Practise Goethe-Zertifikat A1.
80 minutes, four modules, pass mark 60 per cent. The first practice exam is free.
Structure and length
Mostly for spousal reunification: anyone joining a partner in Germany usually has to prove basic German.
In the Goethe-Zertifikat every module counts on its own. Pass three and fail one, and you repeat only that one. That makes the exam dearer per module, and much cheaper when something goes wrong.
- Lesen (Reading)25 minAnswer key, instant
- Hören (Listening)20 minAnswer key, instant
- Schreiben (Writing)20 minMarked against the board's criteria, with a margin
- Sprechen (Speaking)15 minIn preparation here
- Total80 minPass mark 60 %
Structure by part
How the modules of Goethe-Zertifikat A1 are divided, following the board's published format. Knowing the parts means losing no exam time to the instructions.
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Short texts | Two short texts such as e-mails or notes, five statements: true or false. (True or false) | 5 tasks |
| Teil 2Adverts | Two adverts per situation: which one fits (a or b)? (Multiple choice) | 5 tasks |
| Teil 3Signs and notices | Five signs or notices, one statement each: true or false. (True or false) | 5 tasks |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Short conversations | Six short everyday conversations, one question each with three options (a, b, c). (Multiple choice) | 6 tasksplayed twice |
| Teil 2Announcements | Four public announcements, one statement each: true or false. (True or false) | 4 tasksplayed once |
| Teil 3Phone messages | Five recorded messages, one question each with three options. (Multiple choice) | 5 tasksplayed twice |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Form | Fill in the five missing entries of a form from a short description of the situation. (Filling in a form) | 5 tasks |
| Teil 2Short message | A short message or e-mail covering three points, about 30 words. (Free writing) | 1 task |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Introducing yourself | Introduce yourself along given keywords. (Oral) | – |
| Teil 2Asking for information | Ask and answer questions on a topic. (Oral) | – |
| Teil 3Making requests | Make and respond to requests from picture cards. (Oral) | – |
Figures follow the board's published format. Your test centre's exam regulations are always what counts.
What happens if you do not pass
Each module counts on its own. A failed module can be repeated alone. Your test centre sets the fee, and it differs from place to place.
What level A1 demands
The written part takes 65 minutes in total; the longest single module is Lesen (Reading) at 25 minutes. Because the Goethe-Zertifikat is modular, you can spread the four modules over different dates and, after a fail, repeat only the module concerned.
- Lesen (Reading)
- Understand single words and very short sentences: signs, adverts, a form, a short note.
- Hören (Listening)
- Understand announcements spoken very slowly and clearly about familiar things: times, prices, directions.
- Schreiben (Writing)
- Fill in a form and write a short, simple message, such as a postcard or a cancellation.
- Sprechen (Speaking)
- Introduce yourself, ask the way, buy something, in simple sentences, with pauses.
Where A1 is usually lost
The commonest reason for failing A1 is not missing vocabulary but the form: whoever assigns the columns wrongly loses points the language had long earned.
As a guideline, about 80 to 200 lessons from zero are quoted for A1. The range is wide because prior knowledge of a related language changes the effort a lot. It serves rough planning, not as a promise.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Goethe-Zertifikat A1 take?
- About 80 minutes in total: Lesen (Reading) 25 minutes, Hören (Listening) 20 minutes, Schreiben (Writing) 20 minutes, Sprechen (Speaking) 15 minutes. The oral part often takes place on a different date.
- How many points do you need for Goethe-Zertifikat A1?
- Normally 60 per cent. Each module counts on its own. A failed module can be repeated alone.
- How long does preparing for A1 take?
- As a guideline, about 80 to 200 lessons from zero are quoted for A1 in total. Anyone who speaks a related language needs far fewer; the range is deliberately wide.