Goethe A2 Exam: Structure, Passing Score and Preparation Guide
The Goethe-Zertifikat A2 is an internationally recognised certificate proving you can use German at the A2 level — everyday situations, simple conversations, basic written communication. It is offered by the Goethe-Institut worldwide and accepted by German authorities, employers and universities as proof of A2 language ability.
This post explains what the exam looks like, what you need to pass and how to prepare if you are starting from A1 or working through the A2 level now.
Who takes the Goethe A2?
- People who need official proof of A2 German for immigration, family reunification (spouse visas usually ask for A1, but check what your case requires), or a work permit
- Learners who want a recognised milestone before continuing to B1
- Ausbildung applicants whose employer asks for written proof of German level
- Students preparing for higher exams who want to check their progress with an official certificate
If you’re deciding which level to take, see which German exam to choose for a comparison of the main exam types.
Exam structure
The Goethe A2 tests all four language skills. The written exam (Reading, Listening, Writing) takes about 90 minutes, plus a speaking exam of about 15 minutes, usually taken in pairs.
| Module | Duration | Maximum points |
|---|---|---|
| Reading (Lesen) | 30 min | 25 points |
| Listening (Hören) | approx. 30 min | 25 points |
| Writing (Schreiben) | 30 min | 25 points |
| Speaking (Sprechen) | approx. 15 min (pairs) | 25 points |
| Total | 100 points |
Timings are approximate; check the current Goethe-Institut exam description before your booking.
Reading (Lesen)
Four parts covering:
– Short, everyday texts: notices, advertisements, signs, timetables
– Simple messages: short emails, text messages
– Matching tasks and multiple choice
The texts are the kind a traveller or newcomer in Germany would encounter: a shop notice, a short message from a neighbour, a schedule. You do not need a large vocabulary, but you must extract the right information quickly.
Listening (Hören)
Four parts covering:
– Short recordings of everyday conversations or announcements
– True/false or multiple choice questions
– Clear, natural speech at a moderate pace
Topics: travel, everyday services, appointments, simple instructions. In the official sample test, some parts are played twice and others only once — the instructions tell you which.
Writing (Schreiben)
Two tasks:
– Part 1: A short text message (about 20–30 words) — for example telling a friend you’ll be late and why
– Part 2: A short email or message (about 30–40 words) — replying to a message, accepting or refusing an invitation, asking for something
The writing is short, but it must be complete, correct in structure and address all the points in the prompt.
Speaking (Sprechen)
Three parts, usually done with a partner:
– Part 1: Asking and answering simple personal questions using word cards (name, origin, job, hobbies, family)
– Part 2: Talking about yourself and your life on a given topic, then answering a follow-up question
– Part 3: Planning something together with your partner — for example finding a time to meet
The oral exam is the part most learners find stressful, because it is done with an examiner present. At A2, the bar is low — you need to communicate the point, not speak perfectly.
Passing score
According to the Goethe-Institut’s exam regulations, you pass the Goethe A2 with at least 60 points out of 100 overall, and you must take all parts. Of these, at least 45 of the 75 points must come from the written exam (Reading, Listening, Writing) and at least 15 of the 25 points from the speaking exam.
Unlike the modular B1, the A2 is assessed as one exam: within the written part, a strong reading score can make up for a weaker writing score, but a weak speaking result cannot be compensated by the written part.
Partial retakes (only the written or only the oral exam) are possible only in exceptional cases at some centres — check the current Goethe-Institut regulations when you book.
What A2 German actually looks like
At A2, the Goethe-Institut expects you to:
– Understand sentences and frequently used expressions about topics directly relevant to daily life (shopping, local geography, employment)
– Communicate in simple, routine tasks requiring only a simple exchange of familiar information
– Describe your background, immediate environment and matters of immediate need in simple terms
This is the level at which you can handle very predictable situations — but you will still struggle with fast speech, unusual topics or complex grammar.
