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Goethe-Zertifikat A1 · telc Deutsch A1 · Start Deutsch 1

German A1 exam: pattern, marks and a free mock test

Goethe A1 and telc A1 are the same exam, Start Deutsch 1. Learn the exact pattern and pass mark, try sample tasks, then take a timed A1 mock test with instant AI feedback on your writing and speaking.

4 × 25points per part
60/100to pass
≈ 65 minwritten exam
≈ 15 minspeaking (group)
Start the free A1 mock testSee the exam pattern

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Exam pattern

German A1 exam pattern

The A1 exam has four parts. The three written parts take about 65 minutes in one sitting; speaking is a separate group exam.

Start Deutsch 1 (Goethe-Zertifikat A1 / telc Deutsch A1)
PartTimeStructureTasksPoints
Hören (Listening)approx. 20 min3 parts15 questions25 points
Lesen (Reading)approx. 25 min3 parts15 questions25 points
Schreiben (Writing)approx. 20 min2 partsa form + a short message25 points
Sprechen (Speaking)approx. 15 min3 partsgroup exam25 points
approx. 20 min25 points

Hören (Listening)

3 parts, 15 questions.

approx. 25 min25 points

Lesen (Reading)

3 parts, 15 questions.

approx. 20 min25 points

Schreiben (Writing)

2 parts, a form + a short message.

approx. 15 min25 points

Sprechen (Speaking)

3 parts, group exam.

Marks

German A1 exam marks and passing score

Every part counts the same. Points from the written tasks are converted so that Hören, Lesen and Schreiben each count 25 points, and Sprechen adds another 25.

CertiLang TELC A1 reading result: score, correct and wrong answers, time, and the note that 60% is needed to pass
After each A1 practice test you see your score against the 60% pass mark and review every mistake.

Pass mark: 60 out of 100 points

You need at least 60 points overall to pass the A1 exam. A strong written exam helps, but a weak speaking part can still pull you below 60, so practise all four parts under time pressure.

Sample tasks

German A1 sample questions for each part

Short examples in the real exam style. A full CertiLang mock test gives you every part with timing and instant marking.

Hören – sample task

You hear a short announcement at a train station: „Der Zug nach München fährt heute von Gleis 7.“

Von welchem Gleis fährt der Zug nach München? a) 1 b) 7 c) 17

Lesen – sample task

Sign on a shop door: „Heute wegen Krankheit geschlossen. Ab Montag sind wir wieder für Sie da.“

Richtig oder falsch? Das Geschäft ist heute geöffnet.

Schreiben – sample task

Your friend Anna invited you to her birthday party on Saturday. Write a short message (about 30 words): say thank you, say you are coming, and ask what you can bring.

Teil 1 is a form: you complete five gaps (for example name, address, date) from a short text.

Sprechen – sample task

Teil 1: introduce yourself using the cue words Name? Alter? Land? Wohnort? Sprachen? Beruf? Hobby?

Teil 2: ask and answer questions on a theme card, e.g. „Essen und Trinken: Frühstück?“ Teil 3: make a request with a picture card, e.g. „Können Sie bitte das Fenster öffnen?“

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Syllabus

German A1 syllabus: topics and grammar

The A1 exam tests simple, everyday German. These are the topics and grammar points that come up again and again.

  • Introducing yourself, family, nationality, languages
  • Numbers, prices, dates, times and days of the week
  • Food and drink, shopping and simple orders
  • Home, city, directions and transport
  • Free time, hobbies and making appointments
  • Work, school and daily routine
  • Present tense, sein/haben, modal verbs (können, möchten, müssen)
  • Articles (der/die/das, ein/eine), plural, accusative basics
  • W-questions, yes/no questions and basic word order

How to prepare in 4 steps

  • Learn the patternKnow every part and its timing before you study content.
  • Build core vocabularyNumbers, times, food, family, home and work.
  • Practise speaking out loudPrepare your self-introduction and common questions.
  • Take timed mock testsFind your weakest part and fix it first.
FAQ

German A1 exam questions

Are Goethe A1 and telc A1 the same exam?

Yes. Goethe-Zertifikat A1 and telc Deutsch A1 are both the exam Start Deutsch 1, run jointly by the Goethe-Institut and telc. The format and tasks are the same, so one A1 mock test prepares you for both.

What are the marks and the passing score for German A1?

Each of the four parts (Hören, Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen) is worth 25 points, 100 points in total. You need at least 60 points overall to pass. Points from the written tasks are converted so that every part counts 25 points.

What is the German A1 exam pattern?

The written exam takes about 65 minutes: Hören (about 20 minutes, 3 parts, 15 questions), Lesen (about 25 minutes, 3 parts, 15 questions) and Schreiben (about 20 minutes, a form and a short message). Sprechen is a group exam of about 15 minutes in 3 parts.

Where can I find German A1 exam papers with answers?

The Goethe-Institut and telc publish official model tests (Modellsätze). CertiLang turns the same format into timed online mock tests that are marked instantly, so you see your score and your mistakes without checking answer keys by hand.

Which topics come up in the A1 speaking exam?

Everyday topics: introducing yourself, food and drink, shopping, home, free time, travel and work. In Teil 2 you ask and answer questions on a theme card, and in Teil 3 you make simple requests based on picture cards.

Is the CertiLang A1 mock test free?

You can start practising for free without a credit card. Paid plans add full mock exams, unlimited AI feedback on writing and speaking, and a personal study plan.

Do I need A1 for a visa to Germany?

A1 is often required for spouse and family reunion visas. Other visas, training (Ausbildung) and many jobs require B1 or B2. Always check the exact requirement for your application.

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