Next level after A1, where the difficulty level is a bit higher, but it is still easy enough to score.

This exam consists of four modules which come under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). 

Modules for Goethe A2 Exam

Hören – Listening

Marks – 20 (which is later converted to 25), Time – approximately 30 mins

This module consists of 4 main questions. 

First main question has 5 sub-questions. Each question is a dialogue between two people or a radio news or an announcement, which you have to listen carefully and then mark the correct option among a, b and c. This is very easy as you can listen to the dialogues twice.

Important: You get 90 secs time before starting the Listening exam and this is the best time to mark all those important words in the questions as well as in the answers. They could be the keywords during the conversations.

Second main question has 5 sub-questions. This is a conversation between two people. You get to listen to this conversation only once. The questions contain pictures and you have to find out which picture matches which conversation. The only challenging part of this question is, that you get to listen to the Audio only once. 

Important: These sentences could be tricky and they could use synonyms and antonyms to confuse you. The best part to get through this question is by being thorough with your vocabulary and practising a lot of Audios from and outside of the Textbooks. Listening to podcasts will be the biggest help here.

Third main Question consists of 5 sub-questions. Each question has three options a, b and c. You get to listen to each question only once and you have to mark the correct option.

Important: Though this question is quite easy and scoring, knowledge of vocabulary is a must. Read the questions and their options very carefully and mark all the important words. You get approximately 10-15 seconds between each new question. Utilise it to the fullest!

Fourth main Question consists of 5 sub-questions. You will be listening to an interview and it will be played twice. For every question there are two options “ja” or “nein” which means “yes” or “no”. Listen to the interview carefully and mark the correct answer.

Important: Reading the questions before listening is extremely important. Also try to understand the context of the interview by reading the questions carefully. This might help you to understand the questions (just a little trick :P)

Lesen – Reading

Marks – 20 (which is later converted to 25), Time – approximately 30 mins

This module like the Listening module consists of 4 main questions.

First main question consists of 5 sub-questions. This question is like the question we used to have in our english exams in school. There is a text which you need to read carefully and answer the asked questions. Just mark the correct option among a, b or c.

Second main question consists of 5 sub-questions. An Information Board about a mall or a huge Complex will be given to you. Based on this Board there will be questions with 3 options. You have to mark the correct option. 

Third main question also consists of 5 sub-questions. Once again like the first question, you will get Text to read and questions based on it. Just mark the correct option among a, b or c.

Fourth main question has 5 sub-questions. Match the sentences to the given information box. There is only one correct answer to each sentence. If none matches any of the sentences, then you need to mark “x” in the blank. There is always one sentence that does not match the information box.

Important: Reading Module at A2 level is challenging in two ways. First the Vocabulary and second is the time constraint. Even though it is easy to understand the structure of the questions, to solve them could be a little stressful. A tip here is to learn your vocabulary thoroughly and read…read…..and read… books, newspapers, articles, transcripts anything and everything that is available with you.

Schreiben – Writing

Marks – 20 (which is later converted to 25), Time – approximately 30 mins

This Module has two questions. 

First question consists of SMS writing. A situation along with 3 points will be given to you. You have to use only those points and write an SMS. Please note, it is an SMS, so do not exceed the word limit. Keep it short and to the point.

Second question is writing a letter or an email. It could be formal or informal and the question will have 3 points and you have to use them in your letter or email. Also there is a word limit which shouldn’t exceed so much that it starts looking like a thesis. 😀

Important: Again, for almost the fifth time now, it is important to know your vocabulary. Other important points are grammar, spellings and the way of writing in German language. For example, all the nouns (proper or common) start with capital letters only. You will lose marks if not written that way. Use the Connectors wisely and keep your texts clear and crisp but with all points included. Practise as many emails and SMSs as possible.

Sprechen – Speaking

Marks – 15 (which is later converted to 25), Time – approximately 15 mins for 2 participants

And lastly, this module has 3 questions.

First question is questions and answers. Each one of you will get 4 cards with words written on it. You have to frame a question with each word and ask your partner. He/she has to answer it correctly. Same task is done by your partner and you have to answer it correctly. Any kind of questions can be asked. By any I mean W-Questions or Yes/No questions.

Second question consists of talking about your life. You will receive a card from the examiner and a question with some pointers will be given. You have to talk using those points.

Third question is discussion. Each one of you will get a card with a time-table written on it. You both have to discuss with each other and come to a point where you both can meet / talk / play / etc. with each other. This discussion should last approximately for 3 minutes and maximum points from the cards should be discussed.

Important: While speaking, pronunciations are extremely important and so are your sentence structures. You will be tested on your response skills, what you ask and how you answer. These questions prepare you for the basic living in the German speaking countries. Make sure you are well prepared and have spoken maximum German during the course. The more you talk, the more confident you become.

*Super important:*

The marking system for A2 is a little different. Your score for Listening, Reading and Writing should be 60% in total and For Speaking separately you need to score 60%.

Listening + Reading + Writing = 60/100 after converting to 25 marks (to clear the exam)

Speaking = 15/25 after converting to 25 marks

If you fail to score a minimum of 60% in either of the above cases, you will be considered failed only.

And that’s it folks! It is not difficult if you know the vocabulary and grammar rules well without translating anything in English 🙂

Here is the link of a sample paper.