Goethe A1 (Start Deutsch 1): The Complete Guide for the Family Reunification Visa
Last updated: July 2026 · 8 min read
The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 is the most basic official German exam and is most often required for the family reunification visa: spouses joining their partner in Germany usually need to prove basic German (A1) with the application. The exam has four modules, is passed with 60 of 100 points, and can be managed within a few months of proper preparation.
The 4 Modules
| Module | Time | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Hören (Listening) | ~20 min | Short everyday conversations, announcements and phone messages; 3 parts |
| Lesen (Reading) | ~25 min | Short notes, ads, signs and emails; 3 parts |
| Schreiben (Writing) | ~20 min | Filling in a form + writing a short message (~30 words) |
| Sprechen (Speaking) | ~15 min | Group exam: introducing yourself, asking/answering questions, making requests |
We wrote a separate guide for the speaking module's three parts with sample dialogues: Goethe A1 speaking questions and sample answers.
Scoring and Pass Mark
- Scored out of 100 points; the pass mark is 60.
- Module scores are added up — a weak module can be offset by points collected elsewhere.
- The certificate is valid indefinitely, though visa authorities may ask for a recent one.
What to Know for Family Reunification
- Visa applications usually require a Goethe-Institut A1 certificate or an equivalent accepted certificate (e.g. telc Start Deutsch 1). See our step-by-step A1 guide for the family reunification visa.
- Exam slots at Goethe-Institut centres and licensed partners fill up quickly — register early.
- Check our guide to Goethe A1 exam fees and dates; official source: goethe.de
- Exemptions (university graduates, health conditions) depend on current regulations — read our overview of A1 exemptions and verify visa requirements with the consulate's up-to-date list.
From Zero to A1: A Realistic Plan
- Weeks 1–4 — Basics: alphabet and pronunciation, numbers, greetings, introducing yourself, basic verb conjugation. 30-45 minutes a day is enough.
- Weeks 5–8 — Everyday topics: family, home, shopping, time/date, directions. Listen to short dialogues and repeat aloud.
- Weeks 9–12 — Exam format: practise the task types of all four modules; automate form-filling and the 30-word message; rehearse the speaking part out loud.
For the detailed weekly programme see our 12-week Goethe A1 study plan, and drill the format with our sample questions with solutions.
Prepare for A1 with Zertifly
Zertifly offers listening, reading and speaking exercises in the Goethe A1 format. The speaking simulation mirrors the real three-part exam flow and your answers are evaluated by AI.
Conclusion
Goethe A1 is the most accessible of the German exams: the format is simple, the pass mark is 60, and the questions come from recurring everyday patterns. For someone starting from zero, three months of steady work usually leads to a comfortable pass. The critical point: dedicate the final month to exam-format practice.
