Goethe A1 study guide
Goethe A1 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
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 study guide has 4 sections and about 1,314 words.
01Hören (Listening): Hearing the Whole Message
At A1 the listening paper asks you to catch concrete information : numbers, prices, times, names, places, and simple intentions. You are not expected to understand every word.
331 words, about 2 min02Lesen (Reading): Finding the Fact, Not Every Word
A1 reading is about scanning short, everyday texts - notices, emails, adverts, forms, SMS - for one specific piece of information. You do not need to understand everything; you need to locate the relevant line and match it to the question.
341 words, about 2 min03Schreiben (Writing): Simple, Correct, Complete
A1 writing is a short message (a card, email, or SMS) of about 30 words, plus often a form. You are graded on communicative tasks (did you include all required points?), correct simple structures , and basic vocabulary .
319 words, about 2 min04Sprechen (Speaking): Communicate, Don't Perform
The A1 speaking test has three parts: introducing yourself , asking and answering questions on everyday topics (cards), and making requests / responding to picture or word prompts. You are graded on communicative success and basic pronunciation , not on perfect grammar.
323 words, about 2 min