German A1 Reading Examples (Lesen)

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The Lesen (Reading) section tests your ability to understand short texts, signs, announcements, and simple emails in German. This section is essential for everyday life in Germany.

What to Expect

In the A1 reading exam, you'll face 3-4 different tasks: matching signs to meanings, true/false questions about short texts, and multiple-choice questions about emails or announcements. Time allowed is approximately 25 minutes.

Expert Tips for A1 Reading

1Read the questions first before reading the text
2Look for keywords that match between questions and text
3Don't panic if you don't understand every word
4Pay attention to numbers, dates, and times
5Practice reading German signs and public announcements

Essential Reading Vocabulary

der Text - text

lesen - to read

verstehen - to understand

das Schild - sign

die Anzeige - advertisement

die Nachricht - message

richtig - correct/true

falsch - false/wrong

Practice Examples

Task 1: Understand Signs

Read the sign and answer: Where would you see this sign? "Rauchen verboten"

Sample Answer:

This sign means "Smoking forbidden/No smoking". You would see this in public buildings, restaurants, hospitals, or public transport.

Task 2: Read an Email

Read the email and answer: When is the party? "Lieber Tom, ich mache am Samstag, den 15. März, eine Party. Sie beginnt um 19 Uhr. Kommst du? Liebe Grüße, Anna"

Sample Answer:

The party is on Saturday, March 15th at 7 PM (19 Uhr).

A1 Reading Exam at a Glance

3-4 tasks

Signs, Short texts, Emails

25 minutes

Total reading time

15-20 questions

Multiple choice & true/false

Goethe vs telc A1 Reading – Any Difference?

Short answer: Nearly identical format.

Aspect

Goethe A1

telc A1

Tasks

3-4 tasks

Time

25 min

Text types

Signs, emails, ads

Question format

Multiple choice

Prepare for one exam and you're ready for both.

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Reading Section FAQ

The A1 reading exam includes everyday texts you encounter in German-speaking countries: public signs (Rauchen verboten, Ausgang, Eingang), short emails and personal messages, simple job or apartment advertisements, train schedules and timetables, and brief public announcements. All texts use basic A1 vocabulary. Familiarize yourself with common sign vocabulary as this section often determines pass or fail.

No, you don't need to understand every word to pass. Focus on extracting key information: numbers, dates, times, prices, and names. Look for words in the text that match words in the questions. The exam tests your ability to find specific information quickly, not your ability to translate everything. Guessing from context is an important skill at A1 level.

With 25 minutes for 3-4 tasks, aim to spend about 6-7 minutes per task. Always read the questions first before reading the text, then scan specifically for those answers. If a question takes more than a minute, mark it and move on. Return to difficult questions only after completing easier ones. Never leave questions blank since there's no penalty for wrong answers.

Official Exam Information

Learn more about the official A1 German certification exams from the accredited providers:

Goethe-Institut

telc

ÖSD

Content based on official public exam guidelines and sample tasks.