telc German A2 – Reading (Lesen)
Reading (Lesen) is part of the written telc A2 exam (Start Deutsch 2). Here you’ll find the structure, tasks, exercises and a clear strategy for each of the three parts.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- Reading has 3 parts with 15 tasks in total.
- You read short letters (Part 1), ads (Part 2) and notices/signs (Part 3).
- Reading and writing share around 50 minutes – plan about 30 minutes for reading.
Overview
Reading is part of the written telc A2 exam. You read simple everyday texts – short letters and emails, ads and notices – and solve tasks about them. In total that’s 15 tasks in three parts. Reading and writing share a block of around 50 minutes; plan about 30 minutes for reading.
At its core it’s about finding simple information: what is the letter about? which ad fits? what does the notice mean? You don’t have to understand every word, just recognize the important information. At A2 the texts are a little longer than at A1.
The three parts have different tasks: in Part 1 you read a short letter and decide true/false, in Part 2 you find the matching ad for a situation, in Part 3 you read notices and signs and again decide true/false. Practice them separately.
The texts are short and close to everyday life. The biggest hurdle is vocabulary – whoever knows the most important A2 everyday words solves the reading confidently.
The parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Short letters (T/F) | True/False | Understanding short letters | 5 | 5 |
| Part 2 – Ads | Ad matching | Comparing ads | 5 | 5 |
| Part 3 – Notices (T/F) | True/False | Understanding notices | 5 | 5 |
Tips & strategy
Reading and writing share around 50 minutes. Plan about 30 minutes for reading and leave enough time for writing.
Read the statement or situation 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.
There is no penalty for wrong answers. Guess rather than leave a task open.
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 A2 texts:
- Short letters & emails
- private messages to friends or family (Part 1).
- Ads
- small offers, e.g. flat, course, trip (Part 2).
- Notices & signs
- information in public places (Part 3).
- Messages & notes
- short pieces of everyday information.
Common topics
The texts revolve around everyday topics. Prepare vocabulary for these areas:
- Family & friends
- invitation, arrangement, appointments
- Home & work
- flat hunting, job, appointments
- Shopping & travel
- shop, offers, trip, hotel
- Public places
- shop, station, notices on signs
1-week study plan
- Day1Learn the format
Read this guide and do a first official reading practice test – without time pressure, just to understand the structure.
- Day2Part 1 – short letters
Practice reading short letters and emails and deciding true/false. Read the statement first.
- Day3Part 2 – ads
Practice choosing the matching ad. Check that all conditions really fit.
- Day4Part 3 – notices & signs
Practice reading notices and signs and deciding true/false.
- Day5Vocabulary
Review the most important A2 everyday words with the word list – family, home, work, travel.
- Day6Full reading part under time
Work through all three 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 letter.
- I can decide confidently between true and false for a statement.
- I can find the matching ad for a situation.
- I understand simple notices and signs.
- I know the most important A2 everyday words.
- I can finish all 15 tasks within the time limit.
Frequently asked questions
How many parts does telc A2 reading have?
Three parts with 15 tasks in total: Part 1 (short letters, true/false, 5), Part 2 (ads, 5) and Part 3 (notices/signs, true/false, 5).
How much time do I have for reading?
Reading and writing are done together in a block of around 50 minutes. There is no fixed split; plan about 30 minutes for reading.
What does reading test?
Whether you understand simple everyday texts – short letters, ads and notices. 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 telc German A2 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 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.