German Goethe A1 Exam: A Complete Guide for Beginners

What Is Goethe A1 Exam?

The Goethe A1 exam is the beginner's level exam for the German language proficiency test, that aims to test the basics of the German language of non-native speakers. It is known to be the first level of qualification according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages. This exam determines the basic language used in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Moreover, passing this exam indicates that the candidate is capable of understanding and using the daily expressions and phrases. Thus, if you also want to learn the German language, then this exam will take you on the path to success. 

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Goethe A1 Exam Pattern

While preparing for any exam, you must get familiar with its exam pattern. Therefore, go through the Goethe A1 exam pattern and get prepared for the test day.

READING (LESEN)

• Duration: 24 Minutes
• Maximum Score: 15
• Parts: 3

Part 1 (Teil 1): 5 Points

There are a total of 5 questions in this task. There will be 2 comprehension passages and 5 statements here. You will have to read these sentences carefully and select whether the statement is Correct (Richtig) or Incorrect (Falsch).

Part 2 (Teil 2): 5 Points

Here also, there are total 5 questions. There will be 5 conditions or situations given. Below each condition, there will be 2 advertisements mentioned. The task is to select the correct advertisement which relates perfectly to the condition stated. You will have to select either ‘A’ or ‘B’ accordingly.

Part 3 (Teil 3): 5 Points

In this task also, you will get 5 questions. Here, each question will be in the form of an information or advertisement, which is followed by a statement. You need to write correct (Richtig) or incorrect (Falsch) if the statement relates to the advertisement or information given.

Also Read: B2 Level German

WRITING (SCHREIBEN)

• Duration: 20 Minutes
• Maximum Score: 15
• Parts: 2

Part 1 (Teil 1) – 5 points

In this task, you will get a text containing the information about an individual or a firm. Below that information, you will get a form which you have to fill with the suitable information from the above text.

Part 2 (Teil 2) – 10 points

In this task, you have to write a short E-mail. You will get 3 pointers that you have to include in that mail with connectivity and relevance. The response should be around 30 words. Remember not to exceed the word limit strictly.

SPEAKING (SPRECHEN)

• Duration: 15 Minutes
• Maximum Score: 15
• Parts: 3

Part 1 (Teil 1)- 3 points

You have to give your introduction to the examiner. After that, they will ask you to spell your name, last name, and others to test your alphabetical knowledge. Moreover, they can also check your numerical knowledge through your mobile number and pin code.

Part 2 (Teil 2)- 6 points

This part consists of two rounds. Each round will have a few cards and there will be 4 participants including you. Remember that both the rounds are theme based. Here, the cards will be placed upside down and all participants will pick one card. In that card, there will be a theme and a word, which you will use to frame a question and ask it to the next participant and it goes on.

Part 3 (Teil 3) – 6 points

This part is very similar to the part 2. Here, the cards will have a picture on it. Looking at the picture, you will make a request to other participant. For example, you see a pen on the card, you can ask them “Can I borrow your black pen?” The other participant have to answer to this accordingly.

  Also Read: German Language Levels

LISTENING (HÖREN)

• Duration: 20 Minutes
• Maximum Score: 15
• Parts: 3

Part 1 (Teil 1)- 6 Points

Here, you will listen to 6 small dialogues which have 1 question each. You have to choose among 3 options A, B, and C. You will get to listen to each dialogue twice.

Part 2 (Teil 2) – 4 points

There will be 4 questions in this task. You will listen to 4 announcements, mostly from airports, train stations or supermarkets. There will be 1 statement given after each announcement, you need to answer whether the statement is True (Richtig) or False (Falsch).

Part 3 (Teil 3) – 5 points

In this part, you will listen to 5 one-sided telephonic conversations. Each conversation will have 1 question, where you have to choose the correct option among A, B, and C.

This is the Goethe A1 exam pattern that you must know before even starting the test preparation. This will help you learn German with better understanding.

