A2 Exam Format Explained — What to Expect

Knowing the exact format of the Goethe A2 exam removes surprises and lets you focus entirely on demonstrating your German. This article walks through every section, every part, and every question type you'll encounter.

Overview

The exam has four sections tested in this order:

Section	Duration	Points	Format
Lesen (Reading)	30 min	45	Written, individual
Hören (Listening)	30 min	45	Audio playback, individual
Schreiben (Writing)	30 min	45	Written, individual
Sprechen (Speaking)	15 min	45	Face-to-face, with partner

Total: 180 points possible. Passing: 108 points (60%) overall, with at least 45% in each section. This means you can't skip a section — you need a minimum of ~20 points per section even if you ace the others.

Section 1: Lesen (Reading) — 30 minutes

The reading section tests your ability to understand written German in everyday contexts. You'll read short texts and answer questions about them.

Part 1: Matching (approx. 5 items)

You see several short texts (classified ads, event listings, notices) and need to match them to descriptions or situations. Example: "Maria wants to buy a used bicycle" — match to the correct ad.

Part 2: True/False (approx. 5 items)

Read a short newspaper or magazine article (100-150 words) and decide whether statements about it are true (richtig) or false (falsch).

Part 3: Multiple Choice (approx. 5 items)

Read a longer text like an email, letter, or website extract. Answer multiple-choice questions (a, b, or c) about the content.

Part 4: Matching Notices (approx. 5 items)

Match short texts (signs, labels, instructions) to their meaning or the situation where you'd find them. These are very practical: "Ausgang" = exit, "Kein Zutritt" = no entry, "Sprechstunde 8-12 Uhr" = office hours 8-12.

Section 2: Hören (Listening) — 30 minutes

You hear recordings played through speakers (not headphones). Each recording is played twice. You write your answers on the answer sheet while listening.

Part 1: Short Conversations (approx. 5 items)

Listen to short everyday dialogues (at a shop, on the phone, between friends). Answer one question per dialogue, usually true/false or multiple choice.

Part 2: Longer Conversation (approx. 5 items)

Listen to a longer conversation or interview (2-3 minutes). Answer multiple questions about the content. Topics: making plans, discussing a problem, talking about experiences.

Part 3: Public Announcements (approx. 5 items)

Listen to announcements you'd hear in real life: train station, airport, supermarket, museum, phone hotline. Match each announcement to what it's about.

Part 4: Messages (approx. 5 items)

Listen to short phone messages or voicemails. Answer questions about the key information: who called, why, what action is needed.

Section 3: Schreiben (Writing) — 30 minutes

The writing section tests your ability to produce simple written German. You'll complete one or two tasks.

Task 1: Fill in a Form (if included)

Complete a registration form, order form, or similar document with personal information. This is straightforward — name, address, date, reason for writing.

Task 2: Write a Short Message or Email

Write a message of approximately 40-50 words responding to a prompt. The prompt gives you a situation and 3 points you must address. Example:

How Writing Is Scored

Criteria	What They Look For
Task completion	Did you address all 3 points from the prompt?
Coherence	Does your text make sense as a whole?
Vocabulary	Appropriate word choice for the situation
Grammar	Correct enough to be understood (perfection not required)

Section 4: Sprechen (Speaking) — 15 minutes

The speaking exam is usually done in pairs (you and another candidate), with one or two examiners. If there's no partner available, you may speak with an examiner.

Part 1: Self-Introduction (approx. 3 minutes)

You and your partner take turns introducing yourselves. You'll see prompt cards with topics like:

• Name
• Alter (age)
• Land / Wohnort (country / city)
• Sprachen (languages)
• Beruf / Studium (work / studies)
• Hobby

You can also ask your partner a question after their introduction.

Part 2: Discuss an Everyday Topic (approx. 6 minutes)

You receive cards with a topic and prompts. Together with your partner, discuss and plan something. Examples:

• Plan a weekend trip together
• Organize a party
• Choose a gift for a friend
• Plan what to cook for dinner guests

You need to make suggestions, react to your partner's ideas, and reach an agreement.

Part 3: React to a Situation (approx. 6 minutes)

You see cards describing everyday situations and must react appropriately. Examples:

• Your neighbor's music is too loud — ask them to turn it down
• You can't come to a meeting — apologize and suggest a new time
• You want to return something at a store — explain the problem

How Speaking Is Scored

Criteria	What They Look For
Task completion	Did you do what was asked?
Fluency	Can you speak without long pauses?
Pronunciation	Clear enough to be understood
Vocabulary range	Enough words for the situation
Grammar accuracy	Correct enough to be understood
Interaction	Do you respond to your partner?

Scoring Summary

Result	Score	What It Means
Sehr gut (very good)	162-180	90-100%
Gut (good)	144-161	80-89%
Befriedigend (satisfactory)	126-143	70-79%
Ausreichend (adequate)	108-125	60-69%
Nicht bestanden (failed)	Below 108	Below 60%

You receive a certificate showing your score in each section. The certificate is valid indefinitely (it does not expire).

What to Bring on Exam Day

• Valid photo ID (passport or national ID card)
• Exam confirmation / registration receipt
• Pens (blue or black ink — no pencil for the writing section)
• No dictionaries, no phones, no electronic devices