Goethe A1 exam: parts, timing and pass mark
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Short answer
The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 has four parts: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Each part is worth 25 points, and you pass with 60 out of 100. Listening, reading and writing are done on paper in one sitting of about 65 minutes; speaking takes about 15 minutes in a small group.
The four parts
| Part | Time | What you do | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (Hören) | About 20 min | Short conversations, phone messages and announcements. 15 questions. | 25 |
| Reading (Lesen) | 25 min | Short notes, emails, adverts and signs. 15 questions. | 25 |
| Writing (Schreiben) | 20 min | Fill in a form, then write a short message of about 30 words. | 25 |
| Speaking (Sprechen) | About 15 min | Introduce yourself, ask and answer questions, make requests. In a group of up to 4 candidates. | 25 |
How you pass
- You need 60 of the 100 points, and you must take all four parts.
- Listening, reading and writing together are worth 75 points, so you cannot pass on speaking alone.
- In speaking, examiners mark how well you are understood, so small mistakes don't stop you getting points.
Results and retakes
- In Pakistan, results usually appear in your My Goethe.de account about 4 weeks (20 working days) after the exam.
- If you don't pass, you can take the exam again. There is no limit on attempts.
Where to take it in Pakistan
Goethe-Institut Pakistan holds the A1 exam in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Booking is online, seats are limited, and you must pay within 24 hours or the booking is cancelled. Our free guide explains booking step by step.
Common questions
What is the pass mark for Goethe A1?
60 out of 100 points. The four parts (listening, reading, writing and speaking) are worth 25 points each.
How long is the Goethe A1 exam?
The written part (listening, reading and writing) takes about 65 minutes. The speaking part takes about 15 minutes and is done in a small group.
Can I retake the Goethe A1 exam?
Yes. You can take the exam again as many times as you need.