Digital Goethe A2: Differences from Paper and Online Exam Rules
Last updated: 13 October 2026 · Verified against current official Goethe-Institut sources
Some centres also offer the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 digitally. The digital exam is taken in person at the centre on the centre's laptop; the online exam is taken remotely on your own computer under certain conditions. Content and grading criteria are the same as on paper; what changes is how you answer and the exam-day rules. Because A2 is not modular, the digital rules apply to the written exam as a whole.
Paper, digital and online compared
| Paper | Digital | Online | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Exam centre | Exam centre | Your own room |
| Device | — | Centre's laptop | Your own computer |
| Listening audio | Room audio | Headphones | Speakers (no headphones) |
| Answer sheet | Yes | No | No |
| Written part | Group exam | Group exam | Individual |
What changes in the digital exam
- You enter answers and texts directly on the platform and can change them until you submit the written exam or time runs out.
- You do not need the roughly 3 minutes the paper exam reserves within Reading and Listening for transferring answers.
- The text message and email are typed on a German keyboard; learn where ä, ö, ü and ß are beforehand.
- Listening texts are played through the platform via headphones.
- If needed you can get stamped rough paper from the centre.
- The platform scores the multiple-choice items in Reading and Listening automatically; Writing and Speaking are rated by two independent examiners with the same criteria as on paper.
Rules specific to the online exam
- The written part of the online exam is taken individually; Speaking is an individual or pair exam depending on the centre.
- If you need the toilet during the written exam, the schedule stays the same and no time is added.
- Device: a mains-powered desktop, laptop or Chromebook; one screen; Google Chrome; German keyboard language.
- Audio comes through internal or external speakers; headphones of any kind are not allowed.
- Internet: at least 5 Mbit/s upload and download, 10 Mbit/s recommended.
- The camera must give a 360° view of the room, including the table top and underside; a smartphone can serve as a second camera if required.
Room rules for the online exam
- A quiet, well-lit room; rooms with more than one door or large glass fronts are not allowed.
- No other people or pets in the room; door and windows closed.
- Only the computer, your ID and, if used, keyboard and speakers on the desk; drawers are emptied.
- Your face and ears must stay visible; no smartwatches, analogue watches or jewellery near the face.
- Your phone is switched off and placed out of reach.
Candidates are responsible for meeting the technical requirements. Close every programme not needed for the exam right before it starts.
Official sources
The exam rules and figures in this guide were checked against the official sources below.
Related guide
Get used to answering on screen and typing
Work through timed Goethe A2 tasks on screen at Zertifly and type your text message and email to prepare for the digital exam.