Next Adventure Languages

Tag: b2

  • My Phase One German Study Plan (B1 → B2)

    My Phase One German Study Plan (B1 → B2)

    For years I’ve been learning German in an on-again, off-again sort of way—listening to podcasts, dabbling in textbooks, watching YouTube videos, and trying to absorb the language through passive exposure. It helped, but only to a point. Eventually I realized that if I actually wanted to reach a higher level—specifically the Goethe B2 exam, which I’m scheduled to take this coming summer—I needed something more than scattered effort. I needed structure and routine. In a sense, I needed to build myself a roadmap. Where am I currently at? Where do I want to go?

    That’s how my three-phase study plan was born.

    Technically, there were four phases, because Phase 0 was all about scheduling and preparation. But now that the planning is complete, I’m ready to begin the first real leg of the journey in just two days. No more procrastination. Phase One is where everything starts to solidify.

    What Phase One Is

    Phase One answers the question: Where am I at right now?
     I’m currently B1, and I want to raise my knowledge to a solid B2 level. Phase One is a six-week structured reset designed to rebuild my B1 foundation and move deliberately into the early stages of B2 thinking. It isn’t meant to be overwhelming—it’s a steady, consistent plan built around short, focused sessions.

    The core idea is simple:
    recover everything I already know, regain control of grammar, build early B2 skills, and do it all in a predictable weekly rhythm.

    It’s built on:

    • Daily study (30–60 minutes)
    • Five active study days per week
    • Grammar review, structured writing, and speaking practice
    • Weekends reserved for rest, catch-up, or light input such as podcasts or reading

    Core Goals of Phase One

    1. Master B1 Grammar Thoroughly

    Not in the sense of achieving perfection, but through exposure, review, and repetition. I’ll be completing 12 chapters of Vorsprung—two per week—to give myself a sweeping review of foundational topics.

    2. Develop Early B2 Writing Skills

    Twice a week, I’ll respond to structured writing prompts modeled on B2 exam tasks. These short writing sessions force me to use grammar, word order, and vocabulary in a deliberate way.

    3. Build Speaking Confidence

    Once a week, I’ll take a 30-minute iTalki lesson focused on spontaneous speaking—mainly forming thoughts in the language and speaking them out loud to another person. It’s the area I’ve practiced the least, so it needs the most attention.

    4. Rebuild a Consistent Study Habit

    This phase is as much about routine as it is about grammar. The daily rhythm keeps the pressure low but the progress steady.

    (And again—the purpose isn’t to master every grammar topic immediately. Phase One is about exposing myself to the full range of topics, noticing what I don’t know, revisiting weak spots, and preparing to go deeper during Phase Two.)

    Weekly Structure (What Each Day Looks Like)

    (The week will consist of time immersing with movies, music, and books in the German Language that is not scheduled here.)

    Monday — Grammar Chapter A
     • One full Vorsprung chapter
    • Reading, grammar explanations, exercises
    • 30–60 minutes

    Tuesday — Writing Practice #1
     • Free-writings. Use ChatGPT for corrections

    Wednesday — Speaking Lesson
     • 30-minute iTalki session
    • Review grammar + spontaneous speaking practice

    Thursday — Grammar Chapter B
     • The second Vorsprung chapter of the week
    • Another round of review + exercises

    Friday — Writing Practice #2
     • A short paragraph or composition integrating everything from the week

    Saturday — Rest + Light Input
     • Podcasts, Easy German, or reading

    Sunday — Rest or Catch-Up
     • No structured study required

    Weekly Theme Focus for Writing & Speaking

    To give each week a clear direction, I’m using Top-Thema mit Vokabeln from DW as the thematic anchor. This was suggested to me by a tutor on iTalki. It provides fresh vocabulary, current topics, and short, manageable texts to respond to—perfect for both writing and speaking practice.

    Final Thoughts

    Learning German gives me something meaningful outside of my career. It’s something I’ve stuck with through moves, jobs, classes, and different stages of my life. Now I finally want a certification that reflects that effort.

    Having a structured plan keeps me grounded, motivated, and intentional. It removes uncertainty and replaces it with direction. And honestly—this feels exciting. Phase One is the first formal step in a long-term project toward B2 and eventually beyond.

