--- title: "Goethe A1 Reading (Start Deutsch 1): Exercises & Tips" description: "Reading (Lesen) in the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (Start Deutsch 1): all 3 parts explained – short texts, ads and signs. Format, strategy and exercises with answers." canonical: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/reading" url: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/reading.md" locale: "en" provider: "Goethe" level: "A1" alternates: de: "https://prepliq.com/de/modelltest/goethe-zertifikat-deutsch-a1/leseverstehen.md" en: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/reading.md" fr: "https://prepliq.com/fr/examen-blanc/goethe-zertifikat-allemand-a1/comprehension-ecrite.md" it: "https://prepliq.com/it/simulazione-esame/goethe-zertifikat-tedesco-a1/lettura.md" es: "https://prepliq.com/es/modelo-de-examen/goethe-zertifikat-aleman-a1/lectura.md" --- # Goethe-Zertifikat A1 – Reading (Lesen) > Reading (Lesen) in the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (Start Deutsch 1): all 3 parts explained – short texts, ads and signs. Format, strategy and exercises with answers. ## Key takeaways - Reading has 3 parts with 15 tasks in total. - Part 1 (short texts) and Part 3 (signs) are true/false; Part 2 is ad-matching (a/b). - You have around 25 minutes for the Reading module. Reading is one of the four modules of the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 exam. You read short, simple everyday texts – small letters and emails, ads and signs – and solve tasks about them. In total that’s 15 tasks in three parts. You have around 25 minutes for it. At its core it’s about finding simple information: what is the text about? which ad fits? what does the sign mean? You don’t have to understand every word, just recognize the important information. The texts are short and close to everyday life. The three parts have different tasks: in Part 1 you read short texts (e.g. emails) and decide true/false, in Part 2 you find the matching ad for a situation (a or b), in Part 3 you read signs and notices and again decide true/false. Practice them separately. - Parts: 3 - Tasks: 15 - Points: 15 - Time: 25 min - to pass: ~60 % - Difficulty: easy (2/5) ## The parts at a glance - [Part 1 – Short texts (T/F)](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/reading/part-1) — True/False · Understanding short texts · 5 Tasks · 5 Points. In Part 1 you read short texts like emails and decide for each statement between true and false. Here’s how to find the information reliably. - [Part 2 – Ads (a/b)](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/reading/part-2) — Ad matching · Comparing ads · 5 Tasks · 5 Points. In Part 2 you read two ads for each situation and choose the matching one (a or b). Here’s how to compare reliably. - [Part 3 – Signs (T/F)](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/reading/part-3) — True/False · Understanding signs · 5 Tasks · 5 Points. In Part 3 you read signs and notices and decide for each statement between true and false. Here’s how to understand the notices reliably. ## Tips & strategy - **Task first, then the text:** Read the statement or situation first. That way you know what to look for in the text and read purposefully. - **Watch for key words:** Look for the important information in the text – a name, a time, a price. You don’t have to understand every word. - **In Part 2, check all conditions:** For ad-matching, the ad must really fit the situation. Check place, time and offer, not just one matching word. - **Watch for negations:** Words like “nicht”, “kein” or “geschlossen” flip the statement. Read them carefully. - **Never leave a box blank:** There is no penalty for wrong answers. Guess rather than leave a task open. - **Transfer to the answer sheet:** Only the answer sheet is graded. Transfer your answers in good time, not in the final seconds. ## Common text types In the reading part you’ll meet typical simple A1 texts: - **Short emails & letters** — private messages to friends or family (Part 1). - **Ads** — small offers, e.g. flat, course, flea market (Part 2). - **Signs & notices** — notes in public places, e.g. shop, station (Part 3). - **Notes & messages** — short pieces of everyday information. ## Common topics The texts revolve around simple everyday topics. Prepare vocabulary for these areas: - **Family & friends** — invitation, arrangement, appointments - **Home** — flat hunting, address, furniture - **Shopping & leisure** — shop, course, offers - **Public places** — shop, station, notices on signs ## Free practice exercises - [Deutsche Welle – Learn German](https://learngerman.dw.com/de/overview) — Free, simple reading texts at A1 level for daily practice. - [Nicos Weg A1 (Deutsche Welle)](https://learngerman.dw.com/de/nicos-weg/c-36519687) — Free online course with simple texts and vocabulary at A1 level. ## 1-week study plan - Day 1 – **Learn the format:** Read this guide and do a first reading practice test with the official Modellsatz – without time pressure, just to understand the structure. - Day 2 – **Part 1 – short texts:** Practice reading short emails and deciding true/false. Read the statement first. - Day 3 – **Part 2 – ads:** Practice choosing the matching ad (a or b). Check that all conditions really fit. - Day 4 – **Part 3 – signs:** Practice reading signs and notices and deciding true/false. - Day 5 – **Vocabulary:** Review the most important A1 everyday words with the word list – family, home, shopping, time. - Day 6 – **Full reading part under time:** Work through all three parts in one go in around 25 minutes and transfer your answers to an answer sheet. - Day 7 – **Analyze your mistakes:** Look at every mistake: which word was missing? Review your weakest part specifically. ## Are you ready? - I understand the important information in a short email. - I can decide confidently between true and false for a statement. - I can find the matching ad for a situation. - I understand simple signs and notices. - I know the most important A1 everyday words. - I can finish all 15 tasks within the time limit. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many parts does Goethe A1 reading have? Three parts with 15 tasks in total: Part 1 (short texts, true/false, 5), Part 2 (ad-matching a/b, 5) and Part 3 (signs, true/false, 5). ### How much time do I have for reading? The Reading module lasts around 25 minutes. In the Goethe-Zertifikat A1, each module is timed separately. ### What does reading test? Whether you understand simple everyday texts – short emails, ads and signs. You should find the important information, not understand every word. ### Can I use a dictionary in reading? No. No aids such as dictionaries are allowed in the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 exam. ### Are wrong answers penalized? No. There is no penalty for guessing – so answer every task. ### What’s the best way to practice reading? Read short, simple German texts regularly and practice A1 vocabulary. At Prepliq you practice reading with realistic mock exams and get instant scoring; the interactive word list helps you lock in your vocabulary. ## Ready for the exam? [Practice this part on Prepliq](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1?action=start§ionId=Reading%20Comprehension) ## Other exam parts - [Hören](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/listening) - [Schreiben](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/writing) - [Sprechen](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/speaking) [Goethe-Zertifikat A1 – Reading (Lesen)](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/goethe-zertifikat-german-a1/reading)