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Many people need a German A1 certificate: for the Opportunity Card on the points route if they have no English B2, and many spouses joining a partner in Germany. In Pakistan and India the Goethe-Institut offers the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1. Here is what the exam looks like and how to book it.
The four parts
| Part | Time |
|---|---|
| Listening (Hören) | 20 minutes |
| Reading (Lesen) | 25 minutes |
| Writing (Schreiben) | 20 minutes |
| Speaking (Sprechen), in a small group | 15 minutes |
The three written parts run together, 65 minutes with no break. Source: goethe.de · checked 7 Nov 2026
How you pass
- The maximum is 100 points; you pass with 60. The pass mark is on the total, not on each part.
- With fewer than 35 points in the written exam, you are not admitted to the speaking part.
- If you fail, you retake the whole exam, as often as you need to.
- Results come within 15 days; you download the certificate from your Goethe account.
Source: Goethe exam rules · checked 7 Nov 2026 Source: goethe.de/pakistan · checked 7 Nov 2026
Booking in Pakistan
Goethe-Institut Pakistan holds exams in Karachi, at the Annemarie-Schimmel-Haus in Lahore, and at NUML in Islamabad. Booking is online only, on the Goethe website, and opens at a set date and time for each exam date. Source: goethe.de/pakistan · checked 7 Nov 2026
On 7 November 2026 the only date listed was in Karachi (4 and 5 December 2026), paper-based, at PKR 30,000. Fees for other dates and cities may differ. An exam needs at least 10 candidates; otherwise Goethe offers another date or a refund. Source: goethe.de/pakistan · checked 7 Nov 2026 Goethe says booking on its own website is the only safe way, so do not pay anyone else for a seat.
Booking in India
The Goethe-Institut (Max Mueller Bhavan) runs the exam in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune and Kolkata, some dates on computer. The listed fee was INR 9,400 including GST. Source: goethe.de/india · checked 7 Nov 2026
How old your certificate may be
Goethe certificates do not expire, but Goethe itself tells you to ask the authority how recent it must be. Source: goethe.de/pakistan · checked 7 Nov 2026 For a spouse visa, the missions in Pakistan accept certificates from Goethe, ÖSD, telc or TestDaF, and the A1 certificate must be no older than 1 year when you apply. Source: pakistan.diplo.de · checked 7 Nov 2026 For the Opportunity Card, the Karachi checklist asks for "language certificates" without naming providers.
How to prepare
Goethe estimates 80 to 200 lessons of 45 minutes to reach A1. Source: goethe.de · checked 7 Nov 2026 Qaiser's complete A1 course on YouTube is free: work through it in order, then practise complete tests under exam conditions before you book. All of Qaiser's free courses, and how he learned German in a year.
Related videos from Qaiser
This guide is written from official sources, not from one video. These videos (Urdu/Hindi) cover related questions.
- German A1 course (complete, 28 lessons) (YouTube)
Questions people ask
What is the Goethe A1 exam fee in Pakistan?
On 7 November 2026 Goethe-Institut Pakistan listed PKR 30,000 for its one open A1 date, in Karachi. Check the current fee when booking on goethe.de.
Where can I take the Goethe A1 exam in Pakistan?
In Karachi (Goethe-Institut), Lahore (Annemarie-Schimmel-Haus) and Islamabad (NUML), on the dates Goethe publishes. Booking is online only.
What is the passing score for Goethe A1?
60 out of 100 points overall. With fewer than 35 points in the written part you cannot take the speaking part.
How long is the Goethe A1 certificate valid?
Goethe certificates do not expire, but authorities set their own rules. For a spouse visa, the missions in Pakistan require an A1 certificate no older than one year.
Official sources
- Goethe-Institut Pakistan: Goethe-Zertifikat A1
- Goethe-Institut: A1 exam regulations
- Goethe-Institut Pakistan: exam FAQ
- Goethe-Institut India: Goethe-Zertifikat A1
- German missions in Pakistan: family reunion visa
Read next
- Is German hard to learn? How Qaiser learned it in a year
- Opportunity Card from Pakistan: Islamabad or Karachi, and how to apply
- Opportunity Card with a DAE or paramedical diploma
Questions about a video? Ask Qaiser in the comments on Instagram or YouTube.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change. Check the official source linked above; for your own case, the German mission decides.