Your path to successfully passing your exams
Concisely explained, clearly structured, well prepared.
Assess German language skills objectively, fairly and transparently
We are an independent language testing provider specializing in the assessment of German language proficiency. The tests we design for this purpose are developed, administered, and evaluated in-house. Our German language tests are aligned with the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Quality through process reliability
Quality in aptitude diagnostics doesn't happen by chance, but through a systematically managed life cycle. We work according to the internationally recognized standard ISO 29992, which governs the evaluation of learning outcomes. For the field of German as a foreign language, we have specifically operationalized this standard, ensuring that scientific quality criteria are firmly anchored in our testing procedures.
Valid test design
Each task undergoes a multi-stage development process. Through needs analyses and pilot projects, we ensure that precisely the competencies required in reality are tested.
Objective evaluation
Our assessment procedures eliminate arbitrariness. Through standardized assessment grids, trained assessors, and statistical analyses of the quality of judgments, we guarantee that the result depends solely on the performance of the participants—regardless of who is conducting the assessment.
Fairness & equal opportunities
ISO 29992 obligates us to avoid any discrimination. We systematically review our tasks for cultural biases and ensure, through barrier-free access, that all candidates have the same opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.
Certified security
We don't just claim quality, we have it proven. The independent certification body DeuZert monitors our work through regular audits. DeuZert certifies that our processes, documentation, and quality assurance measures fully comply with the requirements of ISO 29992. DeuZert verifies the integrity and compliance of our audits.
With a certificate from our company, you receive more than just a grade: you receive valid proof of language competence.
A2: This is what you need to know for the exam
The A2 German exam tests your language skills at the second level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Level A2 represents advanced elementary language skills. It demonstrates that you can understand and use sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance (e.g., personal and family information, shopping, work, or your immediate surroundings).
Passing the A2 exam proves that you can communicate in simple, routine situations involving a straightforward and direct exchange of information on familiar and common topics.
The four communication skills are tested:
📖 Read
You can read very short, simple texts. In simple everyday texts (such as advertisements, brochures, menus, or timetables), you can find specific, predictable information and understand short, simple personal letters.
🎧 Listen
You understand individual sentences and the most common words when it comes to matters important to you. Furthermore, you easily grasp the gist of short, clear, and simple messages and announcements.
✍️ Write
You can write short, simple notes and messages. Even writing a very simple personal letter, for example to thank someone for something, poses no problem for you.
🗣️ Speaking
You can communicate in simple situations and hold short conversations. Using a range of sentences and simple means, you can, for example, describe your family, other people, your living situation, your education, and your professional activities.
Exam structure – How the exam is structured
Get an overview of the individual exam sections, the respective task formats, and the available processing times in the online exam.
| Examination | Part | Tested competence | Task type | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| the Leseversteh | A | Global Understanding | 5 multiple-choice questions | 10 Min |
| B | Understanding details | 5 Questions Knowledge Matrix | ||
| C | Selective understanding | 5 multiple-choice questions | ||
| Written exam | ||||
| the Hörversteh | D | Global Understanding | 5 multiple-choice questions | 15 Min |
| E | Understanding details | 5 Questions Fill in Blanks | ||
| F | Selective understanding | 5 Questions Survey Matrix | ||
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck | G | Writing skills | Essay | 10 Min |
| H: 5-minute break | ||||
| Mündlicher Ausdruck | I | Imagine | Monologue/Dialogue with Examiner | 12 Min |
| J | ask questions | |||
| K | Opinion discussion | |||
Question types
Your online exam will contain various question types designed to assess your language skills in different ways. Here's how each question type works.
True/False
Multiple Choice
Multiple response
Multiple Lists
Screening
Fill in blanks
Knowledge Matrix
Likert Scale
Survey Matrix
hotspot
Spoken Response
Essay
Evaluation and required points
The exams are evaluated centrally by Digital Language Testing UG in a fully digital and secure system. Non-productive sections of the exam—such as multiple-choice questions—are automatically evaluated by our system. Qualified assessors evaluate the productive skills, i.e., the oral and written exam components. To pass the exam, you must achieve at least 60% of the possible points in each section.
| Exam part | Points | percent |
|---|---|---|
| Written exam | ||
| Complete in writing | 45 | 60 % |
| the Hörversteh | 15 | 50 % |
| the Leseversteh | 15 | 50 % |
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck | 15 | 50 % |
| Mündliche Prüfung | ||
| Total Oral | 15 | 60 % |
| Part 1 | 5 | 50 % |
| Part 2 | 5 | 50 % |
| Part 3 | 5 | 50 % |
clef
| percent | minimum points | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 90 % | 54 | very well |
| 80 % | 48 | growing |
| 70 % | 42 | satisfying |
| 60 % | 36 | sufficient |
A maximum of 60 points can be achieved. The grade is calculated as the percentage of points achieved out of the total possible points. Your grade will be calculated based on this percentage according to the grading scale shown.
