Goethe Certificate A1

Your first official step in the German language: With the Goethe A1 exam, you provide qualified proof of your first German skills and receive an internationally recognized certificate from the Goethe-Institut. The exam takes place in one afternoon, lasts 80 minutes, and is offered several times a year.

Goethe Certificate A1 – Overview

This exam assesses German language level A1 according to the CEFR (📄 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) in a qualified manner and confirms it with an official certificate from the internationally recognized Goethe-Institut.

With language skills at level A1, you can communicate in a simple way when your conversation partners speak slowly and clearly. You understand familiar, everyday, and frequently used expressions as well as simple sentences, and you can introduce yourself and ask other people simple questions about themselves.

Reaching language level A1 is confirmed with the official «Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1» from the Goethe-Institut, your personal proof for work or everyday life in Switzerland. 

🗓️ Goethe examination dates 2026 (PDF)

🗓️ Goethe examination dates 2027 (PDF)

How the Goethe A1 exam works

The exam takes a total of 80 minutes on a single occasion and is divided into a written part of 65 minutes (listening, reading, and writing) and an oral part of 15 minutes as a group exam (speaking). Both parts are conducted in one afternoon.

Your personal exam schedule will be sent to you by post approximately 3 weeks before the exam. Please bring your ID document on the day of the exam. Cancellations up to 4 weeks before the exam date are free of charge; after that, the exam fee must be paid. In an emergency, it is possible to postpone your registration once to the next exam date, up to 10 days before the exam; however, the exam fee remains due as usual. Cancellations or postponements must be submitted in writing within the deadline to [email protected].

If you pass the exam or individual modules, you must collect your Goethe Certificate A1 in person at the NSH education centre in Basel, upon presentation of your ID document.

Detailed information on exam regulations and data protection can be found under the following documents: Data protection information & Terms and conditions

Who is the Goethe A1 exam suitable for?

This exam is suitable for anyone who has German language skills at level A1 and wants to have them confirmed with an internationally valid certificate. Candidates with special needs or physical limitations are also welcome to contact us; we are happy to provide relevant information.

Still unsure whether the Goethe A1 exam is the right choice for your language level? Use the 👉 free placement test below for an initial assessment and set aside about 20 minutes for it. Send your test result to [email protected] and we will get back to you promptly. 

How to prepare for the Goethe Certificate A1

Model tests

With the official model tests from the Goethe-Institut, you get a realistic feel for the structure, time pressure, and task types of the Goethe A1 exam before the actual exam. This way, you enter your exam day well prepared and with less exam anxiety.

➡️ Modelltests

Exam training

If you want to practise in a targeted way before the Goethe A1 exam, you don't need to attend an entire level course. In the Goethe exam preparation course, participants are instead prepared compactly and intensively for all parts of the exam, from listening and reading to writing and the oral group exam. 

➡️ Goethe exam training

What does the Goethe A1 exam cost?

Exam fee: CHF 180.00