Spouse immigration

The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 is accepted by German embassys and consulates and the immigration department: For example, Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 is for very basic language skills. It is the easiest examination offered by the Goethe-Institut. All higher level certificates from Goethe-Institut are also recognized.

I can understand and respond to short, simple questions, instructions and messages when the discussion partner speaks clearly and slowly. I can introduce myself and others, as well as ask others about themselves, for example, where they live.

I understand short, written texts, for example, warning and information signs or classified advertisements. I can refer to and understand figures, quantities, times and prices. I can enter personal data such as my name, address and age on simple forms. I can write brief personal messages.

This indicates a language ability at level A1. This is the first level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR divides the degree of language ability across Europe into six uniform levels. In comparison to the Start Deutsch 1 exam, the test Fit in Deutsch 1 is designed for younger students and is not suitable for adults.

Requirements
All Goethe-Institut examinations can also be taken by external candidates if they have reached the corresponding language level. It is nevertheless recommended that one take a preparatory course. On-site and correspondence learning courses are offered as well as a combination of both.

You should seek information about possible exceptions or procedures that may apply to your individual case at the German embassy or nearest to you.
German agencies abroad

The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 requires approx. 160 teaching units (each 45 minutes) on average. Based on the level of your previous knowledge and individual learning style, the preparation time may be shorter or longer.

No. Where and how you learn your German is completely up to you.
You can register for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 without having attended a Goethe-Institut course. It makes no difference if you took another language school course, private lessons, or learned through self-study.

The Goethe-Institut courses are designed to teach the language skills important for the exam. It is our goal to make taking an exam as easy as possible for you.

We recommend the Miteinander media package for self study. It is available in English, Turkish, Arabic, Russian and Thai and can be ordered from Hueber Verlag.
Webshop Hueber Verlag

The examination for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 has two parts: A written part that lasts 65 minutes and an oral part that lasts 15 minute.

In the written section, you will listen to short, everyday conversations, phone messages or public loud speaker announcements and complete related practical exercises. You will also read texts such as brief notes, classified ads, information signs or notice boards and answer related exercises. You will fill in simple forms and write a short personal text about an everyday situation.

Generally, the oral part is administered to the whole group. You introduce yourself to the group. A question-and-answer session will follow, where you will discuss everyday topics with someone in the group.

We provide free online exercises. The exercises for listening comprehension can be listened to directly on your computer or downloaded.

In addition, you can order exercise sets for the exam (consisting of candidate and examiner sheets as well as audio cassettes or CDs). The exercise sets include sample examination problems and are not repeated in actual examinations.

No. The examination consists of a written and an oral part. Both parts must be completed and passed. This means you must be able to use the Latin alphabet. It is not sufficient for you to command another form of writing such as Arabic or Cyrillic.

Yes. You have a right to review your test papers after taking the examination. But you will have to submit a request at the exam location.

A member of the examination committee must be present when you review the documents. No copies or notes may be made during this process.

We grade the exams and prepare the certificates as quickly as possible. Your Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 has to be submitted along with other documents required for the visa application by you to your German embassy or consulate.

What other documents must be submitted in addition to the certificate, and how long it will take to get your visa are questions you must ask at the embassy or consulate.
German agencies abroad

The Goethe-Zertifikats A1 through C2 do not expire. Some German missions abroad, however, expect the certificate to be dated not more than 6 months ago.