A2 exam · Comparison
German A2 Exam: Goethe, telc, ÖSD, ÖIF or DTZ – Which One Fits Me?
Updated: · LexDeutsch editorial team
Which A2 exams are there?
A2 is the level after A1. At A2 you understand sentences and common expressions about familiar topics such as yourself and your family, shopping, work and the area where you live. You can manage in simple everyday situations that come up again and again.
For this level there are several exams in Germany and Austria. All of them test reading, listening, writing and speaking. They differ in length, in the tasks and above all in the rules for passing.
- Goethe-Zertifikat A2 – exam by the Goethe-Institut, here in the version for adults. At the Goethe-Institut it replaced the former exam Start Deutsch 2 in 2015.
- telc Deutsch A2 (Start Deutsch 2) – exam by telc gGmbH, developed by the Goethe-Institut and telc on behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
- ÖSD Zertifikat A2 (ZA2) – exam by the ÖSD, from age 14. It has two modules (written and oral), which you can also take separately.
- ÖIF-Test A2 and A2-Integrationsprüfung – exams by the Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (Austrian Integration Fund). The ÖIF-Test A2 tests only the language. The A2-Integrationsprüfung tests the language and also Werte- und Orientierungswissen (knowledge of values and orientation). According to the ÖIF, it is a recognised proof of language skills for Modul 1 (A2) of the Integrationsvereinbarung (integration agreement).
- DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, German test for immigrants) – final exam of the Integrationskurs in Germany, run by g.a.s.t. since 2023. There is no separate exam called “DTZ A2”: the DTZ is a scaled test for A2 and B1. Depending on your result, you get the certificate A2 or B1.
The numbers on this page come from the official documents of the providers, above all from these practice materials: Goethe-Zertifikat A2 Modellsatz (Goethe-Institut, 2016), telc Deutsch A2 Übungstest 1 (telc, 10th edition 2024), ÖSD Zertifikat A2 Modellsatz (ÖSD), ÖIF-Test neu – Modelltest A2 (ÖIF) with the page Prüfungsformate (exam formats) and DTZ Übungssatz 1 (g.a.s.t., 2024). We do not give fees. Only for the DTZ does the BAMF say: taking the final test is free of charge.
The A2 exams in two tables
The written exam takes between 70 minutes (telc, plus 10 minutes for the answer sheet) and 100 minutes (DTZ). In the A2-Integrationsprüfung of the ÖIF, the written part with Werte- und Orientierungswissen takes 120 minutes. At the ÖSD you have 10 minutes of preparation before speaking. At Goethe, telc and the ÖIF there is no preparation time; for the DTZ the practice material does not mention any.
| Goethe-Zertifikat A2 | telc Deutsch A2 | ÖSD Zertifikat A2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | Goethe-Institut | telc gGmbH | ÖSD |
| Written | 90 min: reading 30, listening approx. 30, writing 30 | 70 min: listening approx. 20, reading + writing 50; plus 10 min answer sheet | approx. 75 min: reading 30, listening approx. 15, writing 30 |
| Oral | usually 15 min in pairs, no preparation | approx. 15 min in pairs, no preparation | approx. 10 min in pairs or alone, 10 min preparation |
| Writing | text message (20–30 words) + email (30–40 words), 3 Leitpunkte (guiding points) each | form + letter/email (approx. 40 words, 3 of 4 Leitpunkte) | reply to a friend (approx. 50 words, 4 Leitpunkte) |
| Passing | 60 of 100, of which 45 written and 15 oral | 36 of 60 (60%) | 45 of 90 and minimum points in every part |
| Practice material | Modellsatz (PDF) | Übungstest 1 (PDF) | Modellsatz with audio (ZIP) |
| ÖIF-Test A2 | DTZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Österreichischer Integrationsfonds | g.a.s.t. (since 2023) |
| For whom | German learners in Austria; as the A2-Integrationsprüfung for Modul 1 of the Integrationsvereinbarung | participants in the Integrationskurs in Germany |
| Written | 80 min: reading 40, listening approx. 12, writing 25; Integrationsprüfung 120 min | 100 min: listening approx. 25, reading 45, writing 30 |
| Oral | approx. 10 min alone, no preparation | approx. 16 min, usually in pairs |
| Writing | email or note (approx. 50 words, 1 of 2 topics, 3 Leitpunkte) | 1 task (A or B): semi-formal or formal message |
| Passing | every part with its own minimum points | certificate A2: speaking A2 + A2 in one other part |
| Practice material | Modelltest A2 (PDF) | Übungssatz 1 (PDF) |
Ask the exam centre directly about fees and dates. The DTZ is the final exam of the Integrationskurs. Whether you can also take it without a course is not stated in the sources. Ask your Kursträger (course provider) or the BAMF about this.
