What is A1 Level German? - A Detailed Guide for Beginners

What is A1 Level German?

According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) An A1 level German is the primary level of German language proficiency exam. It is also known by another name which is Goethe A1 exam. This level is created for beginners where they get basic knowledge of various subjects learned in German. Moreover, it is a fairly basic level of exam.

The goal of the A1 German syllabus is to develop a fundamental language proficiency. Thus, to get on this level you will required to comprehend the syllabus deeply. Also, you need to showcase an understanding of basic phrases, words, expressions, and basic questions and introduce yourself in German.

This was all talk about the what is A1 level German. Now, in the next section, you will explore components of the A1 German syllabus. So, let’s navigate.

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Components of the German A1 Syllabus

The German A1 syllabus is distributed into four important parts that assess learner's skills in four different ways which are

• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing

However, German language learners have to keep in mind that their language is also evaluated on the other two components

• Vocabulary Development
• Grammar Basics

Thus, in total, there are six components in A1 level German, but the major is four. Therefore, in the following section understand these components in detail. So let's have a look.

Listening

In German, listening is more confusing than speaking as natives speak too fast, and matching their speed and understanding is a difficult task. Thus, in the A1 German exam, keep these points in mind while giving the listening test.

• Proper understanding of everyday German spoken words used in situations such as greetings, and introduction
• Listening short words or phrases
• Able to recognize the words phrases and information.
• Ability to learn simple, deliberate speech in daily use. 

Also Read: German Alphabets

Speaking

Speaking is another part of the A1 level German exam that is considered to be difficult. Thus, follow these points that will help you to achieve good scores in this exam.

• In German language try to present yourself and other individuals. 
• Present daily details that require the least personal information, like name, work, and where they reside. 
• Discuss subjects in an uncomplicated and simple manner. 
• Share your thoughts on what you like, dislikes,
• Polite discussions are something that helps learners to engage in, for instance, thank you, please, or pardon. 

Also Read: Numbers in German

Reading

Reading is the third part of the A1 German Level exam that helps students understand the German text by reading. Thus, follow these points that will help you to enhance your skills to read this language.

• Understanding simple texts, like letters, names, sentences that have simple meanings, numbers, and more.
• Accessing and analyzing short and simple length words and phrases.
• Identifying the distinct features in written context (e.g., days, location, hours,). 

Also Read: Learn to Say Thank You in German

Writing Skills-

The next difficult task in the A1 German Exam is writing. Sometimes writing German can be confusing more than listening and reading. Thus, prefer this point that will help you to learn these skills.

• Write about yourself, like hobbies, daily routine, or family.
• Fill out forms in the German language with personal details.
• Writing brief emails and messages.

Grammar Basics

Learning grammar basic at the German A1 level is necessary as it helps to understand the language more significantly. Moreover, German grammar has a simple structure to increase confidence while communicating with someone. In this the topic includes

• Pronouns: Personal pronouns like ich (I), er/sie/es (he/she/it), du (you), and possessive pronouns.
• Nouns and Articles: Differentiating between definite (der, die, das) and indefinite (ein, eine) words.
• Verb Conjugation: Regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, involving haben (to have) and sein (to be).
• Prepositions: Use of prepositions like in, auf, unter.
• Negation: Use nicht and kein to revoke sentences.
• Sentence Structure: basic questions and Subject-verb-object order.

Also Read: Different Ways to Say Please in German

Vocabulary Development-

Vocabulary development is one of the vital components of the A1 German exam syllabus. In this learners are expected to know 500-800 words of vocabulary in the German language. Hence, these words cover important topics that are mentioned below.

• Relationships and Family: Basic family words like Vater (father), Mutter (mother), Bruder (brother), Schwestere (sister), Freund (friend), etc.
• Personal Information and Introductions: Name, age, occupation, nationality.
• Time and Numbers: Telling the time, weekdays, months, seasons.
• Everyday Activities: Shopping, traveling, dining, direction leisure, and hobbies.
• Common Adverbs and Adjectives: Colors, descriptions, and sizes.

These are the components of the German A1 syllabus. Now let’s understand its A1 German Exam Pattern. So have a look.

A1 Level German Exam Pattern

If you are a beginner and learning German basics, the A1 level German exam is best for you.

It can be challenging for the learners to understand the German A1 exam pattern as it is slightly complex. Thus, to give you a clear overview of the format, here is the table of the A1 German Exam pattern.

This is the table of the German A1 exam pattern that might help you understand the format of this exam. Additionally, this exam lasts up to 80 minutes, and time is distributed to each part of the syllabus. However, keep this in mind that as speaking section is conducted separately. Therefore, you may be required to stay at the exam centre for the whole day. This was all about the exam pattern, now let’s explore A1 German Exam Fees in the following section.

A1 Level German Exam Fees

Thus, before you appear for the A1 level German exam, you need to submit the exam fees. This exam fee varies among students and their nationalities. So, the A1 German exam fee for an Indian candidate is 7000, and for an international candidate is 9,400. Hence, this is the exam fee for this German exam. Now, let's know how difficult this exam is for students.

Also Read: Days of the Week in German

What is The Difficulty Level of A1 Level German?

Many German learners think that this is the most difficult exam but as per CEFR, the German A1 level exam is considered easiest when compared to the other German levels exam. However, if you practice daily, you can easily become proficient.

Moreover, grammar and vocabulary enable German language learners to understand the relative areas easily in this exam. Hence, it helps learners to learn basic words and phrases. Therefore, if you think that this exam is difficult, you are in a dilemma, it is the primary and easiest level of the German exam.

How to Prepare for German A1 Level?

It could be difficult for the students to prepare for the A1 level German. However, if you understand the pattern, components, and A1 German syllabus and exam pattern, you can easily excel in this exam. Thus, if you want to prepare for the German A1 Level exam, refer to these tips.

1. First, established a strong foundation in the German language.
2. Secondly, the grammar rules of German should be kept in mind.
3. Practice forming words together to make a sentence.
4. Pay focus on the word order.
5. Your listening skills must be robust so that if any native German speakers speaks this language you can easily understand.
6. Read German children's books to improve your reading skills.
7. Practice writing paragraphs and short sentences in German by using basic words to learn German.

These are some of the tips that will help you to prepare for the A1 level German and become a professional.

Conclusion

In short, the A1 level German exam referred to a basic level exam conducted for beginners to evaluate their German proficiency. This exam is given by those who enlisted to learn German and become proficient in speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Thus, there are more German Language Levels exams like this that range from A1-C1 level. Hence, if you want to ace this exam and become a professional German speaker, then you can enroll in German online coaching offered by Gradding. The instructor here will help you to learn basic to expert-level language. So join us now!

FAQ’s

How long will it take to learn A1 German?

Generally, in A1 level German there are two types of courses: Intensive (20 lessons per week) and Super intensive course (30 lessons per week). Thus, if you take an intensive course you can learn German in 8 weeks, whereas if you opt for a super-intensive course you can learn German in 6 weeks. 

Is A1 level German difficult?

The A1 level German language exam is easy as this is the beginner level exam for the learners to check their language proficiency. In this level, they learn about the basic of the German language.

What are the parts of the German A1 exam?

The German A1 exam consists of four parts: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Two more components in this are vocabulary and grammar.

What is the passing score, A1 German?

To pass the A1 German level exam, you must achieve 36 out of 60 points or 60% of the total score. This passing score reflects an understanding of basic-level skills in all the components.