the other hand if you are applying for the course in English taught program then the universities will only ask the German language proficiency up to B1 level.
Conclusion. Based on this instant analysis of vocabulary level of each word, we can see that it should be relatively easy for a reader with a B2 vocabulary should be able to understand this text without much effort but could be a slight challenge for a B1 level learner. And a great challenge for an A2 level learner.
Your certificate can be awarded at different levels, depending on your achievement. Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond B2 level. If you achieve a scale score of 180–190 (grade A) in your exam, you will receive the First Certificate in English stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C1.
How hard is B2 level German? The German language is complex yet highly systematic. For a systematic language, you need a systematic course structure though. If the course material you are using has a thought-out structure, then it shouldn't be difficult.
The Level C1 in German requires a very high language level and is therefore correspondingly difficult. For many students, the C1 level in German is a great challenge. However, there are also many resources to prepare for the exam. With the right motivation and the will to pass the exam, anyone can pass the C1 level!
How Does it Work? These levels are classified as A1 for beginners, A2 for elementary, B1 for intermediate, B2 for upper intermediate, C1 as advanced, and C2 as mastery.
They say that you need to have completed at least 350 45-minute German lessons/practice sessions to reach B1, which would take roughly a year and a half since most people can't take a lesson every single day in a row.
Intermediate B1 to B2 – German level B1 takes 200 hours and B2 takes approximately 300 hours to become fluent. Advance C1 to C2 – C1 Level takes around 240 hours and C2 level takes around 240 hours to complete the whole course and become a pro at speaking German.
Passing a B2 test with three months of practice is definitely possible; however, that is not the same as actually reaching B2 in a certain language.