German A1: Your Complete Guide for Beginners

1. Introduction

Starting a new language is always an adventure. If you live in Germany or plan to move there, you’ll quickly need the basics of the German language. That’s exactly what level A1 is for. But what does A1 actually mean? What’s the best way to learn German — and what are the options for beginners?

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know when you’re beginning German at level A1.

2. What does A1 mean in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)?

The CEFR defines language levels from A1 (beginner) up to C2 (near-native).

At A1 you can:

• Introduce yourself and ask others for their names.

• Ask and answer simple questions about everyday topics.

• Understand short, simple sentences (for example in a supermarket, on a bus, at a doctor’s office).

• Read small texts and fill out simple forms.

Goal: Basic communication in everyday situations.

3. Topics you learn at A1

In an A1 course you practise typical everyday situations. Examples:

• Greetings & introductions (“My name is …”)

• Shopping (“How much does this cost?”)

• Describing family & friends

• Time, days, months

• Food & drink

• Giving directions (“Where is the train station?”)

• Doctor’s visit (“I’m not feeling well”)

Textbooks like Schritte Plus Neu A1.1 and A1.2 serve as the foundation.

4. How long does it take to learn German A1?

It depends greatly on your method:

• Integration course (BAMF): about 200–300 hours of classroom instruction.

• Online video course (e.g. V-IZ): flexible – about 80 hours of video materials per module + exercises.

• Apps (Duolingo, Babbel): just a few minutes per day; progress tends to be slower.

• Self-study with books: very individual; usually slower without a teacher.

On average, if you study regularly, it takes 3–4 months.

5. What methods are there for learning German A1?

a) Traditional in-person class (e.g. Volkshochschule, BAMF)

• Structured lessons with a teacher.

• Social interaction, but little flexibility.

b) Online video courses (e.g. V-IZ)

• Advantages: Flexible, affordable, with textbooks & videos → ideal for working people & parents.

• Module 1 (A1.1): Basics (introductions, numbers, everyday life).

• Module 2 (A1.2): Deepening (visiting a doctor, housing, work).

c) Language apps

• Good for vocabulary.

• Less grammar & communication.

d) Self-study using books & YouTube

• Many free resources.

• More difficult without structure & feedback.

6. Tips to learn German A1 faster

1. Practice 15–30 minutes daily → Regularity matters more than long sessions.

2. Use vocabulary in daily life → put Post-it notes on furniture: “der Tisch”, “das Fenster”.

3. Listen & repeat → podcasts, videos, simple listening exercises.

4. Allow mistakes → speak from the beginning, even if you feel unsure.

5. Find a partner → tandem language partner or online groups.

6. Use digital support → combine apps + video courses.

7. Common mistakes by A1 beginners

• Only learning passively (reading but not speaking).

• Too much grammar early on → better to focus first on communication.

• Practising irregularly → better short daily practice than one long session weekly.

• Feeling ashamed to speak → important: mistakes are normal!

8. A1 Exam: What to expect

Many A1 courses end with an exam, e.g. telc A1 or Goethe Certificate A1.

Exam parts:

• Listening: understanding simple conversations.

• Reading: short texts, announcements, forms.

• Writing: small notes or letters.

• Speaking: introducing yourself, answering questions.

9. Conclusion: How to start best

German A1 is the basis for everything that follows. Whether you want to live, work or study in Germany — you can’t do without A1.

Our recommendation:

• If you want to learn flexibly & affordably: start with V-IZ Module 1 (A1.1).

• If you want additional structure: combine it with apps or tandem (conversation partners).

• If you need an official certificate: plan to take an exam with telc or Goethe.

Start now! (German learning online A1 from €34.99)