If B2 is what many consider “fluent,” then C1 is fluency with increased nuance and understanding. At C1, you can understand subtle jokes in the language, and express yourself with colorful native phrases. When you reach C1, you should have a working vocabulary of about 8000 words – almost double that of B2!
Is there much difference between the exams? The answer is yes! You will need to work a lot harder and be serious about your preparation for the C1 Advanced exam. While the B2 First shows you have a good grounding in English, the C1 Advanced is closer to the level of a native speaker.
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.
Goethe-Zertifikat B2: It certifies that candidates have acquired advanced language skills. Goethe-Zertifikat C1: It certifies that candidates have acquired very advanced language skills. Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (GDS): it certifies that candidates have reached thehighest level of linguistic competence.
Request information here and one of our experts will help you to choose the course that best suits you. Level B2 corresponds to independent users of the language, i.e. those who have the necessary fluency to communicate without effort with native speakers.
If B2 is what many consider “fluent,” then C1 is fluency with increased nuance and understanding. At C1, you can understand subtle jokes in the language, and express yourself with colorful native phrases. When you reach C1, you should have a working vocabulary of about 8000 words – almost double that of B2!
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.
German at the C1 level is considered advanced and demonstrates full command of German grammar and vocabulary. With German C1 level fluency, you can do just about any job that requires an excellent German speaker, so you have many employment opportunities worldwide.
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!
Levels B1 and B2: Here is where you will learn German at an advanced level. You will expand your language skills and after completing level B2 you will be able to communicate independently and in a differentiated way in everyday life and at work.
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.
Even though most of them learn relatively fast and achieve B1/B2 level in about 12 months, just a few of them get to B2 level in 4-8 months.
Level C1 corresponds to proficient users of the language, i.e. those able to perform complex tasks related to work and study.
C1 in one year is quite ambitious. Make sure to read, watch and listen to stuff in German every day. There are a lot of YouTube channels that offer comprehensible input in German, such as EasyGerman. If you are very dedicated, you can reach C1 level German within 18 months as an English speaker.
German Language Test for University Admission
The results are given in percentages and thus the graduate is placed in a level range. Of the three different levels DSH-1, DSH-2 and DSH-3, the former is the easiest.
C1 level German is considered advanced and shows the holder has full control of German grammar and vocabulary. The only higher CEFR level is C2, which even native German speakers can struggle to reach.
A C1 level speaker can also be considered as someone who is a fluent speaker of the language. They will have no problem speaking, reading, writing and understanding the language and don't really need to take pauses to think while they are speaking.
According to CEFR, B1 level means:
You can handle most situations while traveling in different areas in which language is spoken. You can describe your experiences of different events, meetings, etc. Attaining b1 level German is something that you should be proud of.
At C1 level you could work in an office managing people and departments; many universities will demand this level if you want to study alongside native speakers. C2 level demonstrates a level of proficiency that might be considered superior in some aspects to many native users.
The C1 level would allow for full autonomy in a native English-speaking country. According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the C1 level in English: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning.
B2 First (formerly known as 'FCE') allows you to prove to your university or employer that you have a minimum level of B2 (Upper-intermediate) English. C1 Advanced (formerly known as 'CAE') allows you to prove a C1 (Advanced) level of English.