Start Deutsch 2 / telc Deutsch A2 shows that you can manage routine situations in German: appointments, shopping, and short messages from work, school or the doctor’s office.
Many learners take A2 as a milestone between A1 and B1. Some employers and training programmes ask for it, and it is a good check before you register for B1.
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.
Phone messages, radio announcements and one longer conversation.
Three parts with five tasks each. You read short letters, notices and ads.
Fill in a form, then write a short personal message.
A conversation with a partner and the examiner, usually straight after the written exam and without preparation time.
Hören, Lesen, Schreiben and Sprechen are worth 15 points each. Only the total counts: 36 of 60 points passes.
| 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.
Phone messages are a big part of Hören. Train yourself to catch names, times and numbers the first time you hear them.
Lesen and Schreiben share one time block. Many candidates spend too long reading, so keep at least 15 minutes for the form and the message.
The message is marked on content first. Give each point its own clear sentence, and open and close the message properly.
In Sprechen Teil 3 you negotiate with your partner. Practise phrases for suggesting, accepting and declining: Wie wäre es mit …? Das passt mir gut. Leider kann ich da nicht.
The written exam takes 70 minutes: Hören about 20 min and Lesen + Schreiben 50 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.
Usually not. The speaking test normally follows the written exam directly, so practise answering without notes.
Both test level A2 but use different tasks and scoring. telc A2 is scored out of 60 with one pass mark for the total. Goethe A2 gives 25 points per skill and asks for minimum scores in both the written and the oral part.
German Exam Simulator has complete telc A2 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.