Level 1 of 6 · start here
German A1: Beginner
Your first German: everyday words, der/die/das, and short sentences you can use on day one.
How to use this level
Do these five, in order
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Test what you remember
961 questions, every answer explained.
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Common questions
What is in the German A1 section?
1,038 A1 words, commonest first, each with its meaning, its forms and a real example sentence. 46 short reading texts, easiest first, with an English translation for every line: in the first one you already know almost every word. 452 conjugation and declension tables for the A1 words, and 437 mistakes real learners made at this level. 961 practice questions, every answer explained.
What is German A1?
A1 is the beginner level of the CEFR, formally "Breakthrough". Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
How many words do you need for A1 German?
A1 itself adds 1,038 words to what you already have; cumulatively from A1 that is about 1,038. Syllabuses vary by a few hundred either way, but the order matters more than the total: the commonest words carry most of the meaning.
How long does A1 German take?
The Goethe-Institut's own rule of thumb is roughly 80–200 hours of guided study to reach A1 from zero, assuming you also work outside class. Someone who already speaks another Germanic language will be at the low end.
Which exam matches A1?
Goethe-Zertifikat A1 and telc Deutsch A1 both map directly onto this level.