Taking your first German exam can be both exciting and intimidating. If you're about to take your A1 exam, you've come to the right place. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about entering the world of German language exams – clearly explained and with practical tips that will help you succeed.
Introduction: The first German exam
The A1 exam is the first level on the six-level scale of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It confirms the most basic language skills and is an important first milestone for many language learners. This exam is particularly useful for family reunification, as spouses often require an A1 certificate. At the same time, it serves as a motivational boost, a measure of learning progress, and the first official recognition of your language skills.
The most well-known A1 exams in Germany are the telc A1 exam and the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (Start Deutsch 1). Find out which is better for you in our comparison article , telc vs. Goethe: Which German exam is better for you?
What you need to be able to do for A1
At A1 level, basic language skills are expected. You should be able to understand and use simple sentences, especially when it comes to familiar, everyday things. This includes being able to introduce yourself and ask others simple questions about themselves, such as their name, place of residence, origin, profession, or hobbies. You should be able to hold simple conversations if your conversation partner speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.
In the written area, you'll need to be able to read and understand short, simple texts such as signs, notices, or short notes. You should also be able to fill out simple forms and write short personal messages. All of this is based on a basic vocabulary of approximately 600-800 words and a grasp of basic grammatical structures.
- Present tense of the most common verbs
- Simple questions (W-questions and yes/no questions)
- Personal pronouns (I, you, he...)
- Articles in the nominative and accusative (der/den, die, das)
- Simple prepositions (in, on, with...)
- Numbers, times and dates
Procedure and content of the A1 exam
The A1 exam, whether telc or Goethe, usually consists of four parts:
1. Listening comprehension (20-25 minutes)
In listening comprehension, everyday situations are presented, such as conversations at the reception desk, simple phone calls, announcements at the train station, or short dialogues in a café or shop. You will listen to short, simple dialogues or announcements and answer questions about them. The recordings are usually played twice to give you enough time to absorb the information and complete the tasks.
2. Reading comprehension (25-30 minutes)
Reading comprehension requires you to understand short, simple texts such as advertisements, signs, short emails, notes, simple forms, or short informational texts. The task formats are similar to those for listening comprehension. It's important that you can quickly grasp relevant information and understand the core content of the texts, even if you don't know every word.
3. Written expression (15-20 minutes)
In the written section, you'll have to write a short text, usually a form or a short message of about 30-40 words. Typical tasks include filling out a form with personal information, writing a short email or note, or writing a simple postcard. Here, it's important that you can communicate the essential information clearly.
4. Oral exam (10-15 minutes)
The oral exam is usually conducted in pairs with another candidate. It includes introducing yourself, asking and answering simple questions, and a short conversation on a topic of everyday life. A special feature of the telc A1 exam: The oral part is often held directly after the written part, whereas for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1, the oral exam often takes place on a separate day.
Preparation made easy
Good preparation is the key to success. Use a variety of materials to practice all language skills. A1 textbooks such as "Menschen," "Schritte plus," or "Spektrum" offer structured learning and systematically cover the required vocabulary and grammar. Additionally, get an official mock test from telc or the Goethe Institute to familiarize yourself with the exact format of the exam.
You can also use free online resources, such as Deutsche Welle's A1 course "Nicos Weg" or various YouTube channels for German learners. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise can support your vocabulary learning and make learning flexible, allowing you to practice on the go.
Effective learning strategies
Study regularly and in small chunks – 15-30 minutes a day is significantly more beneficial than 3 hours once a week. Always try to learn vocabulary in context, i.e., in sentences or thematic groups rather than isolated word lists. This will help you retain vocabulary better and use it correctly. Use different learning methods and engage all your senses: Speak aloud, write short texts, listen to German audio recordings. It's especially important to practice at least once under realistic exam conditions with a timer to get a feel for the process.
For more comprehensive preparation tips, see our main article Passing the B1 exam – many of the strategies can also be applied at A1 level!
Tips for exam day
With proper preparation on the day of the exam, you can approach it much more relaxed. Make sure you get enough sleep and go to bed early the night before. Gather all the necessary documents and materials—ID, invitation, pens, etc.—the night before so you don't have to search for anything in the morning. Allow enough time for your journey and find out about the exact exam location in advance. A light breakfast will give you energy without weighing you down.
During the exam, it's important to read the questions carefully and understand what's required of you. Keep track of your time and allocate it wisely across all the questions. If you're unsure about a question, move on to the next one and come back later—there's no penalty for incorrect answers, so try to answer every question. Stay relaxed and take deep breaths if you feel nervous.
When taking the listening comprehension test, you should use the short time between listening sessions to check your answers. When taking the reading comprehension test, it's helpful to scan the texts for relevant information before going into detail. In the written part, make sure you cover all the required points in your text. During the oral exam, speak loudly and clearly, even if you're unsure – a simple, correct sentence is better than a complicated one with many errors.
How to deal with nervousness
Test anxiety is normal, especially if it's your first language exam. Good mental preparation can help you manage your nerves. Develop a positive attitude and tell yourself you're well prepared. Visualize yourself successfully completing the exam and set realistic expectations – A1 is a beginner's level; perfection isn't expected.
- Breathing exercises: Deep breathing calms the nervous system.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and relax different muscle groups one after the other.
- Getting enough exercise the day before the exam helps reduce stress.
Sometimes it helps to know you have a "Plan B." A discreet cheat sheet can serve as a mental support – often just knowing you're covered in an emergency is enough to reduce nervousness. This psychological security can help you approach the exam more relaxed and better demonstrate your true abilities. You can find out more about this in our article "Cheat Sheet Tips and Tricks ."
You can find more natural methods to combat exam anxiety in our article Natural remedies for exam anxiety .
Conclusion: Your first success on the way to German
The A1 exam is an important first step on your path to learning German. With proper preparation, a systematic approach, and a few strategies to combat nervousness, you'll be able to master this challenge.
Remember: A1 is a beginner's level – no one expects perfection. It's about demonstrating basic communication skills in German. Every language exam is also a valuable experience that will help you progress further on your learning journey. We wish you the best of luck with your A1 exam! And once you pass it, the path to the next level is open – you may soon be studying for the A2 or even B1 exam!
