Max Score: 300 Points | Written Exam: 225 Points | Oral Exam: 75 Points
| Section | Time | Part | Points | Total per Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📖 Reading (Leseverstehen) |
90 min | Part 1 (5 tasks) Part 2 (5 tasks) Part 3 (10 tasks) |
5 pts 5 pts 2.5 pts |
75 |
| 🧩 Language Elements (Sprachbausteine) |
^ | Part 1 (10 tasks) Part 2 (10 tasks) |
1.5 pts 1.5 pts |
30 |
| 🎧 Listening (Hörverstehen) |
~30 min (No pauses) |
Part 1 (5 tasks) Part 2 (10 tasks) Part 3 (5 tasks) |
5 pts 2.5 pts 5 pts |
75 |
| ✍️ Writing (Schriftlicher Ausdruck) |
30 min | 1 Letter/Email | Graded on 3 criteria (x3 multiplier) |
45 |
| 🗣️ Speaking (Mündliche Prüfung) |
15 min (+ 20m prep) |
Part 1: Intros Part 2: Topic Part 3: Planning |
15 max points 30 max points 30 max points |
75 |
Your text is graded on the three categories below. You get a base score of 5, 3, 1, or 0 for each. The total base score (max 15) is then multiplied by 3 to get your final score (max 45).
| Criteria | 5 (Great) | 3 (Okay) | 1 (Poor) | 0 (Failed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Task Completion (Did you answer the bullet points?) |
✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 2. Communicative Design (Does it read like a real letter/email?) |
✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 3. Formal Correctness (Grammar, spelling, & vocabulary) |
✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
You are graded on four specific skills across the 3 speaking parts. Part 1 is worth 15 points total, and Parts 2 & 3 are worth 30 points each.
| Criteria | What they look for |
|---|---|
| 1. Vocabulary & Expression (Ausdrucksfähigkeit) | Do you have the right words to express your ideas? |
| 2. Task Completion & Interaction (Aufgabenbewältigung) | Are you answering the prompt and holding a two-way conversation? |
| 3. Grammar (Formale Richtigkeit) | Are your sentences structured correctly? |
| 4. Pronunciation (Aussprache/Intonation) | Can they easily understand your accent and rhythm? |
You must pass BOTH halves separately.
- Written Minimum: 135 out of 225 points (60%)
- Oral Minimum: 45 out of 75 points (60%) (If you fail one half, you only have to retake that specific half, valid until the end of the next calendar year).
| Final Score | German Grade | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 270 – 300 | Sehr gut | Very Good |
| 240 – 269.5 | Gut | Good |
| 210 – 239.5 | Befriedigend | Satisfactory |
| 180 – 209.5 | Ausreichend | Sufficient (Pass) |
| 0 – 179.5 | Nicht bestanden | Failed |
✏️ General
- The Bubble Sheet (S30): Only answers filled in on the specific "S30" answer sheet count. Bring a soft pencil.
- No Tech: Phones or smartwatches mean instant disqualification.
📝 Writing
- Stay On Topic: Completely missing the prompt (e.g., apologizing instead of inviting) = 0 points total, no matter how good your German is.
- Keep it Simple: One correct, simple sentence per bullet point is enough to fulfill the task. Don't overcomplicate.
- Mix it up: Do not start every sentence with "Ich".
- Prioritize Clarity: Verb mistakes cost more points than getting "Der/Die/Das" wrong. Make sure you are understood.
💬 Speaking
- Use the Prep Time: You get 20 mins with stamped paper. Make notes, but do not read from them in the room.
- Eye Contact: Look at your partner, not the examiners.
- Be a Team Player: It’s a conversation. Ask your partner questions. Helping them if they get stuck actually boosts your score!