German tests usually don’t include a specific section that assesses the test candidates’ grammatical knowledge, apart from the Telc exam B1 and Telc exam B2. This gives the impression that grammar is irrelevant for success in German tests. This contradicts reality.
Why is grammar so crucial for success?
For many German learners, German grammar seems complicated. This view is usually based on prejudice and rarely on personal experience. However, German grammar is logical and progressive. The more time German learners invest in it, the fewer difficulties they encounter, but German learners only realize this fact once they do so.
If you underestimate grammar, you will only make limited progress in the German language, because grammar makes the language understandable and ensures correct comprehension. Misunderstandings can arise from a lack of vocabulary or a lack of understanding of grammatical structure. I would like to illustrate this with three examples at three levels:
A1: Der Mann hilft unserer alten Nachbarin.
A2: Das Haus, das aus 2 Etagen besteht, haben wir nicht gekauft.
B1: Das Fußballspiel ist wegen des Unwetters verschoben worden.
Grammatical knowledge allows you to understand who is helping whom, the relationship between the house and the two floors, and why the football match is not taking place, Vocabulary alone is not enough to understand these sentences precisely.
These three examples make it clear that without good grammar knowledge, you can only understand the sentences partially, incorrectly, or incompletely. In German tests, you, as a test candidate, need precise understanding to be able to answer correctly. Therefore, understanding based on structures is crucial for success in all sections: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
How is grammar assessed in German tests?
Although grammar is considered directly important for success in all sections of German tests, it is assessed alongside other criteria in writing and speaking. This means that in the Speaking and Writing module, grammar and vocabulary are assessed separately in the Goethe test B1 and Goethe exam B2, as well as in the Telc exam B1 and Telc exam B2, and are assigned specific points.
In the Telc and Goethe exam A1, as well as in the Telc and Goethe exam A2, grammar and vocabulary are not assessed separately. This means they are not assigned specific points as in the Goethe test B1 and Goethe exam B2 or the Telc exam B1 and Telc exam B2.
In this context, it should be noted that in the B1 and B2 exams, not every grammatical error results in a point deduction. Instead, grammar is assessed broadly, i.e., whether the structures used and the errors made are appropriate for the level. For example, if you are taking the Goethe test B1, you must demonstrate B1-level structures in the Writing and Speaking section. If you do not, you will lose points. This applies to the Goethe exam A2, Goethe exam B2, Telc exam B1, and Telc exam B2.
In Telc exam B1and Telc exam B2, grammar and vocabulary are also tested in two sections: Sprachbausteine 1 und Sprachbausteine 2. These types of questions do not exist in the Goethe test B1and Goethe exam B2.
How can you improve your grammar skills?
As described above, grammar is fundamental and must be constantly maintained. Consider the following tips:
Create a solid foundation! A1 is the basic level, where you acquire fundamental knowledge. The more time and effort you invest in grammar at this level, the easier the subsequent grammar will be.
Test your grammar before the test! If you are taking the Goethe exam A1, for example, we recommend taking a grammar test either before or after to identify and address any gaps in your knowledge before starting A2.
From B1 onwards, grammatical errors from A1 and A2 tend to become ingrained, creating a poor impression and hindering progress. For this reason, we recommend a grammar review before B1. This will strengthen your skills and enable you to develop further.
