DaF Book Recommendations
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DaF Books for Learners and Trainers
The following DaF books are my personal recommendations.
On this page, I share my personal DaF (German as a foreign language) book recommendations for employees and trainers who are committed to professional development and continuous learning. The selected titles support both practical workplace communication and effective teaching strategies, offering structured guidance and real-world relevance. My aim is to highlight resources that support sustainable learning, strengthen professional competence, and provide practical tools for both employees and trainers in everyday teaching and workplace contexts.
In the first section, you will find German DaF books designed for courses and structured language practice. These materials are ideal for classroom use as well as guided self-study, providing clear explanations, practical exercises, and step-by-step progression.
The second section focuses on DaF exam preparation. Here, I recommend resources that specifically prepare learners for recognised German language exams such as telc, Goethe-Institut exams, and the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ). These books help learners become familiar with exam formats and prepare confidently for certification.
In the third section, you will find helpful German grammar books.
Books for German Level A1-A2
For Courses and Exercises
Schritte Plus Neu A1.1
I highly recommend Schritte plus Neu 1: Deutsch als Zweitsprache für Alltag und Beruf for anyone who is just beginning to learn German and has no prior knowledge of the language. In my experience, it is one of the most reliable and well-structured books for building a strong foundation from the very start.
The book introduces essential vocabulary and basic grammar step by step, without overwhelming learners. Its clear structure makes it especially suitable for absolute beginners, as each unit builds logically on the previous one. Learners are not only introduced to grammar rules, but also to real-life situations that help them use German confidently in daily life and at work.
Schritte Plus Neu A1.2
I highly recommend Schritte plus Neu A1.2: Deutsch als Zweitsprache für Alltag und Beruf for learners who have completed the first part of A1 and want to continue building their German skills in a structured and practical way. This volume deepens the foundations introduced in A1.1 and helps learners gain more confidence in everyday communication.
The book expands essential vocabulary and grammar step by step, always in clear and manageable units. What I particularly appreciate is its strong focus on real-life situations. Learners practise language that is immediately useful in daily life as well as in professional contexts, which makes progress both visible and motivating.
Linie 1 A1
I highly recommend Linie 1 A1 for beginners who are starting to learn German and are looking for a structured, practical, and learner-friendly introduction to the language. This coursebook is particularly well suited for adult learners, including employees who need German for everyday life and professional integration, as well as for trainers working in integration or vocational language courses.
What makes Linie 1 A1 especially valuable is its clear progression and strong focus on real-life communication. The units are carefully structured and guide learners step by step through essential vocabulary, basic grammar, and everyday situations.
Schritte Plus Neu A2.1
Schritte plus Neu A2.1: Deutsch als Zweitsprache für Alltag und Beruf is an ideal continuation for learners who have completed the A1 level and are ready to expand their basic German skills. The book builds on previously acquired knowledge and guides learners toward greater confidence in everyday and workplace communication.
The units are clearly organised and follow a logical progression, allowing learners to consolidate familiar language while gradually introducing more complex forms. A strong emphasis is placed on practical communication to help learners apply the language in situations they may encounter in daily life, vocational training, or the workplace.
Schritte Plus Neu A2.2
Schritte plus Neu A2.2: Deutsch als Zweitsprache für Alltag und Beruf supports learners in developing greater fluency and confidence in German for everyday life and professional contexts. This book focuses strengthening communicative competence while preparing learners for the transition to the B1 level.
At this stage, learners expand their vocabulary significantly and work with more complex grammatical structures. The units are clearly structured and follow a logical progression. Practical topics from daily life and the workplace remain central, helping learners apply new language skills in realistic situations.
Linie 1 A2
Linie 1 A2 is a well-structured continuation for learners who have successfully completed the A1 level and are ready to further develop their German skills. The book systematically expands vocabulary and grammar while maintaining a clear and manageable progression. Each unit builds logically on previous content, helping learners consolidate what they already know while gradually increasing their communicative competence.
A strong focus is placed on practical language use in everyday and workplace situations. Through dialogues, listening activities, and varied exercises, learners practise speaking, reading, writing, and listening in realistic contexts.
Books for German Level B1-B2
For Courses and Exercises
Schritte Plus Neu B1.1
Schritte plus Neu B1.1: Deutsch als Zweitsprache für Alltag und Beruf marks the transition to the intermediate level and supports learners in developing greater fluency and independence in German. Building on the foundations of A2, this volume introduces more complex grammatical structures and expands vocabulary significantly, enabling learners to express opinions, describe experiences in more detail, and participate more actively in conversations.