  • Why I Signed Up for the Goethe B2 Exam (And How I’m Preparing)

    Why I Signed Up for the Goethe B2 Exam (And How I’m Preparing)

    I finally did it — I signed up for the Goethe B2 exam and put a real date on the calendar. I’ve been learning German while working full-time, and I wanted something concrete to aim for. Over the past few months, I’ve felt myself hovering around the same level, comfortable but not improving. Setting an exam date gives me a deadline and forces me to confront weak spots I usually avoid.

    This post is about why I registered, what the certification means to me, and how I’m building a realistic plan from now until this summer.

    Why I Wanted a Base Certification

    I’ve been learning German on and off for about five years. At some point, I wanted something that reflects that effort — not to show off, but as a personal benchmark. I also like the idea of having a recognized certification in case I ever want to study or work in Germany. It’s the largest economy in Europe, and the idea of building part of my life there has always been in the back of my mind.

    B2 represents the point where the language stops being fragile. You can function professionally, watch native media without subtitles, and hold your own in fast conversations. Signing up for this exam is my way of saying: I’m committed long-term, and I want to see this through.

    And if I fail? Fine. That’s not the point. I’m not learning German to chase a perfect score. I’m learning it because I genuinely enjoy it — and because I want the momentum that a real deadline brings.

    It also pushes me out of my comfort zone. I tend to avoid speaking in front of others, and the speaking portion of the exam won’t let me hide from that. It’s uncomfortable, but necessary.

    Why Having a Goal Outside of Work Matters

    Working full-time creates a predictable routine. I like my job, and I’m grateful for it, but I also want something outside of work that challenges me — something that’s mine. Language learning fills that role. It demands consistency, effort, and patience.

    Preparing for the exam keeps me structured, motivated, and mentally sharp. It gives me healthy pressure: a real deadline, a reason to stay consistent, and a sense of purpose beyond my career.

    It’s easy to let months pass by without realizing how little progress you’ve made. This exam forces me to stay engaged.

    Having a set exam date gives my weeks more structure. Even when work gets busy, I can’t ignore German the way I sometimes might without a deadline. Studying becomes part of my day — like going to the gym or making coffee.

    It grounds me and keeps me accountable.

    Why I Chose the Goethe B2 Exam Specifically

    The Goethe-Institut is recognized around the world — by universities, employers, and immigration offices. That matters to me. If I ever end up studying or working in Germany, this is the certification they’ll recognize.

    The exam is balanced:

    • reading
    • listening
    • writing
    • and speaking

    I’m strong in reading and listening, but writing and speaking still need steady work. Goethe’s format requires improvement in the areas I tend to avoid. And B2 feels like the right challenge — ambitious but realistic with consistent effort.

    It also feels good to be evaluated academically after years of casual learning. I want to know how well I can actually use this language.

    My Timeline: From Today Until The Exam

    I have a little more than six months to prepare. That’s plenty of time, but only if I’m consistent.

    Phase Zero (Now → Early December):

    Clearing personal tasks I’ve been putting off, organizing my materials, and building a real study plan. Think of it as setting the foundation.

    Phases One, Two, and Three (Dec → Summer):

    Each phase includes weekly goals built around the four core skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. I’m not aiming for perfection — I’m aiming for steady exposure.

    My weekly minimum looks like this:

    • 30–45 minutes of active study per weekday
    • Daily reading or listening
    • One speaking session per week
    • One written assignment for correction
    • Monthly checkpoints to stay on track

    I want repeated contact with grammar, vocabulary, and exam-style tasks. Consistency beats intensity.

    My Game Plan: How I’m Studying

    1. Grammar

    Review all B1 foundations to close gaps, then move systematically through the main B2 structures.

    2. Vocabulary

    Use LingQ, reading, and daily immersion. No flashcard burnout — just steady exposure to real language.

    3. Listening

    Podcasts, YouTube, news, and anything I actually enjoy.

    4. Reading

    Novels, articles, blog posts, and short stories — slow but steady.

    5. Speaking

    Weekly iTalki lessons and shadowing in between to build confidence.

    6. Writing

    A weekly journal entry that I get corrected and refine over time.

    The Journey Begins Now

    Signing up for the B2 exam was the first step. Now comes the work — the daily, steady effort that builds real skill. If you’re thinking about learning a language or taking an exam, I hope this gives you a realistic picture of what this stage looks like.

    I’ll share updates as I move through each phase and get closer to the exam!