Role-play real A1 conversations out loud and get instant, personalised feedback — free to start.
Goethe-Zertifikat A1 & telc Deutsch A1 — Exam Format
The Goethe and telc A1 exams share the same CEFR A1 standard and the same four sections. Here's what you'll face on test day.
Hören (Listening)
~20 min25 ptsShort conversations, daily announcements, and simple instructions.
Lesen (Reading)
25 min25 ptsShort texts, signs, forms, and simple messages.
Schreiben (Writing)
~20 min25 ptsFill in a form and write a short message (e.g. a postcard).
Sprechen (Speaking)
~15 min25 ptsIntroduce yourself and answer basic questions about your life.
How Passing the A1 Exam Works
You need 60 out of 100 points to pass. Each section is worth 25 weighted points (raw scores are scaled up). All four sections count equally.
Grades: 90–100 Sehr gut · 80–89 Gut · 70–79 Befriedigend · 60–69 Ausreichend · <60 Nicht bestanden
Goethe A1 vs telc A1 vs ÖSD A1 — Which Exam Should You Take?
All three boards test the same CEFR A1 standard and are equally accepted by German authorities for visa and residency applications. The difference is availability, cost, and recognition outside Germany.
Goethe-Zertifikat A1
Start Deutsch 1
- Most internationally recognised — accepted by every German consulate
- Held at Goethe-Institut centres in 100+ countries
- Same exam content worldwide; identical scoring
- Best choice for family-reunification & spouse visas
telc Deutsch A1
Start Deutsch 1 (telc)
- Widely available at Volkshochschulen across Germany
- Often cheaper and easier to book than Goethe
- Identical CEFR A1 standard — same skills tested
- Result accepted for the same visa categories
ÖSD Zertifikat A1
Österreichisches Sprachdiplom
- Austrian board — equally valid for German visas
- Useful if you live near an ÖSD test centre
- CEFR A1 standard, same as Goethe & telc
- Recognised by all German authorities (BAMF)
What's Tested in the Deutsch A1 Exam
No deep grammar, no complex sentences. The Deutsch A1 exam is about everyday communication — the basics you'd need to get by in Germany from day one.
Good to Know
The Sprechen (speaking) section is done live with an examiner, not on a computer. Practise introducing yourself and answering simple questions out loud — even just recording yourself helps a lot.
Who Needs the A1 Exam? The Path to PR & Citizenship
A1 is the first step — required for family reunification and spouse visas (§ 30 AufenthG). Permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis) and citizenship require B1 plus the LiD test. Here's the full ladder.
Tap any step to jump to its guide. A2 and the Leben in Deutschland (LiD) test have dedicated pages.
How to Prepare for the A1 German Exam
Three steps from zero to test-ready — typically 6–8 weeks at a moderate pace.
Learn the A1 Vocab
Start with the most common A1 words — greetings, numbers, family, daily life. No need to memorise everything at once.
Practise Each Section
Work through Hören, Lesen, Schreiben, and Sprechen one at a time. Get comfortable with the format before going full mock.
Take a Full A1 Mock Test
Simulate the real Deutsch A1 exam under timed conditions. Review what tripped you up, then try again.
Deutsch A1 Exam — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Goethe A1 / telc A1 / ÖSD A1 exam, costs, scoring, and how A1 fits into the path to permanent residency.
What is the Deutsch A1 exam?
The Deutsch A1 exam is the first level of the CEFR ladder for German. It certifies that you can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases. The three main boards are Goethe-Zertifikat A1, telc Deutsch A1, and ÖSD Zertifikat A1 — all equally valid for German visa applications.
How long is the Goethe A1 / telc A1 exam?
Total time is about 80 minutes: 65 minutes for the written sections (Hören 20 min, Lesen 25 min, Schreiben 20 min) plus a 15-minute Sprechen (speaking) section conducted live with an examiner — usually in a small group.
What score do you need to pass A1?
You need 60 out of 100 points overall. Each section is worth 25 weighted points. A common practical threshold: keep the written sections (Hören + Lesen + Schreiben) at roughly 35/75 so that a strong Sprechen result can push you over the line.
How much does the A1 exam cost?
Goethe-Zertifikat A1 costs around €100, telc Deutsch A1 around €90, and ÖSD Zertifikat A1 around €100. Prices vary by country and test centre. Repeat attempts cost the same as the first.
Is A1 a requirement for permanent residency (PR) in Germany?
No — permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis under § 9 AufenthG) requires B1 German, not A1. But A1 is your starting point: A1 unlocks the family-reunification / spouse visa, A2 supports residency extension, and B1 is the threshold for PR and citizenship.
Goethe A1 vs telc A1 — which should I take?
Both are identical in CEFR standard, format, and visa acceptance. Choose Goethe if you need maximum international recognition or live outside Germany. Choose telc if it's easier to book locally (Volkshochschule availability) or cheaper at your test centre. There is no difficulty difference.
Is the Sprechen (speaking) section done with a real examiner?
Yes. The A1 Sprechen section is live with one or two examiners and usually a partner candidate. You introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and make a polite request. There is no computer-based A1 speaking exam at the moment.
Where can I find an official A1 sample paper (Modellsatz)?
Goethe-Institut publishes a free A1 Modellsatz PDF on goethe.de; telc publishes a Übungstest at telc.net. Both include all four sections with answer keys. GetGermanReady's free A1 mock test mirrors this exact format with instant scoring.
How long does it take to prepare for A1?
Most learners reach A1 in 80–100 hours of structured study — typically 6–8 weeks at a moderate pace, or 3–4 weeks intensive. If you've never studied German before, allow more time for the Schreiben and Sprechen sections.
Can I take the A1 exam online?
Currently the major boards (Goethe, telc, ÖSD) require an in-person Sprechen section. Some centres offer the written parts on a computer, but the speaking exam is always face-to-face. Always check with your local test centre.
What's Next After A1?
Once you pass A1, the next milestones are A2 (residency extension) and B1 + LiD (permanent residency & citizenship). Free practice for both is available here.
Free A2 German Mock Test
Goethe / telc A2 format with all four sections. Commonly required for residency extension in Germany.
Leben in Deutschland (LiD) Test
Practice all 310 official BAMF questions — the civics exam required for German citizenship and most permanent-residency applications.
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