How do reading, listening, writing and speaking differ?
In all exams the tasks are close to everyday life, but the task types are different. For the Goethe-Zertifikat you write two short texts, in the other exams only one text (at telc also a form). At the ÖSD and the ÖIF you write about 50 words; at Goethe and telc the individual texts are shorter.
| Part | Goethe A2 | telc A2 | ÖSD ZA2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 4 parts, 20 tasks: newspaper text, directory sign, email, adverts | 3 parts, 15 tasks: department store directory, newspaper article (true/false), adverts | 2 tasks: 5 short texts with headings, 1 newspaper report |
| Listening | 4 parts, 20 tasks; two parts twice, two parts once | 3 parts, 15 tasks: phone message, radio announcements, conversation | 3 tasks: two texts, answering machine, interview |
| Writing | text message and semi-formal email | form and letter/email | email to a friend |
| Speaking | questions about yourself, talking about yourself, planning something | introducing yourself, everyday conversation, agreeing on something | introducing yourself, solving a task together |
| Part | ÖIF-Test A2 | DTZ |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 4 parts, 20 tasks: adverts, short texts, form, information text | 5 parts, 25 tasks: directories, adverts, press texts, brochure, letter with gaps |
| Listening | 4 parts, 15 tasks; Teil 1–2 twice, Teil 3–4 once | 4 parts, 20 tasks: announcements, radio, conversations, opinions |
| Writing | email or note, e.g. apology, cancellation, request, complaint | semi-formal or formal message |
| Speaking | getting-to-know-you conversation, dialogue about a picture, your own experience | talking about yourself, talking about experiences (picture), planning something together |
Our tip: if you are afraid of speaking, pay attention to the format. In the ÖIF-Test you speak without a partner, and at the ÖSD you have 10 minutes of preparation. At Goethe, telc and the DTZ you usually speak in pairs.
How do you pass which A2 exam?
This is where the differences are biggest. At telc, mainly the total score counts. At Goethe you need enough points in the written and in the oral exam. At the ÖSD and the ÖIF there are minimum points in every part. In the DTZ, speaking decides: without at least A2 in speaking there is no certificate.
| Exam | Points | Rule | Parts separately? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat A2 | 100: reading 25, listening 25, writing 25, speaking 25 | at least 60 in total, of which 45 of 75 written and 15 of 25 oral | no, not modular; repeating parts only in exceptional cases |
| telc Deutsch A2 | 60: listening 15, reading 15, writing 15, speaking 15 | at least 36 (60%); the practice test also mentions a minimum performance in both parts of the exam | no, there is no repeat of individual parts |
| ÖSD Zertifikat A2 | 90: reading 25, listening 30, writing 15, speaking 20 | at least 45 in total; written at least 35 of 70 (reading 5, listening 6, writing 3), oral at least 10 of 20 | yes, the two modules also separately |
| ÖIF-Test A2 | reading + listening 50, writing 20, speaking 30 (Integrationsprüfung: plus values and orientation 45) | the minimum in every part: reading + listening 25, writing 10, speaking 15 (values and orientation 25) | no, according to the exam regulations you cannot pass individual parts |
| DTZ | Hören und Lesen (listening and reading) 45, writing 20, speaking 100 | A2: speaking from 35 + Hören und Lesen from 20 or writing from 7; B1: speaking from 75 + Hören und Lesen from 33 or writing from 15 | no information on this; according to the BAMF, under certain conditions one free repeat of the language exam (with a repeat of the course) |
So at the ÖIF you only pass if you reach the minimum in every part. More about the DTZ: there are three part results – “Hören und Lesen”, “Schreiben” (writing) and “Sprechen” (speaking). You get the certificate A2 if you reach at least A2 in speaking and also at least A2 in one of the two other parts – and it is not enough for B1. An example: Hören und Lesen 35 points (B1), writing 10 points (A2), speaking 60 points (A2) gives the certificate A2, because speaking is not B1. If you stay below A2 in speaking, you get no certificate.
