Practise Goethe-Zertifikat A2.
105 minutes, four modules, pass mark 60 per cent. The first practice exam is free.
Structure and length
Often needed to extend a residence permit, and a stepping stone on the way to B1.
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)30 minAnswer key, instant
- Hören (Listening)30 minIn preparation here
- Schreiben (Writing)30 minMarked against the board's criteria, with a margin
- Sprechen (Speaking)15 minIn preparation here
- Total105 minPass mark 60 %
Structure by part
How the modules of Goethe-Zertifikat A2 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 1Text with tasks | A short text, five three-option tasks. (Multiple choice) | 5 tasks |
| Teil 2Programme or information | An overview such as a programme, five three-option tasks. (Multiple choice) | 5 tasks |
| Teil 3Personal text | An e-mail or letter, five three-option tasks. (Multiple choice) | 5 tasks |
| Teil 4Adverts | Match five situations to six adverts; one situation has none. (Matching) | 5 tasks |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Short recordings | Five short recordings, one three-option question each. (Multiple choice) | 5 tasksplayed twice |
| Teil 2Conversation | A conversation, match five details to pictures. (Matching) | 5 tasksplayed once |
| Teil 3Short conversations | Five short conversations, one three-option question each. (Multiple choice) | 5 tasksplayed once |
| Teil 4Interview | An interview, five statements: yes or no. (Yes or no) | 5 tasksplayed twice |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Short message | A text message covering three points, 20 to 30 words. (Free writing) | 1 task |
| Teil 2E-mail | A semi-formal e-mail covering three points, 30 to 40 words. (Free writing) | 1 task |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Questions about yourself | Ask and answer questions about yourself. (Oral) | – |
| Teil 2Talking about yourself | Tell something about yourself along keywords. (Oral) | – |
| Teil 3Planning together | Plan and agree on something as a pair. (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 A2 demands
The written part takes 90 minutes in total; the longest single module is Lesen (Reading) at 30 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 short everyday texts: adverts, menus, timetables and simple personal letters.
- Hören (Listening)
- Catch the essentials of short, clear announcements and conversations on familiar topics.
- Schreiben (Writing)
- Write short notes and a simple personal message, such as an invitation or an apology.
- Sprechen (Speaking)
- Hold simple conversations about family, work and daily life and cope in familiar situations.
Where A2 is usually lost
At A2 many lose points in listening because they try to write while hearing the text the first time. The tasks are built so that listening first and marking afterwards works better.
As a guideline, about 200 to 350 lessons from zero are quoted for A2. 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 A2 take?
- About 105 minutes in total: Lesen (Reading) 30 minutes, Hören (Listening) 30 minutes, Schreiben (Writing) 30 minutes, Sprechen (Speaking) 15 minutes. The oral part often takes place on a different date.
- How many points do you need for Goethe-Zertifikat A2?
- Normally 60 per cent. Each module counts on its own. A failed module can be repeated alone.
- How long does preparing for A2 take?
- As a guideline, about 200 to 350 lessons from zero are quoted for A2 in total. Anyone who speaks a related language needs far fewer; the range is deliberately wide.