Goethe-Zertifikat A2 – Reading (Lesen)
The Reading module is part of the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 exam. Here you’ll find the structure, points, exercises and a clear strategy for each of the four parts.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- Reading has 4 parts with 20 tasks in total.
- You read short texts (Part 1), an article (Part 2), ads (Part 3) and opinions (Part 4).
- You have around 30 minutes for the Reading module.
Overview
Reading is one of the four modules of the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 exam. You read simple everyday texts – emails, newspaper and internet articles, ads and short opinions – and solve tasks about them. In total that’s 20 tasks in four parts. You have around 30 minutes for it.
At its core it’s about finding and understanding simple information: what is the text about? which ad fits? what does the person mean? You don’t have to understand every word, just recognize the important information.
The four parts have different tasks: in Part 1 you read short texts and decide true/false, in Part 2 you read an article and solve multiple-choice tasks, in Part 3 you find the matching ad for situations, in Part 4 you read short opinions and decide true/false. Practice them separately.
The texts are short and close to everyday life. The biggest hurdle is vocabulary and the pace across four parts – very doable with practice.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Short texts (T/F) | True/False | Understanding short texts | 5 | 5 |
| Part 2 – Article (MC) | Multiple choice | Detail comprehension | 5 | 5 |
| Part 3 – Ads | Ad matching | Comparing ads | 5 | 5 |
| Part 4 – Opinions (T/F) | True/False | Understanding opinions | 5 | 5 |
Tips & strategy
Read the statement or question first. That way you know what to look for in the text and read purposefully.
Look for the important information in the text – a name, a time, a price. You don’t have to understand every word.
For the ads, the ad must really fit the situation. Check place, time and offer, not just one matching word.
At A2 the answer is often in different words from the task. Look for the meaning, not the same word.
You have around 30 minutes for four parts. Don’t cling too long to one task and keep an eye on the clock.
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 A2 texts:
- Short emails & letters
- private messages to friends or family (Part 1).
- Newspaper & internet articles
- short reports on everyday topics (Part 2).
- Ads
- small offers, e.g. flat, course, trip (Part 3).
- Opinions & comments
- short texts from several people on a topic (Part 4).
Common topics
The texts revolve around everyday topics. Prepare vocabulary for these areas:
- Family & friends
- invitation, arrangement, appointments
- Home & work
- flat hunting, job, everyday life
- Shopping & travel
- shop, offers, trip, hotel
- Leisure & health
- hobbies, sport, nutrition
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and do a first reading practice test with the official Modellsatz – without time pressure, just to understand the structure.
- Day2Part 1 – short texts
Practice reading short emails and deciding true/false. Read the statement first.
- Day3Part 2 – article
Practice reading a short article and solving multiple-choice tasks.
- Day4Part 3 – ads
Practice choosing the matching ad. Check that all conditions really fit.
- Day5Part 4 – opinions
Practice reading short opinions and deciding true/false.
- Day6Full reading part under time
Work through all four parts in one go in around 30 minutes and transfer your answers to an answer sheet.
- Day7Analyze 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 solve multiple-choice tasks on a short article.
- I can find the matching ad for a situation.
- I understand short opinions and decide true/false.
- I recognize paraphrases – the same statement in different words.
- I can finish all 20 tasks in around 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How many parts does Goethe A2 reading have?
Four parts with 20 tasks in total: Part 1 (short texts, true/false, 5), Part 2 (article, multiple choice, 5), Part 3 (ads, 5) and Part 4 (opinions, true/false, 5).
How much time do I have for reading?
The Reading module lasts around 30 minutes. In the Goethe-Zertifikat A2, each module is timed separately.
What does reading test?
Whether you understand simple everyday texts – emails, articles, ads and opinions. You should find the important information, not understand every word.
How many points do I need to pass?
The three written modules reading, listening and writing are graded together – to pass you need at least 45 of 75 points (60 %).
Can I use a dictionary in reading?
No. No aids such as dictionaries are allowed in the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 exam.
What’s the best way to practice reading?
Read short, simple German texts regularly and practice A2 vocabulary. At Prepliq you practice reading with realistic mock exams and get instant scoring; the interactive word list helps you lock in your vocabulary.