The A1 German certificate is available to everyone
At any age we can certify our command of the German language. The Goethe-Zertifikat German exam is designed to accredit basic knowledge of the language in two aspects: children and adolescents between 10 and 16 years of age, through Fit in Deutsch 1. Adults can apply the Start Deutsch 1 .
The German qualification endorsed by the Goethe-Zertifikat is internationally recognized and valid for life.
At level A1 or 'discovery' of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, the applicant is able to ask and answer simple questions. It also includes making a request, providing basic information about yourself and other people. We can understand conversations and short texts on topics in their immediate environment or everyday life.
The A1 German certificate represents a very useful tool to determine the level of knowledge in the language. If we intend to work or study in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, this diploma will help us to achieve it. We will even need it to get married in Germany and it is requested in various exchange programs.
What is the Fit in Deutsch 1 exam?
This test serves as an additional qualification for young students seeking acceptance to prestigious high schools or universities.
The evaluation of children and adolescents is carried out in four parts: listening and reading comprehension, as well as oral and written expression. The oral modality includes group interaction.
The reading comprehension section lasts 20 minutes, during which the applicant must demonstrate their ability to understand short texts and answer simple questions.
Written expression is evaluated for 20 minutes. The goal is for the applicant to respond to a short message such as an email, a postcard, or an advertisement.
To qualify listening comprehension, various recordings of daily activities, radio programs are presented. We must answer a series of questions using the information presented. This section consists of approximately 20 minutes.
Oral expression measures the applicant's ability to introduce himself, ask and answer questions on topics of everyday life. At this stage we must be able to interact with other people in familiar situations. The approximate duration of this section is 15 minutes.
The Start Deutsch 1 exam
All exams seek to assess the knowledge of applicants in four aspects:
- Listen ( Hören ).
- Read ( Lesen ).
- Write ( Schreiben ).
- Talk ( Sprechen ).
The Hören section lasts 20 minutes, during which we will listen to various audio files, twice each. A first exercise consists of relating the audio with images.
In the second part, we will answer if the statement is true or false, according to the audios listened to. The third exercise consists of five questions, of which we will indicate the correct options.
The skills assessed in this section include the ability to understand simple German, recognize common words and phrases, as well as understand very basic instructions such as simple directions or instructions.
The Lesen section lasts 25 minutes. It includes exercises such as reading two short texts on which we will answer whether the sentences are true or false and we will relate sentences to fragments of web pages or photographs.
In this section we will understand the meaning of simple and short texts, obtaining from them the necessary information such as instructions, notices and employment information.
The Schreiben section lasts approximately 20 minutes. It consists of two exercises, the first of them with the aim of providing the missing information in an informal text. The second exercise is open and we must answer the questions with information that appears in a short text. Small grammatical errors are not penalized in this section.
The main skill evaluated in this section is the facility to write simple messages using common and short phrases, as well as to fill out forms with personal information.
In the Sprechen section , lasting 15 minutes, basic verbal interaction with other people is assessed. We must be able to provide personal information, answering simple questions individually.
The second and third exercises are carried out in groups, encouraging a small dialogue. Also included is the description of images with basic points such as color, shape, size, place, activity, among others.
The exam is scored out of 100 points. To obtain the German A1 certificate, a minimum score of 60 points out of 100 in total is required, that is, we do not require a passing score in each of the sections.
Scores from zero to 59 imply that the level was not exceeded. From 60 to 69 you get a sufficient rating, while from 70 to 79 is rated as good, from 80 to 89 as excellent and from 90 to 100 as excellent.
Where to take the Goethe Zertifikat A1 exam
The exams to obtain the A1 German certificate are available to the general public through the Goethe Institutes in Germany and abroad and at partner bodies in Germany and other countries.
For the Start Deutsch certificate we require knowledge corresponding to level A1, for which we must have completed approximately 200 study classes.
How to prepare for the exam
Goethe institutes and centers around the world offer preparatory courses for language certification exams. Similarly, in various online sites it is possible to download models, as well as find series of interactive exercises to practice before the exam.
In any case, it is recommended that we review the following elements:
- Indications of time and hour, distance and direction.
- Personal information: trajectory, studies, health status, preferences, etc.
- Comprehension of short texts such as emails, notes, postcards, notices or warnings.
- Ability to point out when something is not understood and request that the interlocutor speak more slowly or repeat what was said.
With proper preparation we will be able to prove our knowledge of the German language. The key to opening the doors to academic and work success is found in certifications.