Goethe Certificate A2

Already comfortable with the basics of German and ready for the next step? The Goethe A2 exam officially confirms that you can handle simple everyday conversations in German with confidence. Issued by the internationally recognized Goethe-Institut, this Goethe Certificate A2 is awarded after a 105-minute exam held on a single afternoon, offered several times throughout the year.

What the Goethe A2 exam covers

This exam tests your German at level A2 according to the CEFR (📄Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (PDF)) and concludes with an official certificate from the Goethe-Institut, recognized worldwide.

At level A2, you can understand and use everyday sentences and commonly used expressions. You can exchange information in simple, routine situations on familiar topics, and describe your background, education, and immediate surroundings in straightforward terms.

Passing this exam earns you the official Goethe Certificate A2, your proof for job applications or daily life in Switzerland.

🗓️ Goethe examination dates 2026 (PDF)

🗓️ Goethe examination dates 2027 (PDF)

The format of the Goethe A2 exam

The exam runs for a total of 105 minutes and consists of a written section lasting 90 minutes (listening, reading, writing) plus a 15-minute oral section conducted as a paired exam (speaking). Both sections take place on the same afternoon.

Roughly three weeks before your exam date, you will receive your personal exam schedule by mail. On exam day, a valid ID document is required. If you need to cancel, this is free of charge up to four weeks before the date; after that, the exam fee becomes payable. In urgent cases, you may postpone your registration once to the following exam date, up to ten days beforehand, though the fee still applies. Cancellations or postponements must be submitted in writing by email to [email protected] within the stated deadlines.

Once you have passed the exam, or individual modules, you can collect your Goethe Certificate A2 in person at the NSH education centre in Basel, upon presenting your ID.

📄 Data protection info & Terms and conditions

Who should take the Goethe A2 exam

This exam is aimed at adult learners of any background who wish to have their existing German skills at level A2 officially certified. If you have special needs or require accommodations, please get in touch beforehand, we're happy to arrange suitable support.

Not sure if A2 is the right level for you? Our 👉 free online placement test gives you clarity on your current language level in about 20 minutes. Send us your result at [email protected] and we'll follow up promptly.

Preparing for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2

Model tests

The official model tests from the Goethe-Institut show you exactly how the exam is structured and what kinds of tasks to expect. This helps you practise content while also getting used to the timing, significantly easing exam-day nerves.

➡️ Modelltests

Exam training

Rather than enrolling in a full language course, you can prepare specifically for the Goethe A2 exam through our focused exam training. Participants work intensively through all exam formats, from written tasks to the oral paired exam.

➡️ Goethe exam training

Cost of the Goethe A2 exam

Exam fee: CHF 200.00