Our examiners: Experienced. Qualified. Fair.
Experts in testing and evaluation
All examiners are trained in standardized examination procedures and apply the assessment criteria confidently, consistently, and in accordance with regulations. This ensures comprehensible, transparent, and objective results.
Professionally qualified
Our examiners possess academic qualifications in fields such as German as a foreign or second language (GFL/GSL), German studies, or language didactics. They are thoroughly familiar with the language requirements of each CEFR level and can assess performance accordingly.
Competent in the digital examination environment
Our examiners are comprehensively trained in the use of digital examination formats. They reliably employ digital tools and ensure a professional, secure, and technically smooth process, even in online examinations.
How will your written work be assessed?
We place great importance on a fair, transparent, and encouraging assessment of your written work. Our qualified examiners read your work carefully and evaluate in detail how well you have addressed the task in terms of content and language. At the A2 level, we don't expect perfect texts; the focus is on your ability to handle simple, everyday situations in writing. The assessment is based on these four criteria:
Content / Task fulfillment
The focus here is on whether you have addressed the writing task (e.g., a short message, email, or personal letter) appropriately. The assessment will consider whether you have followed the given guidelines and communicated the necessary information clearly. If essential content points are missing or the situation is completely misunderstood, this will negatively impact your grade.
Communicative design and coherence
This criterion refers to how well you connect your simple sentences. For level A2, it is important that you link isolated sentences into a text using typical, simple conjunctions (connectors such as "and," "but," or "because"). Appropriate greetings and closings also play a role in letters or emails. The goal is for your short text to read fluently as a coherent message.
Linguistic accuracy, vocabulary mastery & spelling
This assessment evaluates how well you apply basic grammatical structures and simple vocabulary. Spelling and basic punctuation are also taken into account. At the A2 level, systematic grammatical errors (e.g., with endings or tenses) are perfectly normal and don't significantly impact the grade, as long as your message remains clear and understandable to the reader. Only if the errors are so serious that they lead to misunderstandings will this significantly affect the grade.
Spectrum: Linguistic structures & vocabulary
In this section, you demonstrate whether you possess sufficient basic language skills to handle simple everyday situations. It is viewed favorably if you can recall an appropriate basic vocabulary for familiar topics (e.g., family, shopping, work, or hobbies) and confidently use simple sentence patterns. At this level, you are not expected to write in a particularly varied or complex manner. However, if you frequently lack even the simplest words to convey your intentions, this may lower your score.
How will your oral performance be assessed?
In the oral exam at the A2 level, the goal is not to speak flawlessly or to express complex opinions. Rather, we want to see how well you can communicate in simple, everyday situations involving the direct exchange of information. To ensure that the assessment is always fair and objective, our specially trained examiners follow clear, standardized guidelines. Your performance will be evaluated based on the following areas:
Content / Task fulfillment
This criterion assesses your ability to handle simple speaking tasks appropriately. The key is whether you can exchange information and ask and answer simple questions in routine situations (e.g., while shopping, at work, or during introductions). Your answers should be relevant to the situation. Short answers are acceptable as long as you demonstrate understanding of the topic and remain focused.
Spectrum: Linguistic structures & vocabulary
This section assesses whether you possess a sufficient basic vocabulary for everyday needs. At this level, we don't expect you to speak in a particularly varied or nuanced way. It is viewed positively if you can use basic sentence structures, short phrases, and familiar expressions appropriately to the situation. Only if you lack so many words that even simple communication fails will your score be lowered.
Fluidity and coherence
This criterion relates to your speaking style and how you connect your sentences. At the A2 level, it is perfectly normal and acceptable to occasionally pause, search for words, or restart sentences. Regarding coherence, it is positively assessed if you manage to link your short sentences and phrases using very simple conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "because."
Linguistic accuracy and vocabulary mastery
The focus here is on how to apply basic grammar and simple vocabulary. We know that at the A2 level, fundamental errors still occur systematically (e.g., with endings, articles, or tenses). These errors are not at all problematic and do not lead to point deductions as long as your conversation partners easily understand what you mean. Only if the errors are so serious that they cause genuine misunderstandings will this have a negative impact.