Overview of the Goethe A1 Deutsch Exam Structure
This guide provides a description of the Goethe A1: Start Deutsch exam structure and its main sections. You'll also find practical tips for each part of the test and helpful advice to prepare effectively.
Tip: Avoid scheduling other important activities on the day of the exam, as you will only be informed of the exact timing for each part on the test day itself.
Tip: Register early, as this exam is in high demand.
Exam Structure: 4 Main Sections
The exam evaluates your German language skills across four areas:
Listening (Hören)
Reading (Lesen)
Writing (Schreiben)
Speaking (Sprechen)
The first three sections (Listening, Reading and Writing) form the written part, while Speaking belongs to the oral part of the exam.
Section 1: Listening (Hören)
This section consists of 3 tasks based on audio recordings. You’ll be expected to listen to short conversations or announcements and answer questions. It’s often considered the most challenging part.
Duration: ~20 minutes
Tasks:
Task 1: Listen to short dialogues or monologues twice and choose the correct option.
Task 2: Listen once to an announcement (e.g., in a store), then determine whether the statements are true or false.
Task 3: Similar to Task 1 – listen to short audios twice and choose the right option.
Tips:
Take notes and mark answers directly on the question paper.
Pay close attention to negative expressions or qualifiers like "no", "didn’t", "almost", etc.
Learn German numbers, days of the week and months.
Don’t worry, if you didn’t catch the exact answer after hearing the audio. Think about the most suitable answer (based on what you’ve heard) among possible options and mark it.
Example:
Audio: Mary bought bananas and kiwis but couldn’t find apples.
Question: Mary bought apples.
Answer options: True / False
Correct answer: False
Section 2: Reading (Lesen)
This part includes 3 reading tasks involving texts like advertisements, notes or emails.
Duration: ~25 minutes
Tasks:
Task 1: Read short texts and mark statements as true or false.
Task 2: Choose the correct answer based on short texts (e.g., ads or notes).
Task 3: Another set of true/false questions based on short readings.
Tips:
Read both texts and questions carefully.
Pay attention to keywords and qualifiers like "not" or "almost".
Highlight important words to better understand the text.
If you finish early, use extra time to prepare for the writing part.
Example:
You need to buy potatoes and carrots. You see 2 pictures with websites.
Website A sells rare fruits. Website B sells farm vegetables.
Question: Which website is more suitable?
Correct answer: Website B
Section 3: Writing (Schreiben)
This section tests your writing ability in German through two main tasks.
Duration: ~20 minutes
Tasks:
Task 1: Read a short text and fill out a form using the information provided.
Example: Text says Mary has a son and a daughter.
Question: Number of children?
Answer: 2 (or zwei)Task 2: Write a short message or letter (approx. 30+ words) responding to a specific situation. You’ll need to address 3 points mentioned in the instructions.
Tips:
Make sure your response covers all the required points.
Draft your letter first, then write the final version clearly.
Learn how to properly format formal and informal letters in German.
Example:
Your friend Mary invited you to her party. In your reply:
Confirm your attendance
Ask if you should bring anything
Ask for the time and location of the party
Section 4: Speaking (Sprechen)
This part consists of 3 oral tasks and lasts around 15 minutes. You’ll interact with fellow test takers and examiners.
Task 1: Introducing Yourself
You should introduce yourself (sich vorstellen) and speak on the following points, such as:
your name
your age
country of origin
city where you live
languages you know
your occupation
your hobbies
After introducing yourself you will be asked by examiners:
to spell some word out, for example city or country of origin
to say digits of something, for example: your mobile phone or index.
Tips:
Prepare and practice your introduction in advance.
Learn the German alphabet and numbers.
Keep positive, confident and friendly.
Task 2: Asking and Answering Questions
Each person receives a card with a topic and a word. You’ll:
Form a question using the word and ask the next person
Answer the question from the previous participant
Tips:
Use simple, practiced sentence structures.
If you don’t understand something, politely ask the speaker to repeat.
Stick to the word and topic provided.
Example:
Card: "Apple" – Topic: "Shopping"
Question: Could you please buy some apples?
Answer: Sure, I’ll get some from the supermarket.
Task 3: Making and Responding to Requests
Each participant gets a card with a picture. You’ll:
Make a request related to the picture to another participant
React to their request and then make your own to someone else
Tips:
Use gestures when appropriate (e.g., handing over an item).
Keep your request simple and related to the image.
Example:
Picture: Apple
Request: Can you give me this apple?
Response: Sure, here you go. (Gesture giving it)
Scoring and the Exam Passing Marks
You’ll receive the information on your exam results after some time.
Total points: 100
75 points from the written section
25 points from the oral section
If you gain 60 or more points out of 100 and pass all exam parts, then you pass the exam.
So in order to pass the exam you need to:
score at least 45 points (out of 75) in the written part of the examination and
at least 15 points (out of 25) in the oral part of the examination.
Good luck with your preparation!