Goethe
Englisch
The oral exam as part of the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 is, for many people, the first official step toward recognized proof of German language proficiency. It is often required to obtain a visa for spousal reunification in Germany or as part of an integration process. This certificate is also necessary for applications to language schools, certain employers, or authorities in German-speaking countries.
The focus is on the ability to handle simple, everyday situations in the German language. The exam assesses whether a person can introduce themselves, answer basic questions, and respond appropriately in a typical everyday situation. The speaking exam usually takes place in a group of two people and lasts about 15 minutes.
In the first part, each person introduces themselves briefly. You talk about your name, age, origin, profession, place of residence, languages, and interests. This should be done in simple, clear sentences. The goal is for the examiner to see whether you can express yourself clearly in German.
Example: My name is Amir. I am 30 years old and I come from Egypt. I live in Cologne. I am a teacher and I speak Arabic, English, and a little German.
Here, each person receives a card with a topic, for example, family or leisure. You ask an appropriate question on this topic to the other person. Then you receive a question yourself and answer it in complete sentences.
Example: Question: Do you have a hobby? Answer: Yes, I like playing football and often cook with my friends.
The final task involves a small everyday situation. For example, you might ask for an item or request help. Again, you should demonstrate that you can use simple language appropriately in a real-life context.
Example: You are in a supermarket and need a bag. “Excuse me, do you have a bag for me?”
The A1 speaking exam includes simple, real-life topics such as:
To prepare specifically for the Goethe A1 speaking exam, it is helpful to practice with real examples and dialogues. There are online platforms where you can find typical tasks with suggested answers. These allow you to simulate conversations that may occur in the oral exam. It is especially important to regularly repeat and use key phrases like “My name is…”, “Can you help me please?”, or “I need…” in conversations.
Many learners report that they initially felt very uncertain – especially when it came to speaking. However, after several practice rounds with real topics and examples, they were able to present themselves much more confidently. A participant from Ukraine said: “I practiced dialogues with my friend every day. On the day of the exam, I wasn’t nervous anymore because I already knew what to expect.”
Participants from Syria, Colombia, and Turkey also report that clear structures and repetition helped them. A learner from Istanbul said: “I had problems with pronunciation. But by repeating dialogues from past exams, I made great progress.”
The Goethe A1 exam is suitable for adults and teenagers from about 16 years of age who need official proof of their German language skills. It is recognized worldwide, for example by German embassies, authorities, language schools, and employers.
The oral exam in the Goethe A1 certificate is the first important step into the German language. Those who practice regularly, work systematically on simple topics, and use examples can master this challenge well. Especially helpful are exercises in which you introduce yourself, answer questions, and train everyday situations through short dialogues.
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