A1-A2 Exam Structure: Hören, Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen Breakdown

A1-A2 Exam Structure: Hören, Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen Breakdown

A1-A2 German exams (Goethe, telc, ÖSD) all follow the same CEFR-based structure: Hören (Listening), Lesen (Reading), Schreiben (Writing), and Sprechen (Speaking).
These beginner-level exams test your ability to handle simple, real-life communication-not advanced grammar.
This pillar post gives a clear breakdown of each exam section, what you must be able to do, common task types, and how to prepare effectively.

Why Understanding the Exam Structure Matters

A1-A2 exams are predictable. When you understand the structure, you gain:

• Faster exam performance

• Fewer surprises

• Higher confidence

• Better score outcomes

• More efficient preparation

Let’s break down each skill.

HÖREN (Listening) - What to Expect at A1-A2

Listening is usually the first exam section. It tests how well you can understand basic spoken German in everyday situations.

A1 Listening Tasks

What A1 tests:

• recognizing numbers, times, dates

• understanding simple personal information

• identifying key words in short dialogues

• following basic announcements

Common A1 task types:

• Short phone messages

• Simple dialogues (e.g., at a shop)

• Public announcements

• Yes/No or multiple-choice answers

• Matching audio to pictures

Examples:

• “Der Bus kommt um 10 Uhr.” → Choose the correct picture

• “Ich heiße Maria und komme aus Spanien.” → Identify the nationality

A2 Listening Tasks

What A2 tests:

• understanding common conversations

• identifying details in emails/phone calls

• grasping main ideas in short stories

• recognizing opinions or suggestions

Common A2 task types:

• Longer dialogues (friend-friend, customer-employee)

• Announcements at stations or shops

• Interviews

• True/False tasks

• Audio matched with statements

Examples:

• “Ich war gestern krank, deshalb komme ich heute später.” → Identify the reason

• “Kannst du mir helfen?” → Find the matching response

LESEN (Reading) - What to Expect at A1-A2

Reading assesses your ability to understand basic written German.

A1 Reading Tasks

What A1 tests:

• reading simple signs and notices

• understanding basic emails

• recognizing familiar vocabulary

• extracting essential information

Common A1 task types:

• Match texts to pictures

• Read flyers or small ads

• Identify correct statements

• Fill gaps with basic words

Examples:

• Hotel information: “Frühstück von 7-10 Uhr” → Select the correct answer

• Email with simple instructions

A2 Reading Tasks

What A2 tests:

• reading short narratives

• understanding emails, messages, website texts

• identifying reasons, opinions, or instructions

Common A2 task types:

• Multi-paragraph emails

• Short articles

• Descriptions of events

• Classified ads

• Matching statements to texts

Examples:

• “Lisa sucht eine neue Wohnung…” → Choose correct details

• “Während des Urlaubs…” → Identify key points

SCHREIBEN (Writing) - What to Expect at A1-A2

Writing tests whether you can communicate clearly in basic written form.

A1 Writing Tasks

What A1 tests:

• writing simple messages

• filling out forms

• asking questions

• giving basic information

Common A1 task types:

• Write a short email (40-50 words)

• Complete a simple form (Name, Adresse, Beruf)

• Provide basic info (time, date, preference)

A1 Writing Example Task:

_Write an email to a friend about a meeting.
_Include:

• Time

• Place

• Invitation

• Question

**Example template:
**_Hallo …,
__ich möchte dich am … treffen.
__Wir können uns um … Uhr im … treffen.
__Passt das für dich?
_Viele Grüße, …

A2 Writing Tasks

What A2 tests:

• writing longer messages (60-90 words)

• explaining reasons (weil)

• describing routine or past events

• asking for information

• expressing simple opinions

Common A2 task types:

• Formal or informal email

• Small complaint letter

• Asking for help or information

• Describing an experience

A2 Writing Example Task:

_Write a formal email to a company asking for information.
_Include:

• Introduction

• Reason for writing

• Questions

• Closing phrase

**Template:
**_Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
__ich schreibe Ihnen, weil …
__Ich habe folgende Fragen: …
__Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe.
__Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
_Name

SPRECHEN (Speaking) - What to Expect at A1-A2

Speaking is usually done with a partner or examiner.

A1 Speaking Tasks

What A1 tests:

• basic self-introduction

• asking simple questions

• responding to everyday prompts

• describing objects

Common A1 speaking tasks:

• Introduce yourself

• Ask your partner 2-3 questions

• Role play (e.g., shopping, asking for directions)

• Describe an item (e.g., “Das ist ein Telefon…”)

A1 Speaking Template:

Hallo, ich heiße … Ich komme aus … Ich wohne in … Ich spreche … Meine Hobbys sind …

A2 Speaking Tasks

What A2 tests:

• giving opinions

• expressing preferences

• talking about routines and past events

• asking clarifying questions

• planning something together (telc-specific)

Common A2 speaking tasks:

• Describe a picture

• Talk about a past event (Perfekt)

• Make and react to suggestions

• Plan an activity with your partner

• Short presentation (ÖSD)

Useful A2 Phrases:

• _Ich finde das gut, weil…
  _
• _Meiner Meinung nach…
  _
• _Sollen wir …?
  _
• _Ich war gestern…
  _

Skill-by-Skill Strategy to Pass A1-A2 Exams

Hören Strategy

• Listen daily to slow German

• Focus on key words, not full sentences

• Practice with model tests

Lesen Strategy

• Read short texts with predictable topics

• Use scanning (look for specific info)

• Don’t translate everything

Schreiben Strategy

• Use templates

• Memorize key connectors: _und, aber, weil (A2)
  _

• Keep sentences short and clear

Sprechen Strategy

• Practice introducing yourself until automatic

• Learn 5-7 opinion phrases for A2

• Practice role-play with a partner or mirror

A1 vs A2 Exam Comparison

Feature	A1	A2
Email length	30-50 words	60-90+ words
---	---	---
Grammar	Present tense	Present + Perfekt + weil
---	---	---
Vocabulary	Basic daily life	Broader everyday range
---	---	---
Speaking	Self-intro, simple questions	Opinions, past events, planning
---	---	---
Difficulty	Beginner	Basic Independent
---	---	---