Goethe A1 case studies
Goethe A1 · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Goethe-Zertifikat A1, also known as Start Deutsch 1, is an entry-level German certificate awarded by the Goethe-Institut. It certifies that a learner can handle very basic everyday communication: introducing themselves, asking and answering simple questions about home, family, work and shopping, and writing short messages. It is commonly taken by adults beginning German, by people preparing for family reunification or other visa procedures that require basic language proof, and by learners who want a concrete first milestone. The exam tests four skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking - and the speaking part is taken with a partner in front of two examiners. The Goethe A1 case studies are 5 cases and about 1,519 words.
1The Overlapping Invitation
You are taking the Goethe A1 Hören test. Wir treffen uns morgen um sechs vor dem Kino, nicht um sieben wie geplant.
337 words, about 2 min2Sign vs. Announcement
Bitte benutzen Sie die Treppe. You know "Aufzug" means elevator and "außer Betrieb" looks unfamiliar.
303 words, about 2 min3The Form That Asks Too Much
Goethe A1 Schreiben, Part 2: you must write a short message (about 30 words) to a friend. Schreiben Sie: Grund, Entschuldigung, neuer Termin." You draft: "Liebe Anna, ich kann am Samstag nicht kommen, weil ich arbeiten muss.
306 words, about 2 min4The Silent Partner
Goethe A1 Sprechen, Part 2: you and a partner must ask and answer questions using picture cards (e.g., "Essen", "Sport", "Wohnung"). Your partner is nervous and gives one-word answers, then stops.
288 words, about 1 min5The Number You Almost Missed
A question asks: "Von welchem Gleis fährt der Zug?" You are confident about the time but not the platform because "neun" and "drei" sounded similar over the loudspeaker. You have 20 seconds before the next audio.
285 words, about 1 min