The book maintains its strong focus on practical communication in everyday and professional contexts. Realistic scenarios, dialogues, and task-based exercises encourage learners to apply language in meaningful situations.
Schritte Plus Neu B1.2
Schritte plus Neu B1.2: Deutsch als Zweitsprache für Alltag und Beruf completes the B1 level and supports learners in developing independent and confident language use. Building on B1.1, this volume further expands vocabulary and grammar, enabling learners to handle more complex conversations, express opinions clearly, and manage written tasks with greater accuracy.
The book continues to focus strongly on practical communication in everyday and professional contexts. Realistic scenarios, task-based activities, and varied exercises encourage active language use and help learners apply their skills in meaningful situations.
Linie 1 B2
Linie 1 B1 supports learners in reaching an independent level of German and strengthening their communicative competence at the B1 stage. Building on the foundations of A1 and A2, the book systematically expands vocabulary and grammar, enabling learners to participate more confidently in discussions, express opinions, and handle more complex everyday and workplace situations.
A strong focus is placed on practical, real-life communication. The units are clearly structured and include dialogues, listening tasks, reading texts, and writing activities that reflect authentic scenarios. This helps learners apply the language actively and meaningfully.
Erkundungen B2
Erkundungen B2 is a comprehensive coursebook designed for learners who have reached the upper-intermediate level and want to refine and expand their German skills systematically. At the B2 level, the focus shifts toward greater linguistic precision, more complex grammatical structures, and the ability to engage in detailed discussions on a wide range of topics.
The reading and listening texts are authentic and challenging, encouraging learners to analyse, summarise, and critically engage with content. Writing tasks and speaking activities promote structured argumentation and fluent expression.
DaF im Unternehmen B2
DaF im Unternehmen B2 is a practice-oriented coursebook designed for learners who need German specifically for professional contexts. At the B2 level, the book helps learners refine their language skills and communicate confidently in workplace situations that require precision, clarity, and structured expression.
The content focuses strongly on business communication and job-related scenarios, such as meetings, presentations, professional correspondence, project discussions, and workplace problem-solving. Learners expand their professional vocabulary and work with more complex grammatical structures that are essential for formal and semi-formal communication.
Kompass DaF B2
Kompass DaF B2 is a practical, communication-focused coursebook designed for learners at the upper-intermediate level who want to strengthen their German skills with real-world language use. At B2, the book helps learners build confidence in both spoken and written German by offering authentic materials and task-based activities that reflect everyday and professional situations.
The units are clearly structured and cover a wide range of topics relevant to life, work, and study in German-speaking environments. Vocabulary and grammar are expanded in context, giving learners tools to describe experiences, participate meaningfully in discussions, and handle complex communication tasks.
Books for German Level C1-C2
For Courses and Exercises
Erkundungen C1
Erkundungen C1 is an advanced coursebook designed for learners who aim to achieve a high level of proficiency in German. At the C1 level, the focus moves toward nuanced language use, stylistic flexibility, and the ability to understand and produce complex, abstract texts in both academic and professional contexts.
Speaking and writing tasks promote structured argumentation, precise expression, and coherent presentation of ideas. Learners practise summarising texts, formulating well-supported opinions, and participating in in-depth discussions. This makes Erkundungen C1 particularly suitable for those preparing for university studies, professional qualification, or recognised C1-level examinations.
Kompass DaF C1
Kompass DaF C1 is an advanced, communication-oriented coursebook designed for learners who aim to use German confidently and precisely at a high level. At C1, the focus lies on developing nuanced language skills, academic and professional communication, and the ability to understand and produce complex texts.
A strong emphasis is placed on productive skills: learners practise structured writing, presentations, discussions, and analysis of sophisticated texts. Task-based activities promote independent thinking and advanced communicative competence, making the book particularly suitable for university preparation, professional advancement, and recognised C1-level examinations.
Erkundungen C2
Erkundungen C2 is a comprehensive coursebook for learners who aim to reach near-native proficiency in German. At the C2 level, the focus lies on mastering complex language structures, refining stylistic precision, and developing the ability to understand and produce sophisticated texts.
Writing and speaking tasks emphasise structured argumentation, text analysis, summarising, and precise expression. Learners practise presenting well-developed viewpoints, responding to counterarguments, and adapting language appropriately to various settings. This book is particularly suitable for those preparing for C2-level examinations and high-level professional communication.
Books for Exam Preparation
Goethe and telc A1-C2 as well as Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ)
Mit Erfolg zu Start Deutsch 1 A1 Goethe and telc
Mit Erfolg zu Start Deutsch 1 is a practical and targeted exam preparation book designed to help learners successfully prepare for the Start Deutsch 1 exam. This exam corresponds to the A1 level and is widely recognised for language certification, immigration, and integration purposes.
