Which certificate do I need for the German au pair visa?

Typically an A1-level certificate, most commonly the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1. Whether other certificates are also accepted, and whether any exemptions apply to your case, is decided by the German embassy or consulate handling your application, so confirm directly with them.

Where can I take the A1 exam outside Germany?

At Goethe-Instituts and licensed partner exam centres worldwide. Locations, dates and fees for your country are listed on goethe.de; book early since waiting times vary significantly by region.

How long does it take to prepare for A1?

How long the path to A1 takes depends on prior knowledge and available study time. A weekly full mock exam shows objectively how close you are to the required level.

What does the Goethe A1 exam cost?

Fees are set individually by each exam centre and vary considerably by country. Check the current fee for your chosen exam centre directly on goethe.de before booking.

Can au pair visa requirements change?

Yes. Visa and language requirements are set by German immigration law and the national framework, and they can change. This page is general information, not legal advice; always verify current requirements with your local German embassy or consulate before making plans.

Goethe-Zertifikat A1, Start Deutsch 1

Goethe A1 for the au pair visa in Germany

An au pair year in Germany means living with a host family, looking after children, and learning the language where it is spoken. The visa process typically requires basic German at A1 level before you travel. The standard certificate for this is the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1, taken at a Goethe-Institut or a licensed exam centre in your home country.

The A1 requirement comes from the national framework. The embassy typically checks it during the visa interview. Always confirm directly with your embassy before booking an exam.

This page explains what Start Deutsch 1 actually covers, a realistic timeline to reach it, and how to prepare with free online mock exams while still abroad.

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Start Deutsch 1 (Goethe A1): what it covers

A1 is the entry level: the exam checks whether you can handle very simple, predictable everyday situations, exactly the ones an au pair meets daily.

Part	Duration	What it covers
Hören (Listening)	About 20 minutes	Short everyday announcements, conversations, and messages
Lesen (Reading)	About 25 minutes	Simple notices, short messages, and forms
Schreiben (Writing)	About 20 minutes	Filling in a form and writing a short message of a few lines
Sprechen (Speaking)	About 15 minutes	A short group oral exam: introducing yourself and simple everyday exchanges

How the exam is scored

A1 uses an aggregate pass mark rather than the per-module scoring used from B1 upward: you pass with 60 of 100 points across the written and spoken parts combined, and you must take all exam parts. A strong speaking performance can help offset a weaker written section, and vice versa.

Some embassies pay attention to how recently the certificate was issued, so check with your specific embassy whether there is a validity window before you plan your travel and host family start date.

A realistic timeline to A1

A1 does not require grammatical precision, it requires reliable command of a small set of everyday situations.

Follow your embassy consulates checklist for the au pair visa and confirm which certificates they accept before you book anything.
Study the core vocabulary an au pair actually uses: family, daily routines, food, time, appointments, simple requests.
Practise listening from day one; exam audio moves at natural speed.
Learn fixed writing formulas: a greeting, a closing phrase, and one sentence per required point in the message task.
Run a full mock exam weekly and act on the instant feedback rather than repeating the same mistakes.
Book the real exam only once your mock results sit consistently above the pass mark.

Taking the exam abroad

Start Deutsch 1 is offered worldwide at Goethe-Instituts and partner exam centres, but availability and waiting times vary enormously by country: some cities offer monthly dates, others require travel or weeks of advance booking. Check your nearest centre on goethe.de for current dates and fees, and book with enough lead time before your planned visa appointment and your agreed start date with the host family.

Frequently asked questions

Which certificate do I need for the German au pair visa?: Typically an A1-level certificate, most commonly the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1. Whether other certificates are also accepted, and whether any exemptions apply to your case, is decided by the German embassy or consulate handling your application, so confirm directly with them.
Where can I take the A1 exam outside Germany?: At Goethe-Instituts and licensed partner exam centres worldwide. Locations, dates and fees for your country are listed on goethe.de; book early since waiting times vary significantly by region.
How long does it take to prepare for A1?: How long the path to A1 takes depends on prior knowledge and available study time. A weekly full mock exam shows objectively how close you are to the required level.
What does the Goethe A1 exam cost?: Fees are set individually by each exam centre and vary considerably by country. Check the current fee for your chosen exam centre directly on goethe.de before booking.
Can au pair visa requirements change?: Yes. Visa and language requirements are set by German immigration law and the national framework, and they can change. This page is general information, not legal advice; always verify current requirements with your local German embassy or consulate before making plans.

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