Some of the pages linked here are in Turkish.
If you are moving to join your spouse in Germany, your visa application generally has to include a certificate showing that you know German at A1 level (there are exceptions). On this page you will learn how the exam is structured and prepare in all four skills with free simulations based on the exam format.
What Is the Family Reunification Exam?
Spouses applying for a family reunification (Familienzusammenführung) visa generally have to show basic German skills, which are meant to make it easier to settle in Germany. The requirement is met with a language certificate at CEFR level A1; this page is based on the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 exam. The exam covers the most basic everyday situations: introducing yourself, answering simple questions, and understanding short notes and forms.
What to Expect in the Exam
| Exam section | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Hören (Listening) | approx. 20 min | Short conversations, announcements, phone messages |
| Lesen (Reading) | approx. 25 min | Adverts, short notes, signs, emails |
| Schreiben (Writing) | approx. 20 min | Filling in a form + writing a short letter or message |
| Sprechen (Speaking) | approx. 15 min | Introducing yourself, question cards, making requests (group exam) |
Free Simulations in All Four Skills
The tests below are modelled on the official exam format: listening tasks with audio, automatic scoring, model answers and microphone recording for the speaking section. No registration is needed.
Lesen · Reading
3 parts · understanding adverts, notes and emails
Hören · Listening
3 parts · with audio, scored automatically
Schreiben · Writing
Form + short message, with model answers
Sprechen · Speaking
Introductions, question cards, 18 Handlungskarten (task cards) · with microphone recording
A 4-Step Preparation Roadmap
- Find your level. A quick 20-question test shows you where to start.
- Study the A1 topics. Greetings, numbers, everyday life – with our lesson pages and interactive exercises.
- Work through the simulations. The real format in all four skills; identify your weakest skill and focus on it.
- Focus on writing and speaking. Add the finishing touches with sample letters, speaking exam cards, sample questions and official resources.
Start today – completely free.
Before you sit the certificate exam, test yourself in all four skills under real conditions.
Official Goethe-Institut Resources
To see the exam format straight from the source, here are the Goethe-Institut's current official preparation materials:
Goethe A1 · Start Deutsch 1 · Official
Exam format and a sample test – official preparation materials
Interactive online sample test (Modelltest) · Official
An accessible model exam you can take in your browser
Frequently Asked Questions
Which certificates are accepted?
For A1 certificates issued in Turkey, the German missions' visa sections accept only the Goethe-Institut's Start Deutsch 1 and the ÖSD's Grundstufe Deutsch 1; certificates from other providers in Turkey are not recognised. Visa requirements can change, so always check the consulate general's current document list before you apply.
Where can I take the exam?
You can take the exam at the Goethe-Institut's centres in Turkey and at authorised exam centres. For current dates and locations, see the official website of the institution concerned.
How many points do I need?
For the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 you need at least 60 out of 100 points, with all parts taken. Our simulations give you practice scores; consistently scoring above 60% is a good sign of progress, but it is not an official result.
I don't know any German at all. How long will it take me to prepare?
With regular study, most learners can complete A1 preparation within a few months; how long it takes depends on how many hours you study each week. Following the order of our roadmap speeds up the process.