You know that question everyone asks before their German exam? "Which book should I study with?" I've been there too. There are dozens of resources out there, and figuring out which ones actually work is tough.
Based on my own experience, recommendations from friends who passed their exams, and advice from language school instructors, I put together this list. My goal is simple: save you from unnecessary books and point you towards resources that will actually prepare you. Here are the most sensible books fortelc and Goethe exams, organized by level.
📚 In This Guide: Book recommendations for all levels from A1 to C1, grammar resources, dictionary suggestions, and each book's strengths.
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: Amazon links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, you support us at no extra cost to you.
⚪ A1/A2 Level: Basic German
A1 and A2 are the starting points of your German journey. Building a solid foundation at this stage makes everything easier at higher levels. Start Deutsch 1 (A1) and Start Deutsch 2 (A2) exams test your basic communication skills.
📘 Mit Erfolg zu Start Deutsch 1/2
This Klett Publishing book prepares you for both A1 and A2 exams with a single resource. It includes:
- Practice tests matching the exam format
- Strategies for listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections
- Vocabulary lists and everyday conversation patterns
- Step-by-step solved practice exercises
- Audio CD for listening practice
Ideal for: Complete beginners, self-study learners, those seeking course supplementary materials.
📖 View on Amazon →🟢 B1 Level: Intermediate Communication
B1 is the threshold level required for independent communication in daily life in Germany. German citizenship applications require a minimum B1 certificate. That's why the B1 exam is a critical milestone for many people.
💡 Tip: Looking for detailed phrases and sample texts for the B1 writing section? Check out our telc B1 Schreiben Guide.
📗 Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch B1
This book, specifically designed for the telc B1 exam, mirrors the exam format exactly. It features:
- 4 full-length model exams
- Detailed solution strategies for all sections
- Templates and sample texts for Schreiben (writing)
- Dialogue examples for Sprechen (speaking)
- Common mistakes and corrections
- Vocabulary tests
Standout feature: Timed practice tests simulating real exam conditions.
📖 View on Amazon →🟡 B2 Level: Upper Intermediate
B2 enables comfortable communication in academic and professional settings. University preparatory programs (Studienkolleg) and some employers require a B2 certificate. At this level, understanding complex texts and participating in discussions is expected.
✍️ B2 Writing Practice: Find 60+ phrases and 6 complete sample texts in our telc B2 Schreiben Guide.
📒 Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch B2
This book focuses on the telc B2 exam and covers all sections:
- Reading comprehension strategies
- Note-taking techniques for listening
- Writing templates (Zusammenfassung, Kommentar)
- Tips for the speaking section
📒 Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-Zertifikat B2
Specifically designed for the Goethe-Institut B2 exam. Goethe exams typically expect a slightly more academic style than telc:
- Tests matching Goethe exam format
- Academic writing practice
- Detailed evaluation criteria
- Intensive vocabulary work
🔴 C1 Level: Advanced
C1 is the level required for university education or high-level professional careers in Germany. The telc C1 Hochschule certificate is accepted as proof of language proficiency by the vast majority of German universities.
🎯 C1 Resources: Check out our telc C1 Schreiben Guide and C1 Hochschule Speaking Guide.
📕 Mit Erfolg zu telc C1 Hochschule
The most comprehensive preparation book for the telc C1 Hochschule university admission exam:
- Academic text analysis techniques
- Graph and table interpretation
- Erörterung (argumentative essay) writing strategies
- Präsentation (presentation) preparation
- Scientific style and terminology
📕 Prüfungstraining telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
This Cornelsen Publishing book provides intensive exam practice:
- 3 complete tests in real exam format
- Step-by-step solution paths
- Time management strategies
- Online supplementary materials
📕 KOMPAKT Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch C1
Condensed preparation book for those with limited time before the exam:
- Summary of the most important strategies
- Ideal for quick review
- Perfect for last-week recap
- Compact format, easy to carry
📗 Grammar Resource (B2/C1)
At B2 and C1 levels, grammar knowledge is critically important. Complex sentence structures, Konjunktiv II, Partizipialattribute, and other advanced grammar topics frequently appear in exams.
📗 Grammatik aktiv B2/C1
This Cornelsen grammar book explains advanced grammar topics in an understandable way:
- All B2/C1 grammar topics
- Visual explanations and tables
- Plenty of exercises with solutions
- Ideal structure for self-study
- Audio materials included
Especially for: Passive alternatives, nominalization, complex connectors, reported speech (Konjunktiv I).
📖 View on Amazon →📖 Dictionary Recommendation
While digital dictionaries are practical, a physical dictionary remains invaluable for in-depth study. Understanding word families, usage examples, and nuances requires a quality dictionary.
📖 Langenscheidt German-English / English-German
One of the most comprehensive bilingual dictionaries for German learners:
- 130,000+ words and phrases
- Current usage examples
- Grammar information (gender, plural forms)
- Balance of technical and everyday language
- Phonetic transcription
💡 Effective Study Strategies
Getting the right books is only the first step. Here's how to get maximum value from these resources:
🕐 Daily Routine
30-60 minutes of daily regular study is more effective than 4 hours once a week.
📝 Active Learning
Instead of passive reading, reinforce what you learn by immediately writing and speaking.
⏱️ Timed Practice
At least 2 weeks before the exam, do practice tests with actual exam timing.
🔄 Review Cycle
Spaced repetition: Review learned words after 1, 3, 7, 14 days.
📱 Free German Vocabulary App
Use our app for vocabulary practice while studying with books! Categorized vocabulary sets from A1 to C1, daily practice reminders, and progress tracking.
Explore the App →📊 Summary Table
| Level | Book | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| A1/A2 | Mit Erfolg zu Start Deutsch 1/2 | Basic communication |
| B1 | Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch B1 | Daily life, citizenship |
| B2 | Mit Erfolg zu telc/Goethe B2 | Professional communication |
| C1 | Mit Erfolg zu telc C1 Hochschule | Academic German |
| Grammar | Grammatik aktiv B2/C1 | Advanced structures |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose telc or Goethe?
Both have international validity. telc is generally more practical and closer to everyday language, while Goethe is slightly more academic. Choose based on your goal: Goethe for university, telc for work.
How long does it take to pass a level?
With regular study (1-2 hours daily): A1: 2-3 months, A2: 2-3 months, B1: 3-4 months, B2: 4-6 months, C1: 6-12 months. These times vary by person.
Can I prepare only with books?
Books provide a great foundation, but you need a partner especially for speaking practice. We recommend adding online language exchange (Tandem) or private lessons.
What level is required for citizenship?
German citizenship requires a minimum B1 certificate. For detailed information, see our citizenship guide.
🎯 Conclusion
Working with the right resources makes your German learning journey both more efficient and more enjoyable. The books in this list have been tested and successfully used by thousands of students.
Determine your target level, get the appropriate book, and start studying regularly. Success is inevitable! Viel Erfolg! 🇩🇪
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