How long does it take to reach B1 or B2 in German?

Everyone wants a number. The honest answer depends on how intensively you study — but here are realistic ranges from a true-beginner (A0) start.

Typical timelines

• B1: about 6–9 months with intensive study; longer part-time.
• B2: add a few more months on top of B1.
• C1 (needed for Medical PG): a serious commitment beyond B2, plus medical vocabulary.

What speeds it up

Daily exposure and speaking practice. All four exam boards test speaking and listening, not just reading and writing — so conversation from an early stage is the difference between a certificate on paper and German you can actually use on a ward or in a lecture.

Track your level against your target program's deadline, not an arbitrary goal — that's how you avoid over- or under-shooting.