telc A2 Exam Guide — Prepare for Your German A2 Certificate

Updated April 2026 · 8 min read

The telc Deutsch A2 exam proves you can handle basic everyday communication in German. It is commonly required for residency permits (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) in Germany and serves as a stepping stone toward B1. This guide covers the exam structure, scoring, and practical tips to help you pass.

Who Needs the telc A2?

• Immigrants applying for a residency permit in Germany
• Integration course participants who want to document their progress
• Workers in jobs requiring basic German communication
• Learners preparing to advance to B1 level

Exam Structure

The telc A2 exam has a written part and an oral part.

Written Exam (70 minutes)

• Hören (Listening) — 20 minutes: You hear short conversations, announcements, and phone messages. Questions include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and matching exercises. Some parts are played twice.
• Lesen (Reading) — 30 minutes: You read short texts like signs, emails, advertisements, and notices. Question types include true/false, multiple choice, and matching.
• Schreiben (Writing) — 20 minutes: You write a short personal message or email (about 50-80 words) based on a given situation, addressing 3-4 specific points.

Oral Exam (approximately 15 minutes)

• Teil 1 — Introduce yourself: Present yourself to your exam partner covering name, origin, residence, job, family, languages, and hobbies.
• Teil 2 — Everyday conversation: Discuss an everyday topic with your partner. Ask and answer questions about topics like shopping, health, travel, or housing.
• Teil 3 — Plan something together: Work with your partner to plan an activity or solve a problem, discussing who, what, when, and where.

Scoring

You need at least 60% in the written part and 60% in the oral part to pass. The maximum score is 60 points total. If you fail one part, you can retake just that part within one year.

Preparation Tips

1. Master Everyday Vocabulary

At A2 level, you need around 1,000-1,500 words. Focus on practical topics: doctor visits, shopping, public transport, housing, work, and leisure. Learn words in phrases rather than individually — "zum Arzt gehen" is more useful than learning "Arzt" alone.

2. Practice Speaking with a Partner

The speaking section requires interaction with a partner. Practice asking and answering questions about everyday topics. Learn useful phrases for agreeing ("Ja, gute Idee!"), disagreeing ("Ich glaube, das ist nicht so gut"), and making suggestions ("Wir könnten..."). AI-powered practice tools can serve as your conversation partner when no one else is available.

3. Write Short Emails

The writing task requires a short email or message. Practice common scenarios: canceling an appointment, inviting someone to a party, asking about a product, or thanking a neighbor. Always address all the required points and write in complete sentences — not just keywords.

4. Train Your Listening Skills

Listen to German content daily. At A2 level, try "Deutsche Welle — Langsam gesprochene Nachrichten" or simple German podcasts. Focus on understanding the main message and key details like numbers, times, and places. Practice with exam-format audio to get used to the speed and question types.

5. Take Timed Practice Exams

Complete at least 2-3 full practice exams before your test date. Use a timer and do not pause. This builds your time management skills and reduces anxiety on exam day. Review your mistakes afterward and focus on your weak areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Only studying grammar rules without practicing communication
• Not addressing all required points in the writing section
• Giving one-word answers in the speaking section — use full sentences
• Panicking when you do not understand a listening passage — focus on what you do understand
• Not practicing the partner interaction format of the speaking exam

A2 vs. A1 — What is Different?

A2 requires more than just basic phrases. You need to hold short conversations, understand longer texts, and write connected sentences. The speaking section is more interactive — you discuss topics with a partner instead of just introducing yourself. Vocabulary requirements roughly double from A1 to A2.

What Comes After A2?

After passing A2, most learners continue to B1, which is required for German citizenship. The DTZ exam (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) at the end of the integration course tests both A2 and B1 levels simultaneously. Your A2 certificate is valid indefinitely and recognized across Europe.

The telc A2 exam is achievable with consistent practice. Focus on all four sections, practice speaking regularly, and take full practice exams to build confidence. You will be ready on exam day.