A1 and A2 are the foundation levels of German learning-and the exams at these levels (like Goethe Start Deutsch A1, Goethe A2, telc A1-A2, and ÖSD A1-A2) test your ability to handle real-life communication.
Whether your goal is spouse visa, residency, integration, basic communication, or simply starting your German journey, this pillar post gives you everything you need to prepare confidently.
This guide covers exam formats, common topics, speaking & writing templates, and practical study plans for both A1 and A2.
Why A1-A2 German Exams Matter
A1 and A2 certificates are used for:
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Spouse visa applications (A1)
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Integration and residency (A1-A2 depending on country)
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**Basic work communication
** -
**Entry into language programs
** -
**Building a strong foundation for higher levels
**
Even though these are “beginner levels,” they require structured preparation.
Overview of the Main A1-A2 Exams
The big providers all follow the CEFR framework:
Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (Start Deutsch 1)
Goethe-Zertifikat A2
telc Deutsch A1 / A2
ÖSD A1 / A2
All test the same four skills:
- **Lesen (Reading)
** - **Hören (Listening)
** - **Schreiben (Writing)
** - **Sprechen (Speaking)
**
The difficulty varies slightly, but the skills required are similar.
What You Must Be Able to Do at A1 Level
A1 = absolute beginner. You need to show survival communication.
You must be able to:
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Introduce yourself and your family
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Give basic personal information
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Talk about daily routines
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Ask and answer simple questions
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Understand short texts, signs, and emails
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Write mini messages or forms
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Hold short, simple conversations
Common A1 Topics
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Personal details (Name, Alter, Beruf)
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Family
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Food
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Daily activities
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Time and dates
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Directions
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Shopping
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Hobbies
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Work basics
What You Must Be Able to Do at A2 Level
A2 = basic user who can handle predictable everyday situations.
You must be able to:
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Describe your background and routine in more detail
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Talk about past events (Perfekt)
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Express simple opinions
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Handle everyday social interactions
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Understand short texts (emails, ads, messages)
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Write simple paragraphs
Common A2 Topics
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Holidays
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Health
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Work and school
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Free time
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Appointments
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Weather
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Housing
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Travel
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Small problems and solutions
Exam Breakdown: How Goethe, telc, and ÖSD Test You
1. Reading (Lesen)
You must understand:
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short advertisements
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emails
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messages
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forms
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website texts
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simple dialogues
Tip: Practice skim-reading. You don’t need deep interpretation-just basic understanding.
2. Listening (Hören)
You will hear:
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simple conversations
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announcements
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phone messages
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service situations
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everyday dialogue
Tip: Practice listening to slow, clear German (DW Deutsch Lernen, YouTube A1/A2 videos).
3. Writing (Schreiben)
A1 Writing Tasks
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Fill out forms
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Write a short message (email, SMS)
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Ask simple questions
A2 Writing Tasks
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Write a longer email (formal or informal)
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Describe plans or experiences
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Give reasons (weil…)
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Complain politely or ask for help
A2 Structure Example (Email)
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Greeting
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Purpose of the email
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Information/details
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Request or question
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Closing phrase & signature
4. Speaking (Sprechen)
A1 Speaking Tasks
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Introduce yourself
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Ask simple questions
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Describe simple objects
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Role-play a basic situation
**Example A1 introduction template:
**Hallo, ich heiße … Ich komme aus … Ich wohne in … Ich spreche … Ich arbeite als … Meine Hobbys sind …
A2 Speaking Tasks
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Describe pictures or situations
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Talk about past events
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Plan something together (Telc)
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Express simple opinions (“Ich finde…”, “Ich denke…”)
**Example A2 opinion phrase:
**_Ich finde das gut, weil…
_Meiner Meinung nach ist…
How to Prepare Effectively for A1-A2 German Exams
1. Learn High-Frequency Vocabulary
These are the 800-1200 words used most in A1-A2 exams:
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family
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food
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jobs
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travel
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routines
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hobbies
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times & dates
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everyday verbs (essen, gehen, wohnen, kaufen)
2. Master Key Grammar
For A1:
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Personal pronouns
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Verb conjugation
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Word order in simple sentences
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Accusative case
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Basic prepositions
For A2:
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Perfekt tense
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Dative case
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Separable verbs
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weil/denn clauses
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Adjective basics
3. Learn Useful Templates for Writing
Writing templates save time and reduce mistakes.
A1 Message Template
_Hallo …,
__Ich komme am …
__Ich habe eine Frage…
__Danke!
__Viele Grüße,
_Name
A2 Email Template
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, (formal)
oder: Liebe …, (informal)
_Ich schreibe Ihnen, weil…
__Ich möchte… / Ich brauche… / Ich habe ein Problem…
__Hier sind meine Informationen: …
_Haben Sie vielleicht Zeit / eine Idee / eine Antwort?
_Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
_Name
4. Practice Speaking Every Day
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Use apps like Tandem or HelloTalk
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Record yourself answering A1/A2 questions
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Do mock exam speaking tasks
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Practice describing pictures
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Memorize basic phrases
5. Train with Sample Exams
The best practice comes from official model tests:
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Goethe model tests
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telc mock exams
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ÖSD sample papers
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German textbooks (Menschen, Schritte International, Netzwerk)
Common Mistakes in A1-A2 Exams (and How to Fix Them)
1. Word order errors
Fix by keeping the verb in position 2 in main sentences.
2. Forgetting endings (Accusative/Dative)
Learn article tables early.
3. Writing too complex sentences
A1/A2 prefer short, clear sentences.
4. Not asking enough questions in speaking
Exams expect interactive communication.
5. Limited vocabulary
Learn topic-based word lists.
A1-A2 Study Plan (4 Weeks)
Week 1
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Basic grammar
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Daily vocabulary
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Listen to slow German
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Write short messages
Week 2
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A2 grammar (Perfekt, weil)
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Speaking drills
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Read short texts
Week 3
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Full sample exams
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Writing templates
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Everyday listening practice
Week 4
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Two full mock exams
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Review mistakes
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Improve weak skills
