A2 Level German: Everything you need to know

A2 level German is the upper beginner level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It comes right after A1 level German.

At this level, learners can understand frequently used expressions, communicate in routine situations, and handle simple conversations about familiar topics. Reaching A2 means you can comfortably communicate in everyday situations.

This guide covers what A2 involves, how difficult it is, what you will study, the Goethe exam, and what the difference is between A1 and A2.

Let’s dive in!

What can you do at the A2 level German?

According to CEFR, reaching A2 means the following:

• You can communicate in simple, everyday situations.
• You understand and use expressions related to personal information, daily routines, immediate needs, and basic social interactions.
• You can handle tasks like ordering food, asking for directions, or making simple requests.
• You can understand short, simple texts and extract relevant information.
• You can write basic messages, fill out forms, and produce simple written descriptions using basic vocabulary and sentences.

Is A2 German Level Difficult?

The CEFR has six levels of language proficiency: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, progressing from a complete beginner (A1) to a near-native speaker (C2). German A2 is the second level of language ability in German, sitting just above A1.

Therefore, German A2 level is considered to be moderately difficult. A2 requires a deeper understanding of grammar and vocabulary, as well as the ability to make more complex sentences as compared to the A1 level. Moreover, at this level, you are expected to have a basic command of tenses and more advanced sentence structures.

While the A2-level German test may present some challenges, it is generally considered an achievable level for learners who study consistently.

A1 vs. A2 German: What’s the Difference?

For a quick understanding, here is a simple comparison between A1 and A2 German:

What will you learn in an A2 level German course? 

As mentioned earlier, it’s a foundational level; therefore, the structure of the program would be a step higher.  

Specifically, the following are some major topics that you will be covering in the elementary level (A2 level) of the German language course:

Grammar Topics 

The A2-level German syllabus focuses on strengthening your grammar skills as follows:

• Adjectives: Rules for describing people, places, or different situations.  
• Subordinate and relative clauses: Structure complex sentences with the right use of grammar, like verbs and nouns. 
• Degree of comparison: Comparing things using adjectives (comparative/superlative)
• Accusative, dative, and introduction to the genitive Case: Express possession (unlike English’s apostrophe-s, German uses case endings), and use of accusative for direct objects and the dative for indirect objects. Example: This is my sister’s pencil, “Das ist der Bleistift meiner Schwester.”
• Prepositions: You will learn two-way prepositions, which are built on beginner-level prepositions. Such as “hinter,” “neben,” and “an.”
• Verbs and tenses: Including past tense, to talk about daily life and past experiences.
• Modal Verbs: Expressing ability, permission, necessity, and obligation.
• Separable and inseparable verbs: Learn how separable verbs split in sentences, while inseparable verbs remain together.
  Example: Separable: Aufstehen: Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf.
  Inseparable: besuchen: Ich besuche meine Freundin.

Four language skills:

Apart from the grammar, you will be learning all four skills of the language:  

1. Listening: Comprehend slow and clear talking, short commands, and basic directions.  
2. Speaking: Learn to make introductions, discuss your family, share experiences, request and give simple details, order food and drinks, ask for directions, and use everyday communication.
3. Reading: Read brief e-mails, notices, advertisements, menus, schedules, and basic articles.  
4. Writing: Write simple sentences, complete forms, send brief emails.
   

Vocabulary

A2 German also covers vocabulary related to the following:

• Health, travel, shopping, food
• Family, workplace, education
• Basic introductions and background
• Character traits and personality descriptions

Overall, in the A2 German syllabus you will cover all the essential grammar topics so that you can enhance your communication skills. 

To know more about the A2 syllabus, you can visit our related article: German A2 syllabus

German A2 exam for certification

The Goethe-Zertifikate A2 is a German language exam that tests whether you can use German in simple everyday situations at the A2 level.

Moreover, the exam covers four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The exam takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. As noted by the Goethe-Institut, the exam is graded out of 100 points, and you must score at least 60 points (60%) to pass, with a minimum of 45 points in the written part and 15 points in the speaking exam. You can check exam criteria and patterns any time from Goethe’s official website also:

More Reads: [Goethe-Zertifikat A2 exam structure and syllabus]

Is A2 German enough to study at a German university?

Usually, A2 German is not enough for a degree taught in German. Many German-taught university programs require a higher level, such as B2 or C1, depending on the university. If you plan to study in Germany, always check the language requirements of your chosen university. It’s also important to note that A2 serves as a stepping stone towards reaching B1 and higher levels.

German A2: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Use advanced German vocabulary before learning basic German words.
• Translating sentences word-for-word from English.
• Neglecting listening and speaking practice.
• Confusing similar German words and expressions.
• Focusing only on grammar instead of practicing all four language skills equally.

Final Thoughts

Overall, reaching the A2 level in German is a meaningful milestone. It moves you from basic survival phrases to genuine, everyday communication. With consistent practice, the right resources, and a structured course, one can progress from the A1 to A2 level of German. Whether you want to study, work, or travel, learning the German language can open various opportunities in German-speaking countries.

Ready to take the next step in your language learning journey? Let Kochiva help you. If you prefer instructor-led learning, Kochiva offers live German classes designed to help learners build grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

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