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Elementary · CEFR A2

German Level A2: Topics and Lessons

The key expressions of everyday life — expressing yourself with ease when shopping, travelling, at work and in short conversations.

📚 1500–2000 words🎯 Ausbildung & integration🔵 Basic user
Resources for this level

Everything for A2 in one place

Lessons, exercises, reading texts and a vocabulary list — go straight to where you want to start.

About the level

What does level A2 mean?

In the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), A2 is the second and final stage of the “basic user” band. Building on a solid A1, learners at this level can understand everyday topics such as shopping, family, work and their surroundings, and take part in short conversations.

At A2 you no longer rely only on set phrases but communicate with your own expressions. The past tense (Perfekt), modal verbs and basic sentence structures become established at this level. With a vocabulary of roughly 1500–2000 words, most everyday communication becomes possible.

Four core skills

What can you do at this level?

🎧
Listening (Hören)

Can understand slow, clear speech on everyday topics. Can follow short announcements, phone messages and practical instructions.

📖
Reading (Lesen)

Can understand short letters, emails, simple news items and signs. Can quickly find key information in a text.

✍️
Writing (Schreiben)

Can write short letters, cards and emails on everyday topics. Can thank, apologise, make requests and invite in simple sentences.

💬
Speaking (Sprechen)

Can talk about their background, education, family, surroundings and daily routine. Can take part in short conversations on familiar topics and exchange views.

Certificates

A2 exams

An A2 certificate may be required in Germany for the integration course after family reunification, for Ausbildung (vocational training) applications and for some jobs. The main certificates at this level are:

Goethe-Zertifikat A2

The Goethe-Institut's A2 exam; in Turkey it is held at the Goethe centres in Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir. It tests all four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking). The pass mark is 60 out of 100.

telc Deutsch A2

An international certificate recognised across Europe. It is widely used for job applications and in pre-university preparation.

ÖSD Zertifikat A2

Although based in Austria, it is accepted at German, Austrian and Swiss consulates. In content and format it is very close to the Goethe exam.

Goethe-Zertifikat A2 Fit in Deutsch

A special A2 version for young people aged 12–16. The content is the same, but the exam topics are chosen to suit the age group.

Who is it for?

Who is this level for?

✓
Learners who have completed A1

The natural next step for anyone who has passed the family reunification exam or has a firm grasp of basic German.

✓
Ausbildung applicants

Many vocational training programmes in Germany ask for at least an A2 language certificate when you apply.

✓
Those finishing the integration course

A2 is one of the target levels at the end of the Integrationskurs in Germany; it is a key threshold for finding work and taking part in society.

✓
Learners preparing for B1

A2 is an essential step towards B1 and any higher academic or career goals. Without a solid A2, moving on to B1 is harder.

Let's start your A2 preparation

Let's have a short conversation to find out your exam date and current level. There is no charge for this consultation.