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Goethe Certificate A1 and A2: Points and Structure Explained Simply

V‑IZ Redaktion 4 min read

Points and Structure at a Glance

The Goethe Certificate A1 (officially “Start Deutsch 1”) and the Goethe Certificate A2 are similarly structured. Both exams have a maximum of 100 points and consist of four exam sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

The points are distributed as follows:

  • Written section (Listening + Reading + Writing): 75 points combined
  • Oral section (Speaking): 25 points

You have passed once you reach at least 60 out of 100 points. That is 60 percent.

One important difference compared to the next level up: the Goethe Certificate B1 has four separate modules that you can take individually and repeat individually. This is not the case for A1 and A2. Here the exam is a closed unit. The total score counts, and you must complete all sections at one sitting.

Goethe A1: Start Deutsch 1 in Detail

The A1 is the first official level. It shows that you can communicate in simple, everyday situations.

The Four Sections

  1. Listening (approx. 20 minutes): You listen to short conversations, announcements, and voicemail messages and tick the correct answers.
  2. Reading (approx. 25 minutes): You read short texts such as signs, notices, or emails and answer questions.
  3. Writing (approx. 20 minutes): You fill in a simple form and write a short message, for example a text message or a brief email.
  4. Speaking (approx. 15 minutes, in a group): You introduce yourself, ask and answer questions, and make a request or respond to one.

How Is It Scored?

For Listening and Reading, each task is worth one point. The answer is either correct or incorrect, so 1 or 0 points. For Writing and Speaking, an examiner assesses how well you complete the task.

Goethe A2 in Detail

The A2 is one level higher. It shows that you can communicate on familiar topics around family, work, shopping, and your surroundings.

The Four Sections

  1. Listening: Everyday conversations and announcements, often with specific information such as times or places.
  2. Reading: Longer everyday texts than in the A1, for example short articles, notices, or messages.
  3. Writing: A short, connected message, for example an invitation or an apology.
  4. Speaking: You share information about yourself, describe something from everyday life, and plan something together with a partner, for example a day trip.

Points for the A2

Here too there are 100 points, with 75 in the written section and 25 in the oral section. Passed from 60 points. Listening and Reading each have around 20 tasks, scored 1 or 0 points each. Writing and Speaking are graded by examiners according to fixed criteria.

If you would like to prepare specifically for this level, the structured V-IZ A2 course trains exactly these four skills in the same order, with exercises that mirror the exam format.

The Grading Scale

The same grading applies to both A1 and A2:

  • 100 to 90 points: very good
  • 89 to 80 points: good
  • 79 to 70 points: satisfactory
  • 69 to 60 points: sufficient
  • 59 to 0 points: not passed

The certificate will only state whether you passed, plus your score. A grade of “sufficient” is on paper just as much a passed certificate as “very good.”

How to Prepare Effectively

  1. Know the format: Complete at least one full sample paper. You can find these free of charge on the Goethe-Institut website.
  2. Practise all four sections: Many learners neglect Speaking. Yet that is precisely where 25 points are won or lost.
  3. Train under time pressure: Practise with a clock. Especially in Reading, pace makes the difference.
  4. Write with correction: Have your short texts and your pronunciation checked by someone who speaks German. This is exactly where a course with a real teacher or a trainer for speaking and writing helps, as in the V-IZ A2 course.

Summary

The Goethe A1 and A2 are clearly and fairly structured: four sections, 100 points, passed from 60. Unlike the B1, there are no separate modules you can repeat independently. If you practise all four skills regularly and know the exam format, the target of 60 percent is well within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points do you need to pass the Goethe A1 or A2?

You need at least 60 out of 100 points, which is 60 percent. This applies equally to A1 and A2. The total score from all four sections combined counts.

Are A1 and A2 divided into modules like the Goethe B1?

No. The Goethe B1 has four separate modules that you can take individually and repeat individually. A1 and A2, on the other hand, are each a closed exam. You complete all sections at one sitting, and the total score counts.

What happens if I fail only one section?

For A1 and A2, the sum of all points counts. You can compensate for a weak section with strong results in others. However, if your total falls below 60 points, you must repeat the entire exam, not just one section.

How long is the Goethe Certificate A1 or A2 valid?

Officially, Goethe Certificates are valid indefinitely. However, many authorities and employers require a certificate that is no more than two years old. Always check with the authority or institution that will be accepting the certificate beforehand.

What does the Goethe exam A1 or A2 cost?

The fee depends on the exam centre. In Germany, it often ranges between roughly 110 and 150 euros for external candidates at A1 or A2 level. Always check the exact price directly with the Goethe-Institut or a licensed centre in your area.

What are the content differences between A1 and A2?

Both test Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. In the A2, the texts are longer, the topics are broader, and you need to speak and write in a more connected way. A1 covers simple everyday situations, while A2 already addresses familiar topics around work, family, and your surroundings.