German A1 Level: Resources and Exam Preparation

When you start learning German, you might feel excited but quickly become overwhelmed by the countless websites, apps, and resources available for beginners. You may be wondering: How do I get started? What is my current level? Where can I find the best resources to learn basic German? How do I prepare for my A1 exam and where can I take it?

If one of the following statements about yourself is true, then beginning with the German A1 level is a great choice:

• It’s my first time learning German.
• I have taken a long break from studying German.
• I only remember a few German words or phrases.
• I need to take a German A1 exam for a German visa or residency requirement.

The A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is designed for complete beginners. Once you have completed this level, you can introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, understand basic conversations, and write short texts.

If you decide to take an A1 exam, such as the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 or telc Deutsch A1, it is essential to use the right resources, such as online courses, YouTube channels, textbooks, and apps.

Let’s take a closer look at the exam requirements of the most common A1 German exams and which resources we recommend you use for preparation.

What is Expected in a German A1 Exam

To prepare for a German A1 exam, you need to familiarize yourself with the topics covered and understand what you are expected to know. Here’s an overview of the key areas included in the exam, in which you’ll need to communicate in German at a basic level.

Communicate Simple Ideas

You are expected to introduce yourself and ask and answer basic questions about yourself, such as your family, your hobbies, your profession, your age, your hometown, the country you are from, your nationality, your daily activities, and your likes and dislikes. Make sure to learn German numbers well because you will be asked to state your phone number in the oral exam.

If you want to learn how to introduce yourself in German, take a look at the following video:

Understand Basic Conversations

You should be able to follow slowly spoken German in routine situations. This includes people introducing themselves, asking for and understanding directions, talking about their favorite food and drinks, discussing simple plans, using phrases and vocabulary related to shopping, asking for prices, ordering food and drinks, identifying public places like the bank, the pharmacy, or the park, talking about the weather, telling time, understanding dates, and counting.

You can find some great examples of simple German dialogs in this video with Jenny and Jacqueline:

Read and Understand Basic Texts

You should be able to read and understand simple written texts, such as signs, notices, and short letters and emails.

You can find a practice exam featuring the types of texts you will need to read, understand, and answer questions about right here: Goethe Practice Exam.

Write Basic Sentences

You should be able to write simple sentences or short paragraphs, such as filling out forms or writing a postcard or email.

Learn how to write simple formal and informal emails in German in the video below:

Where to Take the A1 Exam?

The German A1 exam is widely recognized and can be taken at various institutions around the world:

Goethe-Institut

The Goethe-Institut is the most recognized institution for German language exams. It is based in over 90 countries and has around 157 institutes worldwide. The A1 exam here is known as “Start Deutsch 1.”

Telc GmbH

telc offers A1 exams at authorized examination centers across various countries, with certification recognized throughout Europe.

ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch)

For learners planning on immigrating to Austria, the ÖSD exams that are particularly recognized in Austria, may be the go-to-choice. These exams can be taken at various examination center worldwide.

Resources for Preparing for the A1 Exam

Using the right learning resources that will help you learn German efficiently can be challenging. Here is our list of favorite German learning resources that will prepare you for the German A1 exam.

lingoni GERMAN

lingoni offers a learning approach based on audiovisual resources. The platform provides structured video lessons, interactive exercises, and downloadable resources. You can find a curriculum on our platform for each level, giving you an overview of the topics you need to cover.

You can watch videos, download worksheets and solve them offline, take online quizzes, listen to podcasts (which are great for your listening comprehension), and practice pronunciation using our pronunciation tool. The app is divided into levels; for each level you will find a multitude of learning units. If you complete the entire A1 level at lingoni, you will be more than well-prepared for your A1 exam.

Goethe-Institut Resources

The Goethe-Institut offers online courses and practice materials aligned with their A1 exam. Their website also provides sample exams and other helpful preparation tools.

Deutsche Welle (DW)

Deutsche Welle offers free German courses at all levels, including A1. Their A1 course includes video lessons, interactive exercises, and downloadable materials.

Books

The best books for reading comprehension are those by the German author Angelika Bohn. You can read engaging stories that are entirely in German with realistic and authentic dialogues to reinforce the vocabulary you have learned. At the end of the chapter, you’ll find translations of essential keywords into English to help you comprehend what you are reading.

“Menschen A1” is a popular textbook used in many language schools. It includes a workbook, audio CD, and plenty of exercises.

“Schritte International A1“: Another well-regarded textbook that covers all the basics with accompanying audio material.

Mobile Apps

Duolingo is a free app that covers the basics of German and is suitable for A1 learners. While not comprehensive, it’s a good supplement for daily practice.

Memrise offers courses with vocabulary and phrases relevant to the A1 level, focusing on repetition and review.

YouTube Channels

lingoni GERMAN provides lessons on various A1 topics, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and authentic dialogues with native speakers.

Easy German offers videos featuring everyday conversations in German on the streets of Berlin. With subtitles in German and English, it’s a great way to get used to hearing spoken German.

Here is our list of favorite YouTube channels for learning German: Best YouTube Channels to Learn German

Personal Lessons

The best way to practice speaking is by doing exactly that: speaking! We recommend choosing a native German speaker or teacher who you can talk to on a regular basis. Your teacher can help you improve your pronunciation, find the right words to have a simple conversation and correct your spoken and written German. You can find teachers on italki, Verbalplanet, or preply.

Conclusion

Preparing for the German A1 level exam requires studying basic language skills, everyday vocabulary, and simple conversational abilities. By utilizing the resources provided above, particularly starting with Lingoni German, you can build a solid foundation and confidently approach the A1 exam. Good luck with your studies and Viel Erfolg!