Table of Contents
German A1 level helps lay a solid foundation to the German language. This level introduces to the basics of the language. Let us understand more about German A1 level and exam pattern. The exam assesses the learners language ability in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Click here to join the Entri online German language course! Watch demo classes here!
Understanding German A1 Level
German A1 level is the basic or the first level of language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is the beginner level where learners get a basic understanding of the German language.
With A1 level, you will be able to do the following:
- Provide basic personal information
- Exchange greetings
- Read simple texts like short messages, signs and labels.
- You will be able to understand and engage in basic conversation.
- Write simple sentences and fill out forms
Overview of German A1 Exam
1: How do you say "Good Morning" in German?
A1-level German certification is valid for life. To prepare for this exam, you will need to have knowledge about the following:
- Noun Gender: the three genders in German – masculine, feminine, and neuter
- Articles: the definite articles, der, die, das, and the indefinite articles, ein, eine
- Personal Pronouns: the different forms of German pronouns for the first, second and third person and how they function in sentences
- Possessive Adjectives: learn the possessive adjectives, mein, dein, sein, ihr, etc.
- Prepositions: Learn the common prepositions, their usages and how they change depending on the case of the noun they accompany
- Plurals: the plural forms of noun
- Negations: Use of negative words like “nicht” (not) and “kein” (no, not a).
- Sentence Structure: the basic structure of sentences and the role of conjugated verbs
Click here to join the Entri online German language course! Watch demo classes here!
German A1 Exam Pattern
The exam is of 60 points. To pass this level, you should score 60%, that is 36 points. The test is of four modules and each module carries 25% weightage. The four modules are:
- Listening (Hören)
- Writing (Schreiben)
- Reading (Lesen)
- Speaking (Sprechen)
Let us have a look at each module in detail.
Listening
This module is for 15 points and the duration is 20 minutes. There are three parts in the listening module:
- Part 1: A dialogue will be played twice and you have to answer six multiple choice questions.
- Part 2: An announcement will be played once and you have to answer four true or false questions.
- Part 3: You have to listen to a monologue and answer five multiple choice questions.
Writing
There are two parts in this module for 15 minutes. The duration is 20 minutes.
- Part 1: In this part, you have to fill a form on behalf a person. you have to read the given text and fill the form on the basis of the questions given.
- Part 2: You have to write an email or a letter based on the topic given. You are also given 3 points which you should use in the letter.
Reading
The duration of this module is 25 minutes and is of 15 points. There are three parts in the reading module.
- Part 1: You have to read a text which will be an email or small letter and answer 5 true or false questions.
- Part 2: You will be given two website screenshots and a purpose. You have to read the text and understand which website serves the purpose.
- Part 3: There are five questions and each question will have a text or a poster. You have to answer the multiple choice questions based on the information given in the text.
Speaking
This module is conducted in a group of 3 to 4 students. The speaking module is of 15 points and has three parts. The duration is 15 minutes.
- Part 1: This part is self introduction using the keywords provided. The examiner may also ask you to spell some words or ask about numbers.
- Part 2: You will get a card with a theme and a word. You have to frame a question based on the theme and the word given. Similarly, your partner will ask you questions based on the card he/she gets. Each person will get 2 or 3 cards.
- Part 3: You have to frame a question based on the image shown. Your partner has to answer the question and vice versa.
Preparation Strategies for German A1 Exam
- Familiarizing yourself with the exam format and the topics it covers.
- You are starting from the basic level, so build your vocabulary. Read basic texts like children’s books.
- Exposing yourself to books also help improve your reading skills.
- Learn the basic grammar rules and frame simple sentences.
- Practice speaking with the help of a buddy or try imitation practice. This will help you improve your vocabulary, understand the sentence structure and learn the correct pronunciation.
- Prepare a study plan. This will help you utilize your time effectively.
- Practice mock tests. This helps you get used to the exam pattern and also understand some of the common questions. You can get a lot of practice papers through Goethe-Zertifikat’s official website.
- Getting personalized help will help you master the subject with ease. A qualified tutor helps you understand your shortcomings and areas of concern.
The salient features of our German course are:
- Live interactive classes
- Recorded classes after live sessions
- PDF notes and assignments
- Local language tutor
- Goethe Test assistance and mock test
