
What are the most common verbs at the B1 level in German
At the B1 level in German, learners are expected to have a solid grasp of commonly used verbs that enable them to communicate effectively in everyday situations. Below is a list of the most common verbs at this level, many of which overlap with foundational vocabulary from earlier stages (A1 and A2), but are used more flexibly and in varied contexts:
Auxiliary and Modal Verbs
- sein (to be)
- haben (to have)
- werden (to become)
- können (to be able to/can)
- müssen (to have to/must)
- dürfen (to be allowed to/may)
- sollen (to should/ought to)
- wollen (to want)
High-Frequency Action Verbs
- machen (to do/make)
- gehen (to go)
- kommen (to come)
- sehen (to see)
- nehmen (to take)
- geben (to give)
- finden (to find)
- bleiben (to stay/remain)
- bringen (to bring)
Communication and Cognitive Verbs
- sagen (to say/tell)
- fragen (to ask)
- denken (to think)
- glauben (to believe)
- wissen (to know [a fact])
- kennen (to know [a person/place])
- erzählen (to tell/narrate)
Other Common Verbs
- arbeiten (to work)
- spielen (to play)
- fahren (to drive/travel)
- laufen (to run/walk)
- schreiben (to write)
- lesen (to read)
- essen (to eat)
- trinken (to drink)
Separable Prefix Verbs
Learners at the B1 level are also introduced to verbs with separable prefixes, such as:
- aufstehen (to get up)
- anfangen (to begin/start)
- mitbringen (to bring along)
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs become increasingly important at this level, especially for mastering the past tense and subjunctive moods. Examples include:
- sprechen (to speak)
- er spricht, sprach, hat gesprochen
- helfen (to help)
- er hilft, half, hat geholfen
These verbs are essential for describing events, expressing opinions, and engaging in more complex conversations. Mastery of their conjugations and usage will significantly enhance communication skills at the B1 level 1, 3, 4.
References
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Neurodidactic-Based Learning on German Course (Deutsch) B1 Level
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L3-Task. A Case Study of Online Tandem Interaction Based on A2 to B1 Level (CEFR)
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A cognitive approach to teaching deictic motion verbs to German and Italian students of Spanish
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Here is a list of German B1-level verbs (Infinitv and Präteritum …
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Intermediate B1 German vocabulary and grammar: what and how?
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Germanspired - Here’s a list of B1-level German verbs… - Facebook
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German - Verbs B for B1 Foreign Language Flashcards - Cram.com
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How many irregular verbs should I know for b1 exam? : r/German
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Verb + Preposition + Dative / Accusative Table List - longua.org