Ready, steady, go! The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1.

The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 requires very basic language skills. The examination corresponds to level one (A1) on the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

After passing the examination, you will be able to do the following, for example:

• understand what you hear in everyday situations, such as simple questions, instructions and messages, as well as messages on an answerphone, public announcements and brief conversations,
• obtain relevant information from short written messages, public notices and classified advertisements,
• state and understand figures, quantities, times and prices,
• fill in personal details and basic information on forms,
• write brief personal messages,
• introduce yourself in a conversation and answer simple personal questions,
• formulate and respond to common everyday queries and requests.

Further information and exercises for the
Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1

Exam guidelines (PDF, 633 KB)
Terms and conditions for exam administration (PDF, 584 KB)
Supplement to the terms and conditions for exam participants with
   special needs (PDF, 694 KB)
Information for examination candidates with special needs (PDF, 61 KB)

In the context of an amendment to the immigration law, the government of the Federal Republic of Germany, on legal authority, has changed the visa process for the relocation of foreign spouses of German and EU citizens to Germany: Foreign spouses of German or EU citizens who want to relocate to Germany to live with their partners on a permanent basis must show proof that their German language ability is at the “A 1” level of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (GER). Proof of “A 1” level competence can be provided by successfully passing the “Start Deutsch 1” exam. The exam is offered at the Goethe-Institut Chicago and at other examination centers throughout the Midwest.

Examination Fee: $ 75

Registration Form Start Deutsch 1 (PDF, 498 KB)