Achieving B1 is an important milestone, confirming that you have achieved the necessary German language level to qualify for vocational training and work in Germany. However, having a certificate does not mean that you are ready to communicate fluently or immediately meet the language requirements in a professional study and work environment in Germany.  

If you do not continue to practice, your ability to use German may be lost, directly affecting your development opportunities. So why do many people "stagnate" in learning the language after reaching B1? How will the gradual loss of language ability affect your future career? And most importantly, how to maintain and develop German effectively? Let's find a solution to this problem with SHD Education!

Why do you easily forget German after taking the B1 exam?

Lack of motivation to study after achieving goals

For many students, B1 is a “milestone to achieve” to complete the conditions for participating in vocational study abroad programs or labor export programs in Germany. Therefore, right after finishing the exam, many people fall into a state of relaxation, stop studying, and no longer have regular contact with German.

Reference: German alphabet and standard pronunciation for beginners

However, language is not a “frozen” knowledge. If you do not maintain practice, your ability to memorize and use German will gradually decrease over time. The further you move away from the language, the harder it will be to regain your original form.

Lack of practical practice environment

While in class, you are exposed to German every day through lectures, exercises, speaking practice with teachers and friends. But when you stop studying, if you do not actively create an environment to expose yourself to German, you will quickly lose your sensitivity to this language.

It is necessary to maintain motivation to learn German even after reaching B1.

Lack of practice not only makes you forget vocabulary and grammar, but more importantly, you lose the ability to think and react in German – which is extremely important when living and working in Germany.

Not using the right method leads to "learning and forgetting"

Many people after getting B1 still try to maintain their studies but only focus on reading documents, reviewing vocabulary and doing grammar exercises. Although this way of learning helps consolidate knowledge, if not combined with listening - speaking - reflex practice, you will have difficulty when having to communicate in real life.

Language is not just a system of rules but also a tool of communication. If you don't practice using it naturally, you will gradually lose fluency when speaking with German people.

Consequences of interrupting German language learning

Reduced communication reflexes – greatly affects the integration process
Germans speak quickly, use a variety of vocabulary with different nuances and have their own way of expressing themselves in each context. If you do not practice listening and responding regularly, when you arrive in Germany, you will feel confused, not understanding what your colleagues are saying, and unable to respond fluently. This makes you easily fall into a state of stress, anxiety and loss of confidence.

Impact on work and study
For those participating in vocational study abroad programs, studying at vocational schools and practicing at businesses requires you to use German every day. If your German ability is reduced, you will not be able to absorb lectures effectively, not understand work instructions and have difficulty communicating with colleagues.

Using German well plays a key role in helping you succeed when studying vocational training in Germany.

As a result, you not only fall behind in your studies, but also risk being undervalued in the workplace, affecting your career development opportunities.

It takes time and effort to learn from scratch.
If you let your German language “cool” for too long, it will take you a lot of time to review and regain your confidence in communication. This is not only a waste but also reduces your preparation before going to Germany.

Reference: SHD Education - Innovation, comprehensive development for students

How to maintain and improve German after B1?

Make German a part of your everyday life

• Watch German TV shows, movies, and podcasts to maintain your listening skills and get used to the natural way native speakers express themselves.
• Read German books, newspapers and magazines to continuously expand your vocabulary and reinforce your grammar.
• Keep a diary or take notes in German to practice thinking in the language.

Actively create a German communication environment

• Find a study partner to practice speaking and role-play real-life conversation situations.
• Join German study groups to practice communication and exchange learning experiences.
• Practice reflexes through conversation exercises, simulating real-life career situations.

Register for German maintenance class at SHD Education - Optimal solution for students after B1

To help students not only maintain but also improve their German language proficiency before leaving the country, SHD Education organizes German maintenance class with interactive learning methods and practical practice.

Attending German maintenance classes helps students solidify their knowledge and create motivation to study.

Why should you join the German maintenance class at SHD?

• Real learning environment: Students practice language through real-life situations related to their major, helping to improve communication reflexes.
• Develop speaking skills and quick reflexes: Not only reviewing knowledge, the class focuses on practicing communication skills, helping you feel confident when talking with Germans.
• Connecting students, maintaining learning motivation: Learning in a positive environment will help you maintain interest in German and not be interrupted during your studies.

👉 Register now for a German maintenance class at SHD Education to prepare for your journey to Germany!