Goethe A1 or A2? Differences and Which One to Take
Last updated: July 2026 · 5 min read
Goethe A1 (Start Deutsch 1) and Goethe A2 are the first two levels of the Goethe-Institut. Both certify basic use of the language; the difference is in scope, duration, and difficulty. The right choice depends on your goal (family reunification, work, personal development).
The Core Difference: Language Level
A1 is the most basic beginner level: you introduce yourself, ask simple questions, and use everyday phrases. A2 builds on it: longer texts, a wider vocabulary, and structures such as the past tense (Perfekt) are added. Topics are everyday and concrete at both levels.
Differences in Structure, Time, and Scoring
| Feature | Goethe A1 | Goethe A2 |
|---|---|---|
| Modular structure | No — single exam | No — single exam |
| Lesen | ~25 min | ~30 min |
| Hören | ~20 min | ~30 min |
| Schreiben | ~20 min | ~30 min |
| Sprechen | ~15 min (group) | ~15 min (paired) |
| Scoring | Out of 100; pass 60 | Out of 100; pass 60 |
| Vocabulary | Basic (smaller) | ~1,300 words |
As you can see, both exams are taken in a single sitting and passed with 60 of 100 points; A2 requires longer parts and a wider vocabulary.
Which One Should You Take?
- Choose A1 if you are new to German, want to document basic proficiency, or your application explicitly requires A1 (for example, A1 is usually enough for the spouse visa in family reunification).
- Choose A2 if you already have an A1 foundation and want to document the next level or progress in certain residence/application processes.
Which level is officially required varies by country and application type; verify current requirements with the relevant authority before deciding.
Go from A1 to A2 with Zertifly
On Zertifly you can solve A1 exercises and then move up to A2, practising all four modules with instant feedback.
Conclusion
A1 and A2 serve different goals: A1 documents basic proficiency, A2 documents the next level. Clarifying your goal and choosing the right level also makes your preparation more efficient.
For details, see our Goethe A1 guide and Goethe A2 guide.