How can I prove basic German language skills?

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.

What are “basic German language skills”? What do I have to know?

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.

Are there any exceptions, where I do not have to prove my language skills?

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

Where can I take the examination?

The exam can be taken at any Goethe-Institut or through any one of our examination partners in Germany or another country. If you want to take the exam in Germany but do not live in Germany, you will need to have a valid travel visa for Germany.

What is the schedule for the forthcoming courses and exams and what are the course and exam fees?

Course and exam schedules as well as fees differ by location. Therefore, we ask you to check directly with the Goethe-Institut or examination partner of your choice concerning schedules, fees, and registration procedures.

Can the course or exam fee be paid to a German account?

Many Goethe-Institut offices have set up a German bank account to which you can transfer any course or exam fees due. Check with the Goethe-Institut of your choice regarding the available payment options.

How long does it take to prepare for an exam?

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.

Do I have to take a German course at Goethe-Institut, in order to take the exam?

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

How can I get the language certificate if there is no Goethe-Institut nearby?

You can attend courses at another language service provider, study with a private teacher or concentrate on home-study in preparation for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1. In addition, Goethe- Institut offers distant learning courses. On the day of the exam date simply travel to a Goethe-Institut or to one of our examination partners. In some countries, we not only administer the Start Deutsch 1 exam at the Institut, but also at additional sites. Check with the Goethe-Institut in your country for information about the testing sites and the various language course providers. In countries that do not have a Goethe-Institut or examination partner, the German embassy or consulates can give you information about how to obtain the certificate. German agencies abroad

What is the examination like?

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.

What materials are available to help prepare for the exam?

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.

Can I get the certificate if I take only the oral exam?

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.

Can I take the examination if I don’t know the Latin alphabet?

No. You must be able to use the Latin alphabet to complete the written examination. It is not sufficient for you to command another form of writing such as Arabic or Cyrillic.

Is the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 easier or more difficult in some countries?

No. The examinations are prepared at the Goethe-Institut Headquarters in Munich and used worldwide, i.e., the same conditions are enforced at all locations. The examination materials are tested under examination conditions before they are disseminated for use.

How much time does it take between passing the examination and receiving my visa?

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

Does the certificate/my exam expire?

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.

Spouse immigration

Photo: Goethe-Institut/Astrid Dill

Entscheidung des Oberverwaltungsgericht Berlin-Brandenburg vom 30.01.2015

Das Oberverwaltungsgericht Berlin-Brandenburg hat am 30.01.2015 entschieden, dass Ehegatten türkischer Staatsangehöriger, die als Arbeitnehmer in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland leben, für ein Visum zum Familiennachzug keine deutschen Sprachkenntnisse nachweisen müssen.

Der Bundesregierung ist die Entscheidung des Oberverwaltungsgerichts Berlin-Brandenburg bekannt. Ob zukünftig die Start Deutsch 1-Prüfung für nachziehende Ehepartner erforderlich ist, kann erst entschieden werden, wenn alle Gründe für das Urteil des Oberverwaltungsgerichts ausgewertet wurden. Dieses Urteil liegt momentan noch nicht schriftlich vor.
Das heißt, dass es bis zu einer gegenteiligen Entscheidung der Bundesregierung bei den Sprachtests bleibt.

Die Kurse für nachziehende Ehegatten und die Start Deutsch 1 Prüfungen werden bis auf weiteres wie geplant am Goethe-Institut angeboten und durchgeführt.

Information about German language ability related to spouse immigration

If the husband or wife are living outside Germany and Want to join their spouse in Germany, they must first demonstrate a basic proficiency of the German language prior to their departure. This is a requirement for the issue of a residency permit, which they will need to enter Germany.

The Goethe-Institut examination is accepted as proof of these basic German language skills. You can find answers to some of the frequently asked questions concerning this examination, the reunion of a spouse, and even a sample exam.

Frequently asked questions

Prüfungen und Vorintegrationskurse Start Deutsch 1

Prüfung Start Deutsch 1

Practice Materials Start Deutsch 1

Here you can find models and sets of exercises to practice online , also accessible and interactive.

View the practice materials

German courses at the Goethe-Institut Südafrika

Further information

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees informed on his website about the language certificate for spouse immigration.

to the website

Mein Weg nach Deutschland

A website for students of German, with many videos, games and practical information about living in Germany.

to the website