German A1 Roadmap & Self-Study Guide

Learning German can be an exciting journey – especially if you're just starting out. The A1 level, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is the first step in mastering the language. At this stage you’ll learn how to introduce yourself, hold simple conversations and understand basic written and spoken German.

This guide will walk you through the roadmap for A1 proficiency and provide a self-study plan with practical tips and resources.

✅ What You Should Know at A1 Level

By the end of the A1 level, you should be able to:

• Understand and use familiar everyday expressions (e.g., greetings, numbers, time).

• Introduce yourself and others.

• Ask and answer questions about personal details.

• Interact in a simple way, provided the other person talks slowly and clearly.

Key Topics Covered:

• Personal Information: Name, age, nationality, occupation.

• Daily Life Vocabulary: Family, food, weather, hobbies, shopping.

• Basic Grammar:

  • Nouns and articles (der/die/das)

  • Verb conjugation in present tense

  • Question words (wer, was, wo, wann…)

  • Simple sentence structure

  • Negation (nicht, kein)

  • Modal verbs (können, möchten)

📍 German A1 Roadmap: Step-by-Step

Here’s a roadmap you can follow week-by-week or at your own pace:

1. Start with the Alphabet & Pronunciation

• Learn the sounds of the German alphabet.

• Practice difficult letters: ö, ü, ä, ß.

2. Essential Phrases & Greetings

• Hallo, Guten Tag, Wie geht’s?

• Tschüss, Auf Wiedersehen, Danke, Bitte.

3. Numbers, Time & Dates

• Count from 0–100

• Tell the time and ask for it

• Days of the week, months, seasons

4. Introduce Yourself

• Ich heiße Anna.

• Ich komme aus Indien.

• Ich bin 25 Jahre alt.

5. Grammar Foundations

• Articles: der, die, das

• Singular/plural nouns

• Verb conjugation: haben, sein, wohnen, sprechen

6. Daily Activities & Modal Verbs

• Ich kann Deutsch sprechen.

• Ich möchte einen Kaffee.

7. Simple Conversations

• In restaurants, stores, or with new acquaintances.

• Ordering food, asking prices, buying tickets.

8. Listening Practice

• Watch beginner videos 

9. Reading & Writing

• Read simple dialogues and texts (A1-level readers).

• Write short texts: about your day, family, or hobbies.

⏳ Self-Study Tips

1. Set Clear Goals
   → "I will learn 10 new words a day"
   → "I’ll do 2 exercises every day"

2. Consistency Beats Intensity
   → 20 minutes every day > 2 hours once a week.

3. Practice Speaking Early
   → Even talking to yourself in German helps!
   → Use voice notes on language apps.

4. Mix Skills Daily
   → Read, write, speak and listen every week.

5. Track Your Progress
   → Keep a learning journal or checklist.
   

🎯 When Are You Ready for A2?

You’re ready to move on to A2 when you can:

• Introduce yourself confidently.

• Understand simple sentences and respond correctly.

• Read short texts (emails, signs, dialogues).

• Write a few paragraphs about yourself or daily topics.
  

Try an A1 practice test from Goethe-Institut, TELC or ÖSD to assess your readiness.