What is language level A1?

  • A1 is the lowest level at which new learners can start.
  • The learner mainly uses and understands short, simple, familiar words and (standard) sentences or questions: About him/herself, the family and immediate environment.
  • Speaking is done in separate words and sentences and texts should be short (the other person must speak slowly and help)
  • A student at level A1 knows a maximum of 1000 words

Prerequisites for language level A1

  • No previous language knowledge required
  • Motivation
  • Willingness to learn something new
  • Exercise discipline independently

Learning objectives of language level A1

Listen

  • Understanding familiar everyday expressions
  • Understanding simple sentences
  • Slow, clear speaking of the counterpart required

Writing

  • Writing postcards with holiday greetings
  • Entering personal data in forms

Speak

  • Speaking coherently
  • Easy to communicate in conversations, provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly
  • Asking and answering questions on familiar topics
  • Use of simple sentences and phrases
  • Describing familiar people
  • Describing one's own living environment

Read

  • Reading and understanding the contexts of individual familiar words, names and simple sentences.
  • Identify signs, leaflets, posters with simple sentences and content.

What does an A1 language course include?

  • Achievement of the learning objectives of language level A1
  • Simple vocabulary and familiar words suitable for everyday use (max. 1000 words)
  • "Basics": Simple grammar, basic rules to be able to form and understand simple sentences.
  • Apply what you have learned in the form of many different exercises
  • Active language and conversation training
  • Writing training
  • Consolidate the language skills already learned
  • Working through and training difficulties

What should language learners be able to do after an A1 language course?

  • Master the learning objectives of language level A1
  • Communicate with single words, short sentences, gestures and facial expressions.
  • Forming, understanding and writing simple sentences on familiar topics
  • Slow and clear speaking of the interlocutors required
  • Vocabulary with simple, familiar words (max. 1000 words)
  • Ability to continue with language level A2

How long does it take to reach language level A1?

  • Personal and individual learning speed varies from learner to learner
  • Depending on the duration, frequency and intensity of the language course
  • Depending on the student's willingness to learn and practise independently
  • Duration is on average 120 lessons

What happens after an A1 language course?

After successfully completing level A1, language learners have various options to continue:

  • Advanced language course at level A2
  • Continuing language course to consolidate A1 language skills or to repeat difficult topics
  • Registration to a recognized language exam to have your A1 language skills officially certified
  • Apply the A1 language skills learned in everyday life

It is highly recommended to continue with an A2 language course in order to expand your language skills and consolidate what you have learned so far.