Andalusia PAU German
Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU) – Lengua Extranjera: Alemán – Andalucía
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU), also called PEvAU, is the Spanish university entrance examination. In Andalusia, candidates may take Lengua Extranjera: Alemán as their foreign-language option. It is aimed at students finishing Bachillerato and at anyone else seeking access to Andalusian public universities. The paper is written entirely in German and has three parts: reading comprehension of a short German text, lexical and grammatical competence in context, and a written expression task. You are expected to understand the main ideas and specific details of a text, use vocabulary and structures accurately, and produce a coherent text of your own on a familiar topic. Preparation should be gradual: build vocabulary and grammar through short daily practice, read authentic German texts, and write timed compositions that you then correct. Work through past papers under exam conditions to get used to the format. The official body publishes the current structure, timing and scoring rules each year, so check its website before you plan your study. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with any official examination authority.
What you'll study
About Andalusia PAU German preparation
What does the Alemán paper actually contain?
It is a written paper in German with three parts: reading comprehension of a short text, exercises on vocabulary and grammar in context, and a written expression task. The exact task types and number of items are set by the official body each year, so consult its published model papers before practising.
How difficult is the German paper compared with English?
The level is designed for Bachillerato students, roughly B1 to B2 on the CEFR scale. German is usually taken by candidates who have studied it for several years, so the vocabulary and structures assume that background. If you start from scratch, you will need considerably more preparation time.
Can I retake the exam if I do not get the grade I need?
Yes, the PAU can be retaken in later calls, but the rules on how many times and how the best grade is used change. The official body publishes the current retake policy and deadlines on its website; check there before you plan a second attempt.
How much time do I have for each part?
The total duration and the time allowed for each section are set by the official body and published with the exam instructions. Do not rely on second-hand figures. When you practise, time yourself using the official model paper so your pacing matches the real exam.
In what order should I study the three parts?
Start with vocabulary and grammar, because they support both reading and writing. Then work on reading comprehension with short authentic texts, and finally practise written expression with timed compositions. Review your errors after each task and recycle the same vocabulary across all three parts.
What are the most common reasons candidates lose marks?
Typical problems are misreading the question language, answering in Spanish instead of German, ignoring word limits, and making basic agreement or word-order errors under time pressure. In writing, marks are lost for off-topic content and poor paragraph structure. Reading the task instructions twice prevents many of these losses.
Do I need to know about specific topics for the writing task?
The writing task usually asks for an opinion, a description or a short narrative on a familiar topic such as daily life, technology, environment or education. You do not need specialised knowledge, but you should have ready vocabulary and a few linking phrases for each common topic area.
Where can I find the official exam dates and regulations?
The official body responsible for university access in Andalusia publishes the annual call, dates, regulations and model papers on its website. This page does not reproduce those figures because they change each year. Always confirm the current information there before making travel or study plans.