Which A1 certificates are accepted for family reunification?

For the spouse visa, **Goethe** and **telc** "Start Deutsch 1" and the **ÖSD** A1 certificate are accepted.

Is there a difference between them?

All three test the same **CEFR A1** level; despite minor differences in format and task types, they are **equivalent in validity**.

What is the ALTE standard?

For a certificate to count, the test provider must be certified to **ALTE standards**.

How long is the certificate valid for the visa?

The certificate submitted for family reunification must have a **test date no more than 1 year old**.

A1 Certificates: Goethe vs ÖSD vs telc – Which for the Visa?

Q: Are there other accepted providers?

Yes; providers such as the TestDaF Institute, ECL, and the KMK German Language Diploma (DSD) are also recognized.

Level:A1Duration:~65 min + 15 min oralFee:Varies by centerValidity:UnlimitedFormat:4 modules

Last updated: July 2026 · 5 min read

Family reunification (especially the spouse visa) usually requires A1-level German. So which provider's certificate is valid? According to the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt), the accepted A1 certificates include Goethe, telc, and ÖSD. Below we compare the three.

Accepted A1 Certificates

The A1 certificates officially accepted for the spouse visa (Ehegattennachzug) are:

Goethe-Institut — "Start Deutsch 1" (Goethe-Zertifikat A1)
telc GmbH — "Start Deutsch 1" (telc Deutsch A1)
ÖSD (Austrian Language Diploma) — A1 level ("Grundstufe Deutsch 1")

Providers such as the TestDaF Institute, ECL, and the KMK German Language Diploma (DSD) are also recognized. The common condition: the test provider must be certified to ALTE standards.

What's the Difference?

All three test the same CEFR A1 level and the four skills (Hören, Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen). The differences are minor details in exam format and task types; for validity they are equivalent. Which one you choose usually depends on the test center and date availability in your city.

Validity Period for the Visa

An important point: the certificate submitted as language proof for family reunification must have a test date no more than 1 year old. Even though the certificates themselves have no official expiry, this 1-year rule applies in the visa process. Because it can vary by country and consulate, verify the current requirements of the relevant German missionbefore applying.

Prepare for A1 with Zertifly

Whichever provider's exam you take, the A1 level is the same. On Zertifly you can practise the four skills with A1 exercises and prepare with instant feedback.

Conclusion

For family reunification, Goethe, telc, and ÖSD A1 certificates are generally accepted; all are at ALTE standard and the same A1 level. Choose based on center availability and mind the certificate's 1-year rule.

For the exam structure, see our Goethe A1 guide, and for fees and dates, our A1 fee & dates guide.