Goethe A1 Exam Vocabulary

• The document contains a word list for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 exam.
• It is intended to provide an overview of the vocabulary at the A1 level.
• It includes vocabulary related to everyday communication.
• It also provides guidance for test preparation.
• Developed by the Goethe-Institut and telc GmbH.

Contents of the document

• A foreword.
• Thematic areas.
• The vocabulary divided into word groups.
• An alphabetical listing of words.
• Literature.

Foreword

• The publication is the word list for the Start Deutsch 1 exam, recognised by German embassies and immigration authorities for family reunification purposes.
• It's extracted from the updated "Start Deutsch · German Exams for Adults" publication.
• The Start Deutsch 1 exam documents the A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference.
• A1 describes the ability to use basic language skills.

Key Details of the word list

• It contains the German language's topics, word groups, and words that learners should master at this language proficiency level.
• All listed words should be understood passively when encountered in spoken or written texts.
• Approximately half, around 650 words, should be actively used by learners at this level.
• It starts with the A1 level topic areas and 13 commonly used word groups like numbers, weekdays, months, etc.
• It shows the meaning of words through example sentences, including common idioms and expressions.
• Main and derivative entries are distinguished, with derivatives indicated by indentation and excluded from the overall word count.
• Feminine forms are typically not listed separately, but the learner should also know them.

Purpose of the List

• The vocabulary list serves as information and reference for interested parties
• It provides an overview of the level A1 and the Start Deutsch 1 exam's demands.
• It is less suitable for practising and solidifying the vocabulary.
• Language courses and didactically structured learning material are recommended for vocabulary practice.

Inventories; Themes

• This section lists the necessary topics for level A1.
• Person: name, address, telephone, date and place of birth, age, gender, marital status/family, personal relationships, nationality/origin, appearance, habits/daily routine
• Living: accommodation, rooms, furnishing/furniture, apartment change
• Environment: plants, animals, climate/weather
• Travel/Traffic: private and public transport, travel, accommodation, luggage
• Eating/Drinking: food, meals, dishes, drinks, locations (restaurant, café)
• Shopping/Everyday Items: stores, prices/payment, food, clothing
• Services: post office, telecommunications, banks, police
• Education/Training/Learning: childcare, school, learning languages
• Work/Profession: workplace, vacation
• Leisure/Entertainment: interests, doing sports, radio/television, internet, reading matter/press

Inventories; Vocabulary

• The Start Deutsch 1 exam's core vocabulary is compiled in two lists: a word group list with 13 categories and an alphabetical list.
• Single words within the listening and reading texts that are not essential for understanding are excluded.
• Furthermore, words and forms that can be deduced through word formation are also excluded.
• About half of the listed entries, approximately 650 words, should be used as active vocabulary at this level.

Word grouping categories

• Private sphere.
• Professional sphere.
• Education or training area.
• Public sphere.

Word Selection Criteria

• Words essential for completing test tasks are included (e.g., answer sheet, solutions).
• Frequency criteria regarding native German speakers' communication were not considered.
• Root entries and derivable derivative entries are distinguished, with the latter not counted.
• Feminine forms are generally not listed separately but are part of the lexical stock.
• Compound nouns are generally omitted unless the composition creates a new meaning (e.g., Kindergarten).
• Plural forms are listed when relevant to the language level.

Other sources

• Grundbaustein zum Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache, hg. Prüfungszentrale des Deutschen Volkshochschulverbands, Frankfurt, revidierte Auflage 1991
• Profile Deutsch, hg. von Europarat, ÖSD, BMBMK und Goethe-Institut Inter Nationes, München, Langenscheidt 2002
• Breakthrough Level, hg. Europarat, unveröffentlichte Arbeitsfassung von John Trim. Cambridge 2002