How long does it take to learn German to A1, A2 and B1?
Facts checked on
Short answer
The Goethe-Institut estimates that, starting from zero, you need about 80–200 lessons of 45 minutes to reach A1, 200–350 to reach A2 and 350–650 to reach B1. In hours, that is roughly 60–150 hours for A1, 150–260 for A2 and 260–490 for B1. How fast you get there depends on how often you study and practise.
The official estimates
| Level | 45-minute lessons (from zero) | About this many hours |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 80–200 | 60–150 |
| A2 | 200–350 | 150–260 |
| B1 | 350–650 | 260–490 |
These numbers are totals from zero, not per level. So if you already have A1, reaching A2 takes the difference, not the full A2 number.
Why the range is so wide
- How many hours a week you study: daily study beats one long session a week.
- Practice outside class: listening, speaking out loud and reviewing words every day.
- Other languages you know: English helps with many German words.
- Your goal: passing an exam needs focused practice on the exam format.
What this means for your plan
Count backwards from your deadline. If you need A1 for a visa, five classes a week plus 30–40 minutes of daily practice puts the lower end of the A1 range within reach in about two months. If you start from zero and need B1, plan for months rather than weeks.
Not sure where you are now? Take the free level test on this site, then plan from your real starting point.
Common questions
Can I learn A1 German in one month?
It's possible only with many hours a week. The Goethe-Institut estimate for A1 is about 60–150 hours, so one month means 15 hours or more every week. Most people with work or family plan for about two months.
How long from A1 to B1?
Using the Goethe-Institut estimates, going from A1 to B1 takes roughly 270–450 more lessons of 45 minutes (about 200–340 hours), depending on how much you practise.