Digital Goethe B2: Differences from Paper and Technical Requirements
Level:B2Duration:~3 h 15 minFee:Varies by centreValidity:UnlimitedFormat:Modular
Last updated: 21 September 2026 · Verified against current official Goethe-Institut sources
The Goethe-Zertifikat B2 is offered both on paper and digitally, and the distinction matters: the digital exam is taken in person at the exam centre on the centre's laptop, while the online exam is taken remotely on your own computer under certain conditions.
Paper, digital and online compared
| Paper | Digital | Online | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Exam centre | Exam centre | Your own room |
| Device | — | Centre's laptop | Your computer |
| Listening audio | Speakers | Headphones | Speakers |
| Answer sheet | Yes | No | No |
| Speaking tasks | Paper | Paper | Paper |
What changes in the digital exam
- The content does not change: the digital material matches the paper exam and is graded against the same criteria.
- The transfer step disappears: you enter answers and texts directly on the platform and can change them until the module's time expires.
- Texts are typed on a German keyboard, so learn where the umlauts and the ß sit beforehand.
- A tutorial runs at the start of each module and the exam time only begins afterwards.
- Reading and Listening items with fixed options are marked automatically by the platform; Writing and Speaking are still assessed by two independent examiners.
Technical requirements for the online exam
- Device: a desktop, laptop or Chromebook; if required, a smartphone as a second camera.
- Screen: a single monitor; multiple monitors or dual screens are not permitted.
- Audio: internal or external speakers and an integrated microphone. Headphones and in-ear headphones are not allowed.
- Camera: it must be movable enough to give a 360° view of the room, including the table surface and its underside.
- Browser: Google Chrome; the invigilation provider's browser is supplied at the tech check and on exam day.
- Internet: at least 5 Mbit/s upload and download; 10 Mbit/s recommended.
- Room: a quiet room with adequate lighting and seating; rooms with more than one door or large glass frontages are not permitted.
Immediately before the exam, every application not relevant to it must be closed.
Official sources
The exam rules and figures in this guide were checked against the official sources below.
Related guide
Get used to working on screen
Work through B2 tasks on screen in Zertifly and type your writing tasks on a keyboard to prepare for the digital exam flow.