German A1 course with Lingoda

Begin your language journey with a German A1 course from Lingoda. This course is perfect for beginners and will teach you how to engage in simple German conversations, including the use of everyday expressions. By the end of the course, you'll develop your vocabulary, learn to introduce yourself and be able to order food in German.

Start your German journey with Lingoda. Our live online classes are taught by certified, native-level teachers who will give you the tools and practice you need to speak German with confidence. And with thousands of one-hour classes available each day, you’ll have the flexibility to fit German lessons into your busy schedule. Depending on the package you purchase, you’ll be able to choose from small group classes or one-on-one private lessons.

German A1 level overview

This German A1 level online course will teach you German language basics so you can...

Understand and use familiar everyday expressions

Introduce yourself and others, asking personal questions

Interact in a simple German beginner conversation

Why should I start with a German course for beginners?

If you’re new to German, we recommend starting with one of our A1 courses. In these courses, our certified tutors will walk you through the basics and give you a chance to practice so that you can start speaking with confidence from day one.

Sample chapters in our German A1 course

Here’s a preview of the different curriculum chapters you’ll encounter during your German A1 level courses. This is the curriculum we use for our small group classes, and our private one-on-one classes. If you choose to study a private class as well, you may be able to expand beyond these topics depending on your tutor.

Learn key phrases to introduce yourself, friends or business partners, ask people how they are and learn how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense.

In this chapter of our German A1 classes, you will be able to learn how to say where you are from, what languages you speak, as well as ask and tell people how you are doing. You will also learn how to talk about others and the different pronouns.

Introducing yourself to people is the first step when it comes to learning a language, and meeting strangers. This chapter will guide you through all the necessary vocabulary and grammatical rules you need for a beginner conversation in German.

Learn to tell the time formally using the 24-hour clock and informally using the analogue clock, use prepositions to express when things happen and describe your working patterns.

In chapter 2 of our German A1 classes you will learn the basics of telling time. After this lesson, you’ll have the skills to tell your friends what time you want to meet up or when the movie will be playing at the cinema.

Time also allows you to become a better storyteller, make plans with your German acquaintances, and make sure that you do not miss your flights.


Telling the time may seem quite simple, but you might be surprised how it varies from language to language. During the A1 and A2 level German you will not only learn basic German grammar, but also understand the difference between German and your native language.

Learn how to ask for drinks and snacks in a German café and understand prices and payments. Plus, practice typical questions that are common in a café setting.

In this chapter of our German A1 classes, you’ll learn the skills needed to impress your friends at a German bar or restaurant. After this lesson, you’ll be able to ask for the check, request that the waiter bring out a couple more beers, and ask about the most delicious item on the menu.


In addition, you’ll also be able to learn how to name groceries, express having and not needing things, units and packaging, as well as learn how to buy items over the counter.

Learn how to describe your job and where you work. Plus, you will review regular verbs in the present tense and learn about verbs with a vowel change.

After your A1 lessons from chapter 4, you’ll be prepared to go to a cocktail party or work conference and discuss your job.


You’ll learn the names of different jobs, whether you work from an office or home, how many hours you work a week, as well as whether you enjoy your job.

Learn to describe your hobbies in German, to say what you like using “gern” and “mögen” and talk about your dislikes forming negative sentences using “nicht” and “kein(e)”.

During this chapter, you’ll learn all the vocabulary you need to make friends. Whether you want to discuss your passion for Tarantino movies or your dislike for Brussel sprouts, these lessons will help you start pushing the limits of your basic German.


Learning how to say what you like and what you dislike is imperative to know in any language. During your A1 German courses, we’ll teach you how to give your point across using like, dislike and prefer, as well as knowing when you are talking about a noun or a verb.

Try 4 lessons from our German Beginner’s classes

Our A1 German language courses are ideal for all kinds of students. If you are looking to pick up a new language or want to get an A1 German language certificate, Lingoda will be able to help you out. Sign up for our free trial period to join four group classes and try out some of our A1 German lessons. This is a great way to see what a beginner German course looks like at Lingoda.

How are you?

(A1.1)

This vocabulary filled lesson will teach you how to introduce yourself and ask people how they are.

The Definite Article

(A1.1)

This grammar-focused lesson will explain The Definite Article (der, die and das) to you.

Drinks and treats

(A1.1)

Learn all the important vocabulary you'll need to order drinks and snacks in a German café.

More about me

(A1.1)

Learn how to give more information about yourself: your language, age and marital status.

Main German Language Exams

With the help of the A1 and A2 level German courses provided by Lingoda, you will be able to successfully prepare for a German language exam. Our courses follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a system that is internationally recognized and in accordance with the levels needed for the German language exams. By following the courses provided by Lingoda, you will be able to receive an A1 German language certificate and further prepare for the higher-level exams.

DSH

TestDaF

Goethe Institut

Name

DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)

Test DaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)

Goethe-Zertifikat

Levels

From B2 to C1

From B2 to C1

From B1 to C2

Validity

Lifelong. This certificate does not have an expiry date.