Clear explanations and step-by-step training help learners improve accuracy and fluency, while useful tips and strategies support effective preparation. The included audio materials allow learners to practise listening comprehension with tasks similar to the real exam, and speaking exercises help build confidence for the oral test.
Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-Zertifikat A2
Mit Erfolg zum Goethe‑Zertifikat A2 is a focused exam preparation book designed to help learners succeed in the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 exam. This certification is widely recognised and validates practical German language skills at the A2 level, a key milestone for integration, study, or professional purposes.
The book guides learners through all parts of the exam: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Each section includes authentic practice exercises that mirror the structure and difficulty of the real exam. Learners benefit from step-by-step training, sample tests, and useful tips that build confidence and improve performance under exam conditions.
Prüfungstraining DaF telc Deutsch A2
Prüfungstraining DaF telc Deutsch A2 is a practical and focused preparation book designed for learners who want to succeed in the telc Deutsch A2 exam. This certification is widely recognised and assesses essential language skills needed for everyday communication, study, or work at the A2 level.
The book familiarises learners with the format and task types of the telc Deutsch A2 exam, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking, by providing clear explanations, model tasks, and authentic practice tests that mirror the structure and difficulty of the real exam.
Übungsbuch Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-/ÖSD-Zertifikat B1
Mit Erfolg zum Goethe‑/ÖSD‑Zertifikat B1 – Übungsbuch is a comprehensive exam preparation book designed to support learners aiming to pass the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and ÖSD-Zertifikat B1 exams. These widely recognised certifications assess practical German language skills at the intermediate level and are valuable for education, work, and daily life in German-speaking environments.
The book familiarises learners with all parts of the exam, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, by providing clear explanations of test formats, task types, and expectations. Authentic practice exercises and model tests mirror the structure and difficulty of the real exams, giving learners the opportunity to practise under exam-like conditions.
Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-/ÖSD‑Zertifikat B1 – Testbuch is a focused exam practice book designed to accompany the main course materials and help learners prepare effectively for the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and ÖSD-Zertifikat B1 exams. Unlike a general coursebook, this test book concentrates entirely on exam-oriented training.
It offers a variety of authentic practice tests that mirror the structure, task types, and difficulty level of the real exams, including all four key components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Each section provides clear task explanations, model answers, and tips on how to approach typical exam questions, helping learners understand exactly what is expected of them.
Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch B1 is a targeted practice book designed specifically to help learners prepare for the telc Deutsch B1 exam. Focusing on exam-oriented training, it gives learners extensive opportunities to practise the types of tasks they will encounter in the real test.
The book covers all four key skill areas tested in the telc B1 exam, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and offers a wide range of exercises modelled on authentic exam formats. Clear explanations and examples help learners understand what each task requires, while strategic tips guide them in effective approaches to different question types.
Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch B1 – Testbuch is a targeted exam practice book designed specifically for learners preparing for the telc Deutsch B1 certification. It provides extensive and authentic practice materials that closely mirror the format, task types, and level of difficulty of the real telc B1 exam.
The test book covers all exam sections, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, with full practice tests that help learners familiarise themselves with each part of the exam. Clear instructions, example tasks, and model answers support learners in understanding exam expectations and improving performance. Strategic tips and explanations also help learners build effective approaches to different question types.
Übungsbuch Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-Zertifikat B2
Mit Erfolg zum Goethe‑Zertifikat B2 – Übungsbuch is a comprehensive practice book designed to help learners prepare effectively for the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 exam. This exam is widely recognised and assesses a confident, independent level of German suitable for academic, professional, and social contexts.
The book focuses on exam-oriented training and covers all core components of the exam, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, through varied and authentic exercises. The practice book is valuable both for independent study and classroom use. It gives learners the opportunity to simulate exam situations, manage their time and skills systematically, and identify areas for focused improvement.
Testbuch Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-Zertifikat B2
Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-Zertifikat B2 – Testbuch is a focused exam practice book designed to support learners in preparing for the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 exam. Unlike a general coursebook, this test book concentrates specifically on exam-style practice and familiarisation with official test formats, task types, and performance expectations.
The book provides complete practice tests that mirror the structure and difficulty of the real exam, covering all four core components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Each section includes authentic tasks with clear instructions, example responses, and strategic tips that help learners understand what the exam demands and how to approach different question types effectively.
