German A1 and A2 examinations assess reading (Lesen), listening (Hören), writing (Schreiben), and speaking (Sprechen) — but Goethe, telc, and ÖSD organise the skills, tasks, timings, and certification rules differently. These beginner-level exams test everyday communication, not advanced grammar. This post breaks down each module, the skills to practise, and common task types. The lists below are skills and task types to practise, not a fixed checklist for every exam.
Need a study plan? → See the A1/A2 exam preparation guide. Need module, task, and format detail? → You’re in the right place.
On providers: all three certify the same CEFR level, but their papers, task counts, and timings differ. Use the official model test of the provider you’ll sit (Goethe, telc, or ÖSD) to confirm the current format for your exam.
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
- More efficient preparation
Let’s break down each skill.
HÖREN (Listening) — What to Expect at A1-A2
Listening tests whether you can identify essential information — numbers, times, places, names — in short, everyday spoken German.
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. For worked model answers, see Goethe A1 writing examples.
A1 Writing Tasks
What A1 tests:
- writing simple messages
- filling out forms
- asking questions
- giving basic information
Common A1 task types:
- Write a short message or email (Goethe A1 is ≈ 30 words — follow the task instructions)
- 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 · a question.
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 a longer everyday message (Goethe A2 is short — often around 30–40 words per task; confirm in your provider’s model test)
- 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.
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 (e.g. telc and Goethe A2)
Common A2 speaking tasks:
- Describe a picture
- Talk about a past event (Perfekt)
- Make and react to suggestions
- Plan an activity with your partner
- A short presentation (in some formats — check your provider’s model test)
Useful A2 Phrases:
- Ich finde das gut, weil…
- Meiner Meinung nach…
- Sollen wir …?
- Ich war gestern…
Skill-by-Skill Preparation Strategies for A1 and A2
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Message length | short (Goethe A1 ≈ 30 words) | short (Goethe A2 ≈ 30–40 words/task) |
| Grammar | Present tense | Present + Perfekt + weil |
| Vocabulary | Basic daily life | Broader everyday range |
| Speaking | Self-intro, simple questions | Opinions, past events, planning |
| CEFR level | A1 — Basic User (beginner) | A2 — Basic User (upper beginner) |
Next steps
Now that you know the structure, follow the A1/A2 exam preparation plan to get ready, test yourself with A1/A2 mock exams, and confirm the current format with the official Goethe A1 practice materials (and the telc / ÖSD equivalents for those exams).