Germany or Austria: which office asks for what?
Which certificate you need is always decided by the office that asks for the proof – for example an authority, an employer or a school. So before you register, ask which exam is accepted there.
- Germany, Integrationskurs: At the end of the course there is the final test: the DTZ and the test “Leben in Deutschland” (Life in Germany). According to the BAMF, taking part is free of charge. You only get the “Zertifikat Integrationskurs” (integration course certificate) with the DTZ at B1 and a passed test “Leben in Deutschland”. With the result A2 you get the certificate A2 of the DTZ, but no Zertifikat Integrationskurs.
- Austria, Integrationsvereinbarung: According to the ÖIF, the A2-Integrationsprüfung (language and Werte- und Orientierungswissen) is a recognised proof of language skills for Modul 1 (A2). The ÖIF-Test A2 tests only the language.
- Austria, ÖSD: The ÖSD Zertifikat A2 also exists as the variant “ZA2 / Österreich” with the same rules. Whether it is enough for your purpose, the responsible office will tell you.
- General proof (work, school, course): Here too, the office decides. telc writes about its certificates that schools, universities, employers and authorities recognise them worldwide. This is a general statement, not a promise for every office.
This page is not legal advice. For questions about residence, please ask the responsible authority.
Which A2 exam is right for me?
There is no “easiest” A2 exam: all of them test level A2, just with different tasks and rules. What matters is your country, your goal and your strengths. Here is how to go step by step:
- First ask the office (authority, employer, school) which A2 certificate it accepts.
- Are you attending an Integrationskurs in Germany? Then the DTZ is your final exam. Practise for A2 and, if possible, already for B1.
- Do you live in Austria and need Modul 1 of the Integrationsvereinbarung? According to the ÖIF, the A2-Integrationsprüfung is a recognised proof of language skills for this.
- Do you need a general A2 certificate? Then, for example, the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 or telc Deutsch A2 are options. telc is shorter in the written part; at Goethe you write two short texts.
- Do you want to take the written and the oral part separately? This is possible with the ÖSD Zertifikat A2, because it has two modules.
- Before you register, do the official practice test with the official time. Then you know which parts you still need to practise.
Our tip: also compare dates and exam locations near you, and ask there about the fees.
How can I practise for A2 on LexDeutsch?
All A2 sections on LexDeutsch are free and without registration. Every section has three parts:
- Reading: tasks with translation into 6 languages and explanations.
- Writing: Musterbriefe (sample letters) for learning – sentence by sentence with translation, with variants, as a gap text, for putting together, in the building kit and in the notebook with a checklist. Your texts are not marked.
- Speaking: sample questions with model answers and sample dialogues as role plays, without audio and without marking.
There is no listening in the A2 sections yet.
- telc A2 – 145 tasks in the format of telc Deutsch A2: Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen.
- Goethe A2 – 119 tasks in the format of the Goethe-Zertifikat A2: Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen.
- ÖSD A2 – 52 tasks in the format of the ÖSD Zertifikat A2: Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen.
- ÖIF A2 – 87 tasks in the format of the ÖIF-Test A2: Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen.
