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Deine Deutschprüfung A2

Goethe-Zertifikat A2

The Goethe-Zertifikat A2 provides official proof of basic German language skills and may be needed, for instance, to apply for a temporary residence permit in Germany.

General Information

Level: A2

Target group: Adults (recommended for ages 16 and up)

Among other things, recognized in Germany as proof of language proficiency to: 

  • Apply for a (temporary) residence permit, to participate in certain measures related to employment qualification and for the subsequent recognition of foreign professional credentials 
  • Apply for a work permit during these qualification measures under certain conditions
  • Apply for a (permanent) settlement permit for persons entitled to asylum and refugees after five years of residence under certain conditions 

You can find information at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), among other places, on whether A2 language skills suffice in your case when applying for a residence, settlement or work permit.  

The Goethe-Zertifikat A2 is also recognized in Austria and Switzerland as proof of A2-level language skills. We recommend informing yourself with the relevant authorities there.

Testing locations: Worldwide 


Exam fees in Germany (as of 2023):

  • 155 euros

If you would like to take the exam in a different country, please inform yourself of the exam fees where you intend to take it.

 

Examination structure

Type of examination: 

  • Paper-based


Examination sections and duration: 

Written examination:

  • Reading (30 minutes)
  • Listening (30 minutes)
  • Writing (30 minutes)


Oral examination:

  • Speaking (15 minutes, typically in pairs)

The written examination is administered without a break and usually takes place before the oral examination. The examinations may be taken on the same day or on separate days.

The oral examination does not include preparation time. It can also be administered as a solo examination, in which case it lasts ten minutes. 

Accessible examinations: 

 

Information about examination results

To pass the examination:

  • Written examination: At least 60 percent of the total possible points must be achieved.
  • Oral examination: At least 60 percent of the total possible points must be achieved.
  • All sections of the examination must be completed.

You can find information on how the test is graded on this page of the Goethe Institut website.

Receiving examination results in Germany:

  • Varies according to testing location 
  • Between one day and two weeks

Processing times vary around the world. Please inform yourself at the location where you intend to take the exam.

Certificate validity: unlimited

If you took the examination a few years ago, we recommend inquiring with the authority or institution where you intend to submit your examination results. Older certificates might not be accepted.

Retaking the examination:

  • You may retake the examination as many times as you like.
  • You must always retake the entire exam.

 

Additional provider information and practice materials 

 

Additional tips

Thoroughly review the information available on the Goethe-Institut website. There you can find things like a list of words that you should know for the test. 

Various publishers also provide additional practice materials in book form or available for download that can help you prepare for the Goethe-Zertifikat A2.

Information about this examination is also available in German under the menu selection “Language."