German A1 for the Family Reunification Visa: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Last updated: July 2026 · 10 min read
If you are applying for a family reunification visa (Familiennachzug) to join your spouse in Germany, in most cases your application must include a certificate proving basic German skills at level A1. This guide explains who the A1 requirement applies to, which certificates are accepted, and how to prepare so you pass on the first attempt.
What Is the A1 Requirement and Who Does It Apply To?
The German Residence Act (AufenthG § 30) requires spouse-visa applicants to demonstrate the ability to "communicate in German on a basic level". This corresponds to CEFR level A1: introducing yourself, answering simple everyday questions, and writing short notes.
- The requirement applies to the spouse moving to Germany to join a partner living there.
- Several groups are exempt: for example spouses of EU/EEA citizens, university graduates with a favourable integration prognosis, and applicants unable to learn a language for health reasons. See our A1 exemption guide for details.
- The certificate is submitted to the consulate with the visa application; many missions expect it to be no older than one year.
Which Certificates Are Accepted?
Consulates accept A1 certificates from ALTE-member institutions. In practice, three options matter:
| Certificate | Provider | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 | Goethe-Institut | The most common choice; accepted by all consulates without issue |
| telc Deutsch A1 | telc GmbH | Accepted as equivalent; fewer exam centres |
| ÖSD Zertifikat A1 | ÖSD | Accepted; exam dates are less frequent |
For the exam structure, scoring, and pass mark, see our Goethe A1 (Start Deutsch 1) guide. Current fees and exam dates are covered in Goethe A1 exam fees and dates.
Step by Step: From Certificate to Visa
- Book an exam slot. Goethe-Institut exams fill up quickly, especially in summer — start watching the dates even before you feel ready.
- Prepare for A1. Starting from zero, a realistic timeline is 2–3 months at 30–45 minutes per day. Use our 12-week A1 study plan as a ready-made schedule.
- Take the exam and collect the certificate. Results are usually released within 1–2 weeks.
- Visa appointment and application file. Submit the A1 certificate together with the marriage certificate, passport, and your spouse's residence and income documents at the consulate.
- Waiting period. Processing usually takes several months, pending approval by the immigration office in Germany.
Start Your A1 Preparation with Zertifly Today
Zertifly offers Goethe A1–format listening, reading, writing and speaking exercises. The speaking simulation mirrors all three parts of the real exam and your answers are evaluated instantly by AI — prepare from home, at your own pace.
Common Mistakes
- Getting the certificate too early: some consulates reject certificates older than one year — plan the exam around your visa timeline.
- Studying only grammar: the A1 exam is communication-focused; candidates who skip listening and speaking practice struggle most in those modules.
- Entering the exam without knowing the format: task types are fixed, and a format-trained candidate scores clearly higher than an untrained one at the same level. Start with our sample questions guide.
- Waiting until the course ends to book: when slots fill up, the whole process can slip by months — run preparation and booking in parallel.
Conclusion
Within the family reunification process, the A1 certificate is a step you can clear in a few months with the right plan: the format is simple, the pass mark is 60 out of 100, and the questions come from recurring everyday situations. Candidates who combine an early booking, regular practice, and format training overwhelmingly pass on the first attempt. Try Zertifly's A1 exercises for free and start today.
