German A1 exam for kids: Fit in Deutsch 1 vs Start Deutsch 1

What is the difference between Fit in Deutsch 1 and Start Deutsch 1?

Both exams carry the official name Goethe-Zertifikat A1 and test the same level of the Common European Framework of Reference. Both have a written exam with listening (Hören), reading (Lesen) and writing (Schreiben), followed by a speaking test (Sprechen) in a small group. What differs is who they are for, the minutes, the points and above all the pass mark. The tone differs too: Fit in Deutsch 1 talks to the candidate with the informal du („Lies“, read; „Kreuze an“, tick), while Start Deutsch 1 uses the formal Sie („Kreuzen Sie an“).

Which exam is right for which age?

The Goethe-Institut's exam regulations list Fit in Deutsch 1 under exams for young learners (from age 10) and Start Deutsch 1 under exams for adults (from age 16). The official practice test describes Fit in Deutsch 1 as an exam for young people between 10 and 16. These ages are recommendations, not rules: anyone may register, with no minimum age and no required course.

The choice still has one consequence. If you sit an exam before the recommended age, or far from it, you cannot appeal the result on grounds of age, for example because the topics did not suit you. That leads to a simple rule of thumb:

• Age 10 to 15: Fit in Deutsch 1. The topics and tasks are made for this age, such as school, friends and free time.
• Age 16: either exam is possible. Fit in Deutsch 1 has the lower pass mark, Start Deutsch 1 has adult topics.
• Adults: Start Deutsch 1. Whether an A1 certificate is enough for a visa or an authority is decided by the office that asks for it. Check with them before you book.

How many points do you need to pass?

Fit in Deutsch 1 has 60 points. Listening (12 questions) and speaking (12 rating points) are multiplied by 1.5, giving 18 points each. Reading and writing count 12 points each. You pass with 30 points, provided you have taken every part. Because speaking can give at most 18 points, you also need roughly 12 points in the written exam.

Start Deutsch 1 first counts 15 points each for listening, reading, writing and speaking. Each part is multiplied by 1.66, which gives 75 written and 25 oral points, 100 in total. You pass with 60 points. The exam rules say it plainly: below 35 written points, even a perfect speaking score cannot reach 60.

What is different in each part?

• Listening: Fit in Deutsch 1 has three phone messages (6 questions with a, b or c) and two conversations (6 true or false statements). Every recording is played twice. Start Deutsch 1 has three parts with short conversations, public announcements and recorded messages; the announcements in part 2 are played only once.
• Reading: Fit in Deutsch 1 has two newspaper adverts with 6 questions (a, b or c) and two short magazine texts about teenagers. Start Deutsch 1 tests short notes, small adverts and public signs in three parts.
• Writing: In Fit in Deutsch 1 you reply to an email and answer the question at its end, in at least 30 words, not in pencil. Two raters give up to 6 points each. Start Deutsch 1 has two parts: a form with five missing details (5 points) and a message on three points with a greeting and a closing, about 30 words (10 points).
• Speaking: Both have three parts of about 5 minutes each: introduce yourself, ask and answer questions, make a request and respond to one. In Start Deutsch 1 you also spell a word and say a number in part 1. Fit in Deutsch 1 rates task completion (2, 4 and 4 points) and pronunciation (2 points); Start Deutsch 1 gives 3, 6 and 6 points.

Can kids take Fit in Deutsch 1 online?

Usually not. The exam regulations describe three forms: on paper at a test centre, on a centre laptop at the test centre, and, under certain conditions, online on your own computer. Each centre decides which forms it offers. For the online form one rule applies everywhere: minors may not register for it. Anyone under 18 sits Fit in Deutsch 1 at the test centre, on paper or on a laptop there. A child under 18 also needs a parent's consent to register.

What happens after the exam?

If every part is passed, the candidate receives one certificate showing the results of all four parts. Single parts cannot be retaken: after a fail, the whole exam is taken again. The test centre may set waiting periods before a retake and tells you with the result. Each centre sets its own fee.

Within three months of the result you can ask to see your answers and how they were marked. For a child under 18, the request needs a parent's consent and a parent must come along. After Fit in Deutsch 1, the next step for young learners is the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 Fit in Deutsch, recommended from age 12.

How to prepare yourself or your child

1. Know the instructions: in Fit in Deutsch 1 they use du. „Kreuze an“ (tick) and „Schreibe“ (write) should be familiar before exam day.
2. Read first, then listen: both exams give time before each recording to read the questions. Use it, and you know what to listen for.
3. Meet the word count: in Fit in Deutsch 1, 30 words is the minimum, and the question at the end of the email must be answered.
4. Practise the introduction: name, age, country, home town, languages, hobbies, from keywords and in full sentences.
5. Do a full practice test under real time: 60 minutes of listening, reading and writing without a break for Fit in Deutsch 1, 65 minutes for Start Deutsch 1.

You can practise under real exam time for Fit in Deutsch 1 and Start Deutsch 1. How Start Deutsch 1 compares with telc A1 and ÖSD A1 is in our German A1 exam format comparison. The key instruction words are explained in German exam instructions: the 30 words you must know.