Exam requirements guide
A1 German: what it unlocks in Germany
A1 is the entry level of German and the first CEFR milestone. Its most consequential use is the spouse and family reunification visa, where A1 is the standard language bar, and it also meets the minimum German threshold for the Opportunity Card points route. A1 is not sufficient for study, most regulated work, settlement, or citizenship.
Last verified July 2026. Level requirements are reproduced from the Federal Foreign Office, Make it in Germany, and BAMF (linked below). Rules change, so always confirm current requirements at the official source before applying.
At a glance
What A1 unlocks
- Spouse / family reunification
- A1 · Standard bar for Ehegattennachzug
- Opportunity Card entry
- A1 · A1 German or B2 English to apply
- Everyday basics
- A1 · Introduce yourself, simple questions
- Settlement + citizenship
- Not enough · These require B1
Overview
What A1 gets you
A1 is the beginner level: enough German to introduce yourself, ask and answer simple everyday questions, and get by in short, slow, clearly worded exchanges. It is the smallest formal step, but for one group it is the decisive one. Spouses and family members joining a resident in Germany generally must prove A1 German before a reunification visa is issued.
The Federal Foreign Office lists A1 as the standard language proof for the spouse and family reunification visa (Ehegattennachzug), usually evidenced by the Goethe-Institut Start Deutsch 1 certificate. Several groups are exempt, including spouses of EU Blue Card holders, skilled workers, and researchers, and hardship exceptions can apply. A1 German also satisfies the minimum language threshold to apply for the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) under the points system, where A1 or B2 English is the entry requirement before any points are counted.
For study or a longer-term future in Germany, treat A1 as the first rung. German-taught degrees generally require C1, and the settlement and citizenship language bar is B1. Planning your progression from A1 toward B1 and beyond keeps each pathway open while you clear the early milestones.
Certification
How to certify A1
The following exams certify A1 and are accepted for immigration purposes in Germany:
- Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1
- telc Deutsch A1
- OESD Zertifikat A1
For the family reunification visa, the Goethe-Institut Start Deutsch 1 (A1) is the most widely recognized certificate, and telc A1 and OESD A1 are also accepted in most cases. Always confirm which exam the embassy handling your application will accept before you book.
Read the guide: How to pass the Goethe A1 exam (format, scoring, strategy)Official sources
Trusted references
For visa and residence specifics, contact the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence or your local Auslanderbehorde.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about A1 German requirements.
Which German exam do I need for a spouse or family reunification visa?
Is A1 German enough to work or study in Germany?
What can I actually do at A1 level?
Explore further
Where to go next
Start practicing today
Realistic mock exams with instant scoring. All CEFR levels.