Goethe A2
Goethe A2 Exam Guide
Complete breakdown of the Goethe A2 exam format, timing rules, part-by-part module breakdowns, and scoring criteria.
Written and reviewed by DeutschMeister TeamGoethe exam preparation team
Last reviewed: August 2026
Overview of the Goethe A2 Exam Structure
The Goethe A2 examination consists of a 90-minute written exam followed by a 15-minute paired oral exam. The written portion comprises Reading (30 minutes), Listening (approx. 30 minutes), and Writing (30 minutes), testing practical communication in everyday contexts.
Lesen Module Breakdown (30 Minutes, 4 Parts)
Part 1 features a short newspaper or magazine report with 5 multiple-choice questions; Part 2 tests information lookup in building directories, timetables, or event schedules (5 matching items); Part 3 includes personal emails or letters with 5 true/false items; Part 4 matches 5 situational inquiries with short classified advertisements (plus a '0' option).
Hören Module Breakdown (Approx. 30 Minutes, 4 Parts)
Part 1 features 5 short audio texts played twice with multiple-choice questions; Part 2 is an informational conversation or interview played once with matching tasks; Part 3 presents a dialogue between two people played once with multiple-choice items; Part 4 contains 5 short statements or announcements played twice with true/false questions.
Schreiben Module Breakdown (30 Minutes, 2 Tasks)
Part 1 (approx. 20–30 words) requires writing a short informal message (e.g., an SMS or note to a friend) addressing three prompt points. Part 2 (approx. 30–40 words) requires writing a short formal message (e.g., an email to a teacher, hotel, or landlord) with proper formal address.
Sprechen Module Breakdown (Approx. 15 Minutes, 3 Parts)
In Part 1, you ask and answer 4 personal questions with prompt cards; in Part 2, you speak continuously for about one minute about a topic from your daily life (e.g., your hobbies or living situation); in Part 3, you negotiate and agree on a joint plan with your partner based on prompt cards.
Answer Sheet Protocol and Time Management
Transfer answers directly onto the official Antwortbogen as you finish each reading part, as no separate transfer time is given for Reading. In the Writing module, spend 12 minutes on Part 1 and 15 minutes on Part 2, reserving 3 minutes to verify verb positions and noun capitalizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are points distributed across the Goethe A2 exam?
Each module (Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen) carries a maximum of 25 points, making 100 points in total. You need a cumulative score of 60 points across the entire exam to pass.
Which parts of the A2 listening test are played only once?
Part 2 (the informational conversation) and Part 3 (the daily dialogue) are played only once. Parts 1 and 4 are played twice, giving you a chance to verify details.
Is there preparation time before the A2 Speaking exam?
No, at the A2 level, there is no separate preparation time before the speaking test. The examiners provide the prompt cards directly during the exam, and you respond spontaneously.
Written and reviewed by DeutschMeister TeamGoethe exam preparation team
Last reviewed: August 2026
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