A1 Goethe Exam Pattern

Overview of the Goethe A1 Examination Structure

 

When learning a new language, an individual’s proficiency is typically assessed across four core skill areas: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. The Goethe-Zertifikat A1 examination evaluates candidates on these same parameters. Each module contributes 25% to the total score. However, there is no minimum passing percentage required for individual modules. To successfully pass the A1 level, a candidate must achieve a minimum overall score of 60%.

Below is a detailed breakdown of each module and its components:

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READING (LESEN)

 

• Duration: 24 minutes

• Total Points: 15

This module is divided into three parts:

• Part 1 (Teil 1) – 5 points

  • Two short comprehension texts are provided.

  • Five statements follow, and candidates must determine whether each statement is Correct (Richtig) or Incorrect (Falsch).

• Part 2 (Teil 2) – 5 points

  • Five different situations are presented, each with two advertisements.

  • Candidates must select the advertisement (A or B) that best fits the described situation.

• Part 3 (Teil 3) – 5 points

  • A series of informational texts or advertisements is provided.

  • Each is followed by a statement, and candidates must decide if the statement is Correct (Richtig) or Incorrect (Falsch) based on the text.

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WRITING (SCHREIBEN)

 

• Duration: 20 minutes

• Total Points: 15

This module consists of two parts:

• Part 1 (Teil 1) – 5 points

  • A short text containing information about a person or company is provided.

  • Candidates must accurately extract five pieces of information and complete a form.

• Part 2 (Teil 2) – 10 points

  • Candidates are required to write a short email, addressing three specified points.

  • The recommended length is approximately 30 words (5–6 lines).

  • It is important to cover all required points without exceeding the word limit.

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SPEAKING (SPRECHEN)

 

• Duration: 15 minutes

• Total Points: 15

This module is conducted in groups of three to four candidates and includes three parts:

• Part 1 (Teil 1) – 3 points

  • Candidates introduce themselves by providing personal information.

  • Examiners may request candidates to spell out their name, surname, or recite numbers such as a mobile number or postal code, testing their familiarity with the German alphabet and numbers.

• Part 2 (Teil 2) – 6 points

  • Conducted in two rounds with a set of cards containing a theme (e.g., school, friends, shopping) and a keyword.

  • Candidates must formulate a question using the keyword and ask a partner.

  • Each question earns 2 points, and each response earns 1 point.

• Part 3 (Teil 3) – 6 points

  • Similar in format to Part 2, but using cards displaying pictures.

  • Based on the image, candidates must make a polite request to a partner, who then responds.

  • Scoring is the same as in Part 2, with points awarded for both making a request and responding.

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LISTENING (HÖREN)

 

• Duration: 20 minutes

• Total Points: 15

This module is divided into three parts:

• Part 1 (Teil 1) – 6 points

  • Candidates listen to six short dialogues, each followed by a multiple-choice question with three options (A, B, C).

  • Each dialogue is played twice.

  • Candidates are advised to read the questions beforehand and focus on key vocabulary while listening.

• Part 2 (Teil 2) – 4 points

  • This section includes four public announcements (e.g., from airports, train stations, or supermarkets).

  • After each announcement, a statement is provided, and candidates must decide whether it is True (Richtig) or False (Falsch).

  • Each announcement is played only once, requiring careful attention to vocabulary, antonyms, and synonyms.

• Part 3 (Teil 3) – 5 points

  • Candidates listen to five one-sided telephone messages (e.g., voicemail recordings), each followed by a multiple-choice question with three options (A, B, C).

  • Each message is played twice.

  • Candidates must listen attentively for specific details to answer correctly.

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Final Note

 

At the conclusion of the examination, candidates will receive a separate answer sheet to record their responses.

Success in the Goethe A1 Examination relies on a solid foundation in vocabulary and a clear understanding of German grammar. Regular practice in reading comprehension, listening exercises, email writing, and spoken German is essential for achieving the minimum passing score of 60% and progressing confidently to higher levels of language proficiency.