Start Deutsch 1 (German A1)
Start Deutsch 1 is the A1 German exam of the Goethe-Institut and telc, often needed to join a spouse in Germany. See how it works and practise for free.
Practise for Start Deutsch 1
How the exam works
- Listening15 questions in about 20 minutes
- Reading15 questions in 25 minutes
- WritingA form and a short message in 20 minutes
- Written exam in total65 minutes without a break (Goethe); at telc, reading and writing together take 45 minutes
- SpeakingAbout 15 minutes in a group, with no preparation
- Pass with 60 of 100 points (Goethe); fee at Goethe-Instituts in Germany: €155
The three listening parts
- Part 1: short conversations, each played twice
- Part 2: announcements, true or false, played once
- Part 3: phone messages, each played twice
Speaking
In the speaking part you introduce yourself, ask for and give information, and make and respond to requests. You speak in a small group with two examiners.
Goethe or telc?
Both use the same structure and task types. They differ in organisation, in the dates and fees of the exam centres, and in how points are counted. Before you register, check with the office that asks for your certificate.
How to prepare
FreeExamPath writes its own exercises from the public structure of the exam. They are not official model tests, and FreeExamPath is not affiliated with the Goethe-Institut or telc. Practise with the free official material as well.
Official information and practice material
Questions about Start Deutsch 1
How long does the exam take?
At the Goethe-Institut the written part takes 65 minutes and speaking about 15 minutes.
What is the pass mark?
At the Goethe-Institut you pass with at least 60 of 100 points, provided you take all parts.
How much does it cost?
At Goethe-Instituts in Germany it costs €155. Other exam centres set their own fees.
Are these official exam questions?
No. They are FreeExamPath's own exercises in the exam format. You can find the official practice sets on the Goethe-Institut and telc websites.
Official sources (4)
- Prüfungstraining Goethe-Zertifikat A1 — Goethe-Institut — goethe.de, checked 18 October 2026
- Durchführungsbestimmungen Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 — Goethe-Institut — goethe.de, checked 18 October 2026
- Start Deutsch 1 / telc Deutsch A1 — telc gGmbH — telc.net, checked 18 October 2026
- Prüfungspreise an den Goethe-Instituten in Deutschland — Goethe-Institut — goethe.de, checked 18 October 2026