Start Deutsch 1 / telc Deutsch A1 checks that you can handle simple everyday situations in German: introducing yourself, understanding short announcements and filling in a form.
Most people take A1 for a spouse or family reunion visa, where German embassies usually ask for proof of basic German. telc and the Goethe-Institut use the same Start Deutsch 1 tasks and marking, so the preparation is identical.
Depending on the test centre, the oral exam takes place on the same day as the written exam or on a different day.
What each module asks you to do, in the order you take them.
Short everyday conversations, announcements and phone messages.
Short emails and letters, ads and signs.
Fill in a form, then write a short personal message.
A speaking test in a small group: introduce yourself, ask and answer questions, make requests.
Hören, Lesen, Schreiben and Sprechen are worth 15 points each. Only the total counts: 36 of 60 points passes, so a strong Sprechen can make up for a weaker Lesen.
| Module · Teil | Max. points | Pass from |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 60 | 36 |
| Hören | 15 | |
| Lesen | 15 | |
| Schreiben | 15 | |
| Sprechen | 15 |
Based on the published exam regulations of telc, the Goethe-Institut and g.a.s.t., checked in September 2026.
Sprechen Teil 1 always asks for the same details: name, age, country, home, languages, job and hobbies. Prepare one clear sentence for each and practise spelling your name.
You get time to read the tasks before each recording. Underline days, times and prices, because those are what the recordings test.
In Schreiben Teil 2 each of the three points counts. One simple sentence per point scores better than a long text that forgets one.
Prices, phone numbers, dates and times come up in every part. Say them out loud until you understand them at normal speed.
The written exam takes 65 minutes: Hören about 20 min, Lesen about 25 min and Schreiben about 20 min. The oral exam takes about 15 minutes.
Hören, Lesen, Schreiben and Sprechen are worth 15 points each. Only the total counts: 36 of 60 points passes, so a strong Sprechen can make up for a weaker Lesen.
Both are Start Deutsch 1 and use the same tasks and marking. telc reports your result out of 60 points and the Goethe-Institut converts it to 100, but the pass mark is 60 % in both.
In most cases, yes. For a spouse or family reunion visa, German embassies usually ask for an A1 certificate such as Start Deutsch 1. Check the exact rules for your country with the embassy.
German Exam Simulator has complete telc A1 mock exams with the same parts and timings as the real exam, including Sprechen with an AI partner, and scores them the way the certificate does. Exam 1 is free and needs no account.
Timed mock exams with every part, including Sprechen with an AI partner, scored like the certificate. Exam 1 is free, no account needed.
Checked against the official exam format in September 2026.