Goethe A1 Exam Syllabus

The Goethe A1 exam does not have a specific syllabus but there are some key components that students should keep in mind. For instance, grammar and vocabulary are the key components of this exam. So, read below to know about them.

Goethe A1 Exam Vocabulary

It is important that you keep your vocabulary up to date for the German A1 exam. So, the areas where you will require this are:

• Introductions and Personal Information: Name, age, nationality, profession.
• Family and Relationships: Basic family terms like Mutter (mother), Vater (father), Bruder (brother), etc.
• Everyday Activities: Shopping, dining, traveling, and hobbies.
• Numbers and Time: Telling the time, days of the week, months, and seasons.
• Common Adjectives and Adverbs: Colors, sizes, and descriptions.

Goethe A1 Exam Grammar

While appearing in the A1 Goethe exam, it is important that you take care of the grammar, which includes:

• Nouns and Articles: Differentiating between definite (der, die, das) and indefinite (ein, eine) articles.
• Pronouns: Personal pronouns like ich (I), du (you), er/sie/es (he/she/it), and possessive pronouns.
• Verb Conjugation: Regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, including sein (to be) and haben (to have).
• Sentence Structure: Subject-verb-object order and basic questions.
• Prepositions: Usage of prepositions such as in, auf, unter.
• Negation: Using nicht and kein to negate sentences.

Also Read: B1 level German

Goethe A1 Exam Speaking & Listening

The basic components of the Goethe A1 exam for speaking and listening sections are:

• Simple Conversations – Introducing yourself, ordering in a restaurant
• Asking Questions – Wie heißt du? Wo wohnst du?
• Understanding Announcements – Train stations, supermarkets
• Common Expressions & Idioms – Guten Tag, Viel Glück, Bis bald

Goethe A1 Exam Reading & Writing

The basic components of the Goethe A1 exam for reading and writing sections are:

• Reading advertisements, notices, or emails.
• Identifying main ideas and keywords in a text.
• Following simple instructions.
• Writing about oneself, such as hobbies, family, or daily routine.
• Fill out forms with personal information.
• Composing brief messages or emails.

This is the syllabus of the Goethe A1 exam. It is beneficial to keep these components in mind to score well and get the German Language certifications. So, putting extra efforts in exam preparation is required from the students.

Goethe A1 Exam Fees

The Goethe A1 exam fees depends on factors such as the place you reside at and if you are youth or an adult. Check below to know these prices based on these factors.

Goethe-Institut A1 Exam Fees:

India:

• Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1: INR 9,400
• Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Fit in Deutsch 1: INR 4,700

Dallas Goethe Center:

• Adult: $225
• Youth: $155

Other Locations: Fees can vary.

These are the Goethe A1 exam fees. Moreover, it is recommended to contact the specific Goethe institute where you plan to take the exam.

Also Read: German Language Certifications

Tips to Prepare for Goethe A1 Exam

There are several tips that you can follow to prepare for the Goethe A1 exam and improve your score. So, some of them are:

1. Build your vocabulary.
2. Work on your grammatical skills.
3. Take the help of trusted study materials.
4. Join mock tests to practice under exam circumstances.
5. Join study groups to keep yourself motivated.

Conclusion

This was all about the German-level exam. So, before you book the Goethe A1 exam date, it is important to get familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus. Moreover, there are several tips mentioned that will help you score well. Thus, prepare well and grab the global opportunity of international education and career. Moreover, to make your preparation more effective, you can opt for German online coaching to practice under the expert’s guidance and clear the test on the first attempt.

FAQs

Is the German A1 exam hard?

The German A1 level exam is considered as the easiest among all levels. However, learning a new language can be sometimes time taking, depending on the individual.

How long is Goethe A1 valid?

All the levels of Goethe exams are valid for a lifetime.

How much does the Goethe A1 exam cost?

Goethe A1 exam costs around 4,000 INR for students in India.

What is the passing score for Goethe A1?

The passing score of Goethe's A1 exam is 60 out of 100.