· 6 min read
Goethe A1 Exam (Start Deutsch 1): Format
By Language Lab editorial team
The Goethe-Zertifikat A1 Start Deutsch 1: 65-minute written exam (listening 20, reading 25, writing 20), a 15-minute group oral, and how points are counted.
The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 is the standard proof of basic German, and the certificate most embassies ask for in a spouse-visa file. It has two compulsory components: a written exam taken in groups and an oral exam taken in groups. The written exam lasts 65 minutes with no breaks: listening about 20 minutes, reading 25 minutes, writing 20 minutes. The speaking exam is a group of no more than four participants and lasts 15 minutes, with no preparation time. Listening and reading each carry a maximum of 15 points, scored 1 or 0 per answer; writing part 1 carries 5 points and part 2 is marked against criteria; the written total is listening plus reading plus writing. If you cannot take both components on the same day, the missing one must be completed within 14 days. These rules are from the Goethe-Institut's exam regulations updated 1 September 2025.
Structure at a glance
| Section | Parts | Time | Maximum points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (Hören) | 3 | About 20 minutes | 15 |
| Reading (Lesen) | 3 | 25 minutes | 15 |
| Writing (Schreiben) | 2 | 20 minutes | Part 1: 5; part 2 marked by criteria |
| Speaking (Sprechen) | 3 | 15 minutes, group of up to four | Marked by criteria |
The written exam as a whole lasts 65 minutes with no breaks. Candidates write their answers on an answer sheet; examiners record scores on the same sheet and on the speaking grading form. Both graders sign off the listening and reading results.
Listening
Three parts, played from an audio file that also carries the instructions. Short everyday exchanges, announcements and messages: a time, a platform, a price, a floor. One point for each correct answer, none for a wrong one, 15 in total.
Reading
Three parts over 25 minutes: short notices, emails, small ads and signs. Again 1 or 0 per answer, 15 points maximum. At A1 the texts are the ones you meet on a German street: opening hours, a note from a neighbour, a form.
Writing
Two parts in 20 minutes. Part 1 is a form to fill in, five points, one per item. Part 2 is a short message, an email or note, marked against the Goethe-Institut's grading criteria with sample assessments provided to examiners. The scores for the two parts are added together.
Speaking
A group exam of up to four participants, 15 minutes, no preparation time. Three parts: introducing yourself, then asking and answering questions from keyword cards, then making and responding to requests using picture cards. The examiners grade against set criteria.
Practical rules
- Written and oral exams are normally on the same day; if not, the missing component must be completed within 14 days.
- No breaks inside the 65-minute written exam.
- Candidates with specific needs can ask for adjustments under the Goethe-Institut's exam guidelines.
- The certificate is recognised as proof of German for spouse reunification, which is why embassies name it.
Frequently asked
How long is the Goethe A1 exam?
65 minutes of written exam (listening about 20 minutes, reading 25, writing 20) plus a 15-minute group speaking exam.
How many points are there?
Listening and reading carry 15 points each, writing part 1 carries 5 points and part 2 is marked by criteria; speaking is graded by criteria.
Is the speaking exam individual?
No. It is a group exam of up to four participants with no preparation time.
Can I take the written and oral parts on different days?
If they cannot be held on the same day, the missing component must be completed within 14 days.
Is Start Deutsch 1 accepted for the spouse visa?
Yes. The Goethe-Institut's A1 certificate is recognised as proof of German for spousal reunification.
Checked against the Goethe-Institut's Terms and Conditions for Exam Administration, Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1, last updated 1 September 2025, on 3 November 2026.
