02/04/01 · A1 – Getting started

A1 German course.
The first step.
Go right.

A1 is the lowest threshold – first sentences, simple questions, orientation. For many of the first official step to Germany (spousal reunification, job search visa). Anyone who books the wrong course or one that is not recognized Provider learns, loses time and money - before the real journey can begin.

80-120 UELessons
4–8 weeksIntensive course
Goethe, telc, ÖSDRecognized examiners

Basics

What A1 means – and who really needs it.

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) defines A1 as elementary language use. This is the first level – before A2, B1, B2, C1.

01 What you can do on A1

Understand simple sentences, introduce yourself, everyday expressions

According to GER A1 you can:

  • familiar, everyday expressions and understand and use very simple sentences
  • Introduce yourself and others and ask personal questions (where do you live, where are you from)
  • Communicate easily when the other person speaks slowly and clearly
  • Fill out simple forms (hotel, registration, customs)

Who is A1 mandatory for?

An A1 certificate is required for the following routes to Germany mandatory:

  • Spouse reunification with a third-country national (according to § 30 AufenthG) – the spouses must prove A1 German before entering the country.
  • Job search visa for qualified professionals (according to Section 20 Residence Act) – usually requires A1 proof.
  • Some training visas if the training company does not have its own language regulations.
A1 is always recognized if the exam is taken by Goethe Institute, telc or ÖSD was removed. Other providers (private language schools without external examinations) are not accepted by embassies and immigration authorities.

Exam provider

Goethe, telc or ÖSD – differences and similarities

All three providers issue international, standardized A1 exams. None is fundamentally better - but the availability of exam dates and course preparation vary greatly from region to region.

02 Choice of exam

Which provider is right for your situation

ProviderSpecial featuresExamination locationsFee (approx.)
Goethe InstituteWorld's most famous brand, highly recognized by embassies. Exam can often be combined with a course.Worldwide, many local countries130–180 €
telc German A1Very widespread in Germany, often cheaper. Many adult education centers offer telc exams.Over 3,000 exam centers worldwide90–150 €
ÖSD A1Austrian provider, fully recognized in Germany and internationally. Exam formats similar to Goethe.Worldwide, especially in Eastern Europe and Central Asia100–170 €
Before registering, be sure to check whether the exam provider you have chosen is in the Country-specific lists from the embassy is conducted. In a few cases, individual immigration authorities only accept Goethe certificates.

Course types in comparison

In-person, hybrid or online – what suits your schedule?

Choosing the right course format not only affects the costs, but also the learning success and preparation for the exam.

formatDuration (Intensive)Cost (approx.)Advantages/Disadvantages
Presence (Volkshochschule)4-8 weeks250–500 €Cheap, government funded, but slower progression.
Intensive course (language school)3-5 weeks500–900 €Fast, direct exam preparation – but more expensive.
Online course (live)4-8 weeks300–600 €Flexible, no travel costs – requires discipline.
Individual lessonsindividually40–80 € / unitTailor-made, expensive – only useful for targeted gaps.
The course fee alone often does not cover this Examination fee. This is due separately (approx. 100-180 €) and does not have to be booked with the same provider as the course.

Curriculum & process

What you learn in 80-120 lessons

An A1 course covers the entire basic level 1. The topics are standardized internationally, but the weighting varies depending on the school.

03Content

Vocabulary, grammar, everyday speech

Vocabulary & Topics

  • Introduce yourself, family, job, hobbies
  • Numbers, times, prices, opening times
  • Apartment, furnishings, apartment search
  • Food & Drink, Restaurant, Supermarket
  • Clothing, shopping, size information
  • Weather, seasons, leisure activities
  • Describe routes, ask about places
  • Medical emergencies (make an appointment, describe pain)

Grammar at A1 level

  • Present tense of strong and weak verbs
  • Perfect of weak verbs and selected strong verbs
  • Modal verbs (can, must, want, like)
  • Nominative, accusative, dative (basic, prepositions in, on, on, under, about)
  • Personal pronouns, possessive articles (my, your, his)
  • Separable verbs (get up, shop)
  • Sentence brackets, yes/no questions, wh questions

Exam format

How the A1 exam works – four parts, all equally weighted

All common providers (Goethe, telc, ÖSD) follow the same basic pattern. There are small differences in time or point distribution, but the format is very similar.

04Exam parts

100 points – 60 to pass

partDurationWhat is being checked
Readapprox. 30 minutesUnderstanding short everyday texts (notices, forms, menus), multiple choice, assignment tasks.
Listenapprox. 30 minutesAnnouncements, short dialogues, announcements at the train station - mostly played as MP3.
Writeapprox. 30 minutesFill out the form, write a short note or postcard (approx. 30 words).
Speakapprox. 15 minutesPartner test: introduce yourself, ask questions, respond to questions, suggest something.
To pass, you must achieve at least 60% overall, usually with the requirement that no part may be less than 50% (depending on the provider). The speaking test is taken in groups of two - online tests are also possible with some providers.

Preparation

This way you increase your likelihood of success

A1 is simple but not trivial. If you prepare specifically, you save nerves and exam fees.

05Checklist

Resources & Strategies

  • Use the textbook: “People A1” (Hueber), “Steps plus New” or “Encounters A1” cover 100% of the exam material.
  • Model tests: Goethe and telc provide free sample tests online - so you can practice the exam situation.
  • Training listening comprehension: Slowly spoken news (“Slowly spoken news” from DW), everyday dialogues on YouTube.
  • Talking to partner: Find a tandem partner via apps (Tandem, HelloTalk) or on site. Simulate the exam situation.
  • Practice forms: Filling out German application forms (e.g. registration at the residents' registration office, hotel registration) - this is a safe point in the written form.

Common mistakes that lead to failure

  • Registering too late for the exam – appointments are often fully booked 4-6 weeks in advance.
  • Didn't do enough speaking exercises with a partner - suddenly blocked in the exam.
  • Unknown exam format - without a previous model exam, every task scheme appears new.
  • Incorrect time allocation in the reading section - too much time for the first task, then the last task is incomplete.

According to A1

What comes after the A1 certificate – and when you should continue

A1 alone is not sufficient for a long-term residence permit (except for spouse reunification before entry). You need higher levels for a settlement permit, naturalization or studies.

06Advanced levels

From A2 to C1 – the sensible path

levelNeeded forApproximate duration from A1
A2Family language (not mandatory), preparation for an integration course, better job opportunities in simple tasks2–3 months (200–300 UE)
B1Settlement permit after 5 years, naturalization (future B1), training, simple professions4-7 months
B2Studies at universities (partly), almost all skilled worker visas, professional recognition in the medical field8-12 months
C1Studies (usually), demanding academic professions, recognition as a doctor/pharmacist12-18 months
Not everyone has to take every step. For spouse reunification, A1 is sufficient before entry, but extending the residence permit often requires A2 or B1. If you want to stay in Germany long-term, you should complete the integration course (up to B1) as soon as possible.

Next steps

A2 According to A1

A2 German course

→ B1 Integration course

B1 – Settlement & Naturalization

→ ✓ All exams

Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF

→ § A1 required

Spousal reunification

→

You know whether you need A1 – and how to go about it.
Let us clarify whether an A1 course is the right first step for your situation.

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Editorial transparency

As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.