Is B2 German Enough for Business Case Interviews?

Question

Hi everyone,

I'm currently preparing for the Goethe B2 exam and was wondering if any non-native speakers here have experience solving business cases in German.

Specifically, I'd like to know whether a B2 level is generally sufficient for tackling business cases in German, or if reaching C1 proficiency would be more appropriate.

Many thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

First of all, contrary to what other coaches have said, several major consulting firms in Germany, including Bain, do not require fluency in German. In fact, at least at Bain, if you are an applicant with no German proficiency, you can conduct the entire application process in English.
Moreover, unfortunately, no one can seriously answer the question whether your individual German proficiency will suffice for conducting case studies in German or not. However, if you would like to find out more, I would be more than happy to conduct a case study coaching session with you in German.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, for you upcoming pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hi there!

Cases aside, I'd say the expectation at hiring is to be able to engage with clients at C1-C2 level. B2 might be slightly too low. You might be able to just 'get by' especially if you practice a lot with german cases and you know the lingo.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 3

I would expect B2 to be quite limiting for case interviews, as they would expect you to go to a detailed levels of insights, and you won't have the right vocabulary to express your thoughts. You can still try case interviews with peers in German to gauge the extent to which you can perform, but I think you'll probably feel frustrated for not being able to go as far as you want.

Answer 4

Hi there,

I am a B2 level speaker in German and it is definitely not enough to deliver a case with confidence nor to work with clients. You’ll need to not only have domain over grammar, but also over the technical jargon. Aim for C2 if German is a must.

Good luck,

Mari

Answer 5

hey there!

I would argue that B2 is generally enough to handle case interviews in German, especially if your structure and problem-solving are strong. You might need to clarify or ask for rephrasing occasionally, but that’s acceptable. Reaching C1 helps with fluency and nuance, but B2 is workable if you’re confident and well-prepared.

Alessa

Answer 6

I believe it will be accepted by the interviewer, but you will have some lack of fluency which may limit your case performance.

Answer 7

I don’t have much knowledge regarding German in particular for DACH applications.

But generally speaking, B2 is at the lower end of what would be needed for working in a business environment. You might get by with it, but C1 would be a better target.