Lifelong. This certificate does not have an expiry date.

Lifelong. This certificate does not have an expiry date.

Price Range

100-150€

125-175€

120-295€

DSH

Name

DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)

Levels

From B2 to C1

Validity

Lifelong. This certificate does not have an expiry date.

Price Range

100-150€

TestDaF

Name

Test DaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)

Levels

From B2 to C1

Validity

Lifelong. This certificate does not have an expiry date.

Price Range

125-175€

Goethe Institut

Name

Goethe-Zertifikat

Levels

From B1 to C2

Validity

Lifelong. This certificate does not have an expiry date.

Price Range

120-295€

German A1 language basics

Tips and tricks for learning A1 German:

Learning beginner German can be easy and quite fun. Prior to and during your A1 German lessons, check out these tips and tricks. You will be able to learn about the best ways to learn, to practice pronunciation and much more.

The best way to learn German for starters

Smart self-study tips for learning numbers and watching TV

7 tips for how to learn basic German fast

Quick tips on learning Deutsch for beginners

German slang from real native speakers

Jump right in and learn the best slang words for beginner conversation

1

The best way to learn German for starters

Smart self-study tips for learning numbers and watching TV

2

7 tips for how to learn basic German fast

Quick tips on learning Deutsch for beginners

3

German slang from real native speakers

Jump right in and learn the best slang words for beginner conversation

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What is an A1 German course?

A German A1 course is the absolute beginner course for those looking to learn German. It’s ideal if you’re completely new to German, or if you’ve only ever engaged with the language on a very basic level.

The A1 level represents the first level of language learning, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It teaches basic phrases, so learners can have simple everyday conversations.

Lingoda’s A1 German online course will provide the foundations for further learning. It’s the first step on the road to mastering the language and focuses on the topics that are going to matter to you in everyday life. Our native level teachers will encourage you to speak out loud, so you get comfortable using the language from day one.

How long does it take to learn German A1?

Most people can reach German A1 level within 150 hours of learning. This is assuming you’re learning from certified teachers, in a structured way, like you will with Lingoda’s German language course A1. Some people are able to reach A1 level in as little as 60 hours of learning, but 100+ hours is a sensible estimate for most people.

This basic timeframe also helps to explain how long it will take to learn German. Based on a schedule of 20 lessons per week, you could reach German A1 level after just 8 weeks. On the same schedule, a further 8 weeks could get you to German A2 level. Most learners will need upwards of 750 hours to reach C1 and C2 level.

It’s important to understand these are estimates. The precise time it will take you to complete an A1 German online course will depend on your commitment to learning and a variety of other factors.

Can I learn German A1 by myself?

While independent learning can be highly beneficial, we’re firm believers that the best way to learn German is to enroll in a structured German A1 course, taught by a native-level tutor. We also believe it’s best to learn in a supportive environment, which encourages you to engage in conversations with real people.

When you learn German online with Lingoda, you’ll learn in small groups, with professional teachers. This will help you to develop the confidence to speak in German and have genuine conversations.

Once you have some foundational knowledge, you can supplement your structured learning with independent learning, using podcasts, online resources, books, German language films and other tools.

What do you learn in a German A1 online course?

On a German language course A1, you’ll learn how to have basic conversations, using common everyday phrases and expressions. Some of the specific things you’ll learn to do during the course include learning:

  • How to introduce yourself in German.
  • How to tell the time using a 24-hour clock and an analog clock.
  • How to give basic details about yourself, such as your job.
  • How to order drinks and snacks from a cafe or restaurant.

You’ll also learn some basic German grammatical rules and start to build up a German vocabulary.

How long does a German A1 course take?

Lingoda’s German A1 course is available via three different learning models:

  • Sprint – A two-month challenge for the most motivated learners. You can choose between 30 or 60 classes and you can earn 50% of your money back if you follow the rules and complete the course.
  • Flex – Learn at your own pace in four-week intervals. At every interval, you can change the intensity or cancel. Classes are available 24/7 and you can learn in small groups or via 1-on-1 sessions.
  • Teams – Learn with a fixed group of other learners, over either 8 or 12 weeks. You’ll either have 4 or 6 classes per week and you’ll have the same teacher every time, providing a consistent learning experience.

The time it takes to complete a course will depend on the model you opt for and your chosen intensity level.

On average, it takes between 60 and 150 hours of learning to reach German A1 level.

How much does a German A1 course cost?

The price you’ll pay will depend on the number of classes you decide to take and whether you choose group sessions or private 1-on-1 classes. If you select the latter, you’ll have the undivided attention of a fully qualified, native-level teacher who can work with you to improve your skills.

Learn more about Lingoda’s pricing and choose your preferred plan to see how much your course will cost.

Sorry. Lingoda Teams is only available for German, English, Italian and Spanish at the moment.

Get notified when it becomes available for your language and level.

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