Practise your German out loud with SipLingo, free to try on iPhone and Android:
Preparation plan (6–8 weeks from A1)
If you are already at a solid A1 level, 6 to 8 weeks of focused study is realistic for the Goethe A2. If you are starting from zero, allow 3 to 4 months.
| Weeks | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Review A1 vocabulary, learn A2 key vocabulary (numbers, times, dates, basic daily life) |
| 3–4 | Reading and listening: practise with sample tests, read simple German texts, listen to A2 audio |
| 5–6 | Writing: practise short text messages and emails, timed to 30 minutes |
| 7 | Speaking: practise all three parts with a partner or recording yourself |
| 8 | Full mock exam under timed conditions; fix weak spots |
By skill
Reading: Read German notices, timetables, short messages and advertisements. The texts are not literary — they are practical. Focus on getting the key information fast.
Listening: Use A2 audio materials. The key skill is catching specific information (times, places, names), not understanding every word. Listen for numbers, dates and names first.
Writing: Practise writing 20–40-word messages and replies. Use short sentences. Always address every point in the prompt — missing one usually costs more than a grammar error.
Speaking: Practise parts 1 and 2 (questions about yourself, talking about your life) until they are automatic. For part 3, practise suggesting, accepting and declining times and plans — Hast du am Samstag Zeit? / Wie wäre es mit …? / Da kann ich leider nicht.
Vocabulary topics to cover
| Topic | Key words |
|---|---|
| Personal information | Name, Alter, Beruf, Adresse, Herkunft, Familie |
| Time | Wochentage, Monate, Uhrzeiten, gestern, heute, morgen |
| Shopping | Preis, teuer, billig, kaufen, bezahlen, Quittung |
| Transport | Bus, Bahn, Zug, Abfahrt, Ankunft, Ticket |
| Food and eating | Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen, bestellen |
| Health | Arzt, Termin, Schmerzen, Tablette |
| Work | Arbeit, Stelle, Büro, Kollege, Chef |
| Housing | Wohnung, Miete, Zimmer, suchen |
Common mistakes in the Goethe A2
- Not reading the instructions. The task tells you what to write — if you miss a point, you lose marks for that point even if everything else is perfect.
- Writing too much. Stay close to the word range in the task (20–30 or 30–40 words). 80 words with mistakes is worse than 35 words without.
- Speaking too fast. At A2, slow and correct is better than fast and confused.
- Not practising the speaking format. The three-part structure is specific — practise each part, not just free conversation.
- Waiting until the last week to do speaking practice. Speaking needs time and repetition — start in week 1.
Speaking: the part most learners under-prepare
Most A2 learners spend 80% of their time on reading and vocabulary, and almost none on speaking. Then the exam arrives and part 3 (planning something together) feels unfamiliar.
SipLingo’s everyday situations include the kind of short exchanges the A2 speaking exam tests — asking for information, making requests, introducing yourself. You practise by voice and hear your correction in your own language. That kind of daily repetition is what makes the speaking part feel easy by exam day. Try it free →
For how long it takes to reach A2, see how many hours to learn German to A2. For the next level, see our Goethe B1 guide.
Official sources
For the official details and the latest updates, see:
- Goethe-Institut: Goethe-Zertifikat A2 – official exam page – A2 modules and timings: listening, reading, writing 30 min each, speaking 15
Frequently asked questions
What is the Goethe A2 exam?
An internationally recognised certificate from the Goethe-Institut proving your German ability at the A2 level (CEFR). It tests reading, listening, writing and speaking.
What is the passing score for the Goethe A2?
60 out of 100 overall, including at least 45 of 75 points in the written exam and 15 of 25 in the speaking exam. Check the current Goethe-Institut regulations before your exam.
How long does it take to prepare for the Goethe A2?
From a solid A1 level, 6 to 8 weeks of focused preparation is realistic. From zero, allow 3 to 4 months.
Who needs the Goethe A2?
People needing official proof of A2 German for immigration, work permits, or as a stepping stone before B1. Requirements for family reunification and visas vary, so check what your specific case requires.
Is the Goethe A2 hard?
It is manageable with preparation. The writing and speaking parts trip up most learners because they require active production, not just recognition.
Practise German speaking for your exam. SipLingo corrects your German as you talk, in your own language. A1 to B2.