Übungsbuch Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch B2
Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch B2 – Übungsbuch is a comprehensive practice book designed to help learners prepare effectively for the telc Deutsch B2 exam. The book focuses on developing the language skills and exam strategies needed to succeed in a certification that assesses confident, independent use of German in both everyday and professional contexts.
Covering all four core skill areas, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, the book offers a wide range of structured exercises that mirror the format and difficulty of the actual telc B2 examination. Clear explanations of task types and practical tips guide learners through typical exam challenges, helping them build familiarity with expectations and develop effective approaches.
Testbuch Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch B2
Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch B2 – Testbuch is a targeted practice book designed specifically to support learners preparing for the telc Deutsch B2 exam. Unlike general course materials, this test book focuses on authentic exam simulations that mirror the structure, task types, and difficulty level of the actual telc B2 certification.
Mit Erfolg zu telc Deutsch B2 – Testbuch is especially valuable for learners who want focused, exam-oriented practice before sitting the official test. The book contains full-length practice tests covering all four key skill areas, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, providing learners with realistic preparation under test-like conditions.
Übungsbuch Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-Zertifikat C1
Mit Erfolg zum Goethe‑Zertifikat C1 – Übungsbuch is a comprehensive practice book designed for learners preparing for the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 exam, one of the most recognised advanced German language certifications. The book focuses on developing the language skills and strategies needed to succeed at a high level of proficiency.
It covers all four core exam components, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, with a variety of structured exercises that closely mirror authentic exam tasks. The book provides learners and trainers with reliable, exam-focused practice that supports systematic progress toward success in the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 examination.
Testbuch Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-Zertifikat C1
Mit Erfolg zum Goethe‑Zertifikat C1 – Testbuch is a focused exam practice book designed to help learners prepare effectively for the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 examination. Unlike general course materials, this test book is dedicated to providing authentic exam-style practice that closely reflects the format, task types, and expected level of difficulty of the official Goethe-C1 test.
The book contains full-length practice tests covering all four core components, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, giving learners the opportunity to simulate real exam conditions and measure their skills against actual exam criteria.
Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-Zertifikat C2: GDS: Übungs- und Testbuch is a comprehensive all-in-one preparation resource designed to support learners aiming for the Goethe-Zertifikat C2: GDS, one of the highest-level German language exams. This book combines structured practice and full test simulations to help learners refine advanced language skills and confidently tackle the demanding tasks of the C2 certification.
In addition, the Testbuch (test section) includes full-length practice exams that mirror the level and structure of the Goethe-C2 test. These simulated exams give learners valuable experience in managing time, handling varied question types, and applying advanced language functions under realistic conditions.
Mit Erfolg zum Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer A2-B1
Mit Erfolg zum Deutsch‑Test für Zuwanderer A2‑B1 (DTZ): Übungs‑ und Testbuch is a comprehensive preparation resource designed specifically for learners who are working toward the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ), a recognised language exam that bridges the A2 and B1 levels and is often required for integration and residency purposes.
This book combines both practice exercises and full test simulations, providing structured training that helps learners develop the language skills needed to succeed in all four core areas of the exam: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Each section includes targeted exercises that mirror the format and expectations of the DTZ.
Books for German Grammar
For All Language Levels
PONS Praxis-Grammatik Deutsch als Fremdsprache
PONS Praxis‑Grammatik Deutsch als Fremdsprache is a practical and comprehensive German grammar reference designed for learners of German as a foreign language. It is aimed at students from beginner to advanced levels, making it an excellent long-term companion throughout the language learning journey.
What sets this grammar book apart is its strong focus on application in real language use. The explanations are concise but thorough, and the exercise sections help learners build accuracy and confidence in both written and spoken German.
Grammatik aktiv – Deutsch als Fremdsprache A1-B1
Grammatik aktiv – Deutsch als Fremdsprache A1‑B1 is a practical and user-friendly grammar workbook designed for learners of German at the A1 to B1 levels. It offers clear explanations of essential grammar topics combined with a large number of structured exercises.
The book is organised to present grammar rules in a simple and accessible way, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate students alike. Each grammar point is followed by graded exercises that reinforce understanding and support retention. The explanations include helpful examples that show how grammar works in real language use.
Grammatik aktiv – Deutsch als Fremdsprache B2-C1
Grammatik aktiv – Deutsch als Fremdsprache B2/C1 is a comprehensive and practice-oriented grammar workbook designed for learners at the upper-intermediate to advanced stages of German learning. It builds on foundational grammar and focuses on refining accuracy, expanding structural control, and supporting confident use of complex language in both everyday and academic/professional contexts.
Organised by topic, the book presents clear explanations of advanced grammar points, accompanied by numerous varied exercises.
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