Goethe A1 Exam for Spouse Visa 2026: Complete Guide | Citizify

Your spouse is already living in Germany, and you want to join them for a fresh start? The biggest legal hurdle ahead of you is passing the Goethe A1 Exam. This certificate, the key to obtaining a family reunion (Ehegattennachzug) visa, often intimidates newcomers.

But there is absolutely no need to worry. Instead of spending thousands on private courses, you can easily pass this exam by studying on your own in just 1 month using the right materials and a strategic approach. We explain step-by-step what you need to do, which books to buy, and how to "hack" the exam.

1. Why is A1 Required for the Family Reunion Visa?

The German Federal Government expects people coming to the country to be able to understand the bill when they go to the supermarket or "very simply" explain their complaints at the hospital. This requirement is in place to facilitate the integration (Entegrasyon) process.

The exam you take must be an international exam recognized by the German consulates. The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 is the most frequently chosen exam and is accepted unequivocally everywhere (Telc and ÖSD exams are also valid).

2. The Golden Book Set for Guaranteed Success

Getting lost among YouTube videos or trying to learn German with disorganized notes is the biggest mistake you can make. There is a "must-have" set of books that has helped thousands successfully pass the A1 exam.

Here is the 4-stage set prepared for self-studiers, which you can order with 100% Amazon guarantee:

3. Understanding the Exam Format (Tricks)

The moment you reach a 60% success rate (60 out of 100) on the exam, you are considered to have passed. Whether your certificate says "scored 60" or "scored 95" makes no difference to the consulate. Your goal is simply to confidently surpass the 60-point threshold.

• 🎧 Hören (Listening - 20 Mins): Answering machine messages or train/airport announcements will be played. Don't panic trying to understand every single word. Goethe loves asking questions about numbers, times, floor numbers, and prices. Try to hear where the bell rings.
  🎯 Tactic: In listening exercises, the first time or price mentioned is almost always a "distractor". For example: "The party is at 20:00 (wrong option), but it was canceled, we are meeting at 21:00 (correct answer)". Focus on the sentence spoken after words like "aber" (but) or "leider" (unfortunately), the real answer is always there.
• 📖 Lesen (Reading - 25 Mins): You will be asked True/False questions based on emails and signs. Don't try to understand the entire sentence from top to bottom. Just search for the "keyword" from the question in the text (scanning method).
  🎯 Tactic: Questions often set a synonym or antonym trap. While the text might say "Sonntag geschlossen" (Closed on Sunday), the question might say "Am Sonntag nicht geöffnet" (Not open on Sunday). Always use the strategy of linking similar or close meanings while reading.
• ✍️ Schreiben (Writing - 20 Mins): In the first part, you fill out a hotel/course registration form. In the second part, you write a simple 30-word email (invitation, party, etc.). If you memorize standard German letter introductions (Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, Liebe Sabine), you already secure half the points.
  🎯 Tactic: Without exception, conclude every letter/email with this legendary 8-word closing sentence: "Schreib mir bald, ich warte auf deine Antwort." (Write to me soon, I am waiting for your reply). Since only 30 words are required, ensuring you follow the format with this single sentence guarantees full marks!
• 🗣️ Sprechen (Speaking - 15 Mins):
  - You will be asked to introduce yourself (Name, age, country, occupation, hobby). You will memorize exactly this at home, word for word!
  - You will draw a closed card and ask the person next to you a question (W-Fragen: Was, Wer, Wie, Wo).
  - You will look at a picture and form a polite request. It is enough if it simply starts with "Bitte..." and includes the word depicted in the picture.
  🎯 Tactic: Even if you don't understand the sentence your speaking partner asks, never stay silent or say something in your native language! Our key phrase is: "Wie bitte?" Or "Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?" Saying that you didn't understand in German and politely asking them to repeat ("please") does not lose you points; on the contrary, it earns you points at Goethe! It proves that you can converse and communicate.

4. The 30-Day Action Plan

5. After the Certificate: The Visa Interview

Immediately after obtaining your A1 certificate, schedule your appointment for the actual process (e.g. through the relevant provider or German consulate in your country) under the national visa section. The consulate does not accept a photocopy of the A1 certificate; you must always present the original document with a wet signature. During the interview, the visa officer might even ask you a few simple German questions lasting just seconds to confirm ("How are you?", "How old are you?"). Do not panic, you are at the A1 level, and you have already earned this certificate from Goethe fair and square!