- DTZ at A2 – 230 tasks in the format of the DTZ at level A2: Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen.
- Allgemein A2 – 93 tasks: our own training in the format of the A2 exams, not an official exam: Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen.
- Grammar Quiz A2 and Flashcards – grammar at level A2 and vocabulary.
You can find all sections at a glance under A2 exams. If you are still at the beginning, start with A1 exams. After A2, continue with B1 exams and the guide Which B1 exam?. For the Integrationskurs, DTZ B1 exam is also worth reading, with the exercises under DTZ B1.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DTZ A2 a separate exam?
No. The DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) is one exam for A2 and B1. Depending on your result, you get the certificate A2 or B1. For A2 you need at least A2 in speaking and also at least A2 in “Hören und Lesen” (listening and reading) or in writing.
Which A2 exam is the easiest?
None. All of them test level A2, but with different tasks and rules. telc A2 is shorter in the written part than Goethe A2, at the ÖSD there is preparation time before speaking, and in the ÖIF-Test you speak without a partner. Choose according to your goal and ask the office which certificate it accepts.
How long does the A2 exam take?
Written: Goethe A2 90 minutes, telc A2 70 minutes (plus 10 minutes for the answer sheet), ÖSD ZA2 approx. 75 minutes, ÖIF-Test A2 80 minutes (Integrationsprüfung 120 minutes), DTZ 100 minutes. The oral exam takes between approx. 10 and approx. 16 minutes.
How many points do you need for A2?
Goethe A2: 60 of 100, of which 45 written and 15 oral. telc A2: 36 of 60. ÖSD ZA2: 45 of 90 and minimum points in every part. ÖIF-Test A2: minimum points in every part (e.g. reading + listening 25 of 50). DTZ, certificate A2: speaking from 35 of 100, plus Hören und Lesen from 20 of 45 or writing from 7 of 20.
What is the difference between telc A2 and Goethe A2?
telc Deutsch A2 (Start Deutsch 2) takes 70 minutes in the written part, has 60 points, and you pass with 36 points. The Goethe-Zertifikat A2 takes 90 minutes in the written part and has 100 points. You need 60 in total, of which 45 written and 15 oral. At telc you fill in a form and write an email; at Goethe you write a text message and an email.
Which A2 exam do I need in Austria?
According to the ÖIF, the A2-Integrationsprüfung is a recognised proof of language skills for Modul 1 (A2) of the Integrationsvereinbarung (integration agreement). The ÖIF-Test A2 tests only the language. The ÖSD Zertifikat A2 also exists as the variant “ZA2 / Österreich”. Which exam applies to you, the responsible office will tell you.
Can I practise for A2 for free?
Yes. All A2 sections on LexDeutsch – telc A2, Goethe A2, ÖSD A2, ÖIF A2, DTZ at A2 and Allgemein A2 – are free and without registration. You can also practise with the official practice materials of the providers (links in the tables above).
Read more and practise
Sources: Modellsatz Goethe-Zertifikat A2 Erwachsene (Goethe-Institut, 2016) and Durchführungsbestimmungen A2 (as of 1 September 2025), Übungstest 1 “Start Deutsch 2 / telc Deutsch A2” (telc gGmbH, 10th edition 2024), ÖSD Zertifikat A2 Modellsatz and Durchführungsbestimmungen (ÖSD, as of October 2023), “ÖIF-Test neu – Kommentierter Modelltest A2”, page “Prüfungsformate” and Prüfungsordnung A2–B1 (ÖIF, as of January 2024), Übungssatz 1 “Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer A2–B1” (g.a.s.t., 2024), BAMF “Abschlussprüfung” and Merkblatt zur Zulassung zum Integrationskurs, checked on 18.10.2026. telc is a registered trademark of telc gGmbH. LexDeutsch is an independent learning portal and has no business connection with telc gGmbH, the Goethe-Institut, the ÖSD, the ÖIF, g.a.s.t. or the BAMF. Not legal advice.