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How Long Does It Take to Learn German A2?
If you’ve started German and reached A1, the next question is usually: how long does it take to get to A2? In practice, most learners can reach A2 in a few additional months of consistent study once A1 is solid.
Roughly, for an English‑speaking learner with A1:
- Bridging from late A1 to early A2: 1–2 months
- Solid A2 (can handle typical A2 exam content): 3–6 months
- Confident A2 (ready to move to B1): 6–9+ months
This assumes 3–6 hours of weekly study (class + self‑study). We’ll clarify what A2 actually means, outline a realistic path from A1 to A2, and answer common questions about this level.
What “German A2” Actually Means
At A2 (still “basic user” in CEFR terms), you can:
- Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to most immediate areas (family, shopping, local geography, work, hobbies).
- Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information.
- Describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment, and needs.
You are not expected to:
- Argue opinions in depth.
- Follow fast, complex conversations between natives.
- Produce long, detailed texts.
Think of A2 as “functional basic communication”: still simple, but no longer purely survival level.
From A1 to A2: What Changes?
Moving from A1 to A2 is less about learning “totally new” topics and more about:
- Expanding vocabulary within known areas.
- Making your sentences longer and more detailed.
- Handling more tenses and structures.
- Becoming more comfortable with real, slightly faster speech.
Typical new elements at A2:
- Talking more about your past and simple future plans.
- Expressing likes/dislikes and simple opinions.
- Handling more everyday situations: travel, health, services, simple work contexts.
Phase‑by‑Phase Timeline for Reaching German A2
Assuming you already have a reasonably stable A1 and study 3–6 hours per week.
Phase 1 (Months 0–2): Strengthening A1 and Extending Topics
Goal: turn your A1 knowledge into a solid base, then push into early A2 content.
Key topics:
- Revising A1: present tense, basic word order, core vocabulary.
- Expanding vocabulary: hobbies, work/studies, free time, travel, health.
- More detailed self‑descriptions: personality, preferences, simple opinions.
- Understanding longer A1–A2 texts (short emails, messages, simple stories).
Milestones:
- You can talk about your day and your background in more than a few sentences.
- You can follow slightly longer dialogues at slow to moderate speed.
- You can understand the main idea of short, simple texts on familiar topics.
Common pitfalls:
- Trying to jump straight into A2 grammar without solid A1 basics.
- Avoiding speaking practice because of fear of mistakes.
Phase 2 (Months 2–4): A2 Grammar and Everyday Situations
Goal: handle typical A2‑level grammar and everyday communication tasks.
Key topics (often introduced or consolidated at A2):
- Past tense for spoken German (Perfekt): “Ich habe gemacht…”, “Ich bin gegangen…”.
- Word order with time, manner, place; position of verbs in main and subordinate clauses.
- Modal verbs (können, müssen, wollen, sollen, dürfen) in more contexts.
- Comparatives and superlatives (größer, am größten).
- Separable and inseparable verbs.
- Talking about experiences, past events, and future plans.
Everyday situations:
- Talking about your work or studies in more detail.
- Making plans and appointments, inviting and replying.
- Travel and accommodation (booking, asking for information).
- At the doctor/pharmacy (basic descriptions of symptoms).
- Simple phone calls and messages.
Milestones:
- You can tell a short, simple story about something that happened in the past.
- You can manage typical daily situations with simple but understandable German.
- You can understand the main point of slow, clear speech on familiar subjects.
Common pitfalls:
- Getting stuck on perfect word order and delaying speaking.
- Mixing tenses but getting paralyzed by the fear of using the wrong one.
Phase 3 (Months 4–6+): Consolidating A2 and Preparing for B1
Goal: stabilize A2 skills across listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and build readiness for B1.
Key topics:
- Longer reading texts: simple articles, personal letters, short stories.
- Writing connected texts (not just isolated sentences): emails, short stories about your experiences, simple descriptions and explanations.
- Listening to slightly faster, more natural speech (not only classroom audio).
- Expressing simple opinions and reasons: “Ich finde… weil…”, “Meiner Meinung nach…”.
- Handling basic “small talk” with native speakers who adapt their speech.
Milestones:
- You can hold a short, simple conversation with native speakers on familiar topics, if they are patient and speak clearly.
- You can write short, coherent texts (8–15 sentences) about everyday topics.
- You can understand the main points of A2‑level audio without needing constant transcription.
Common pitfalls:
- Staying in “exercise mode” and never trying free conversation.
- Overusing English translations instead of developing direct understanding in German.
How Your Background Changes the A2 Learning Curve
Assuming 3–6 hours per week and a solid A1:
- English speaker with only A1 German and no other languages:
- Early A2: 1–2 months
- Solid A2: 3–6 months
- Confident A2: 6–9+ months
- Learner with another foreign language experience (e.g., already B1/B2 in Spanish or French):
- Often faster because you already know how to learn languages and handle grammar. Timelines skew toward the lower end.
- Learner in an intensive course (15+ hours/week):
- Can reach A2 significantly faster (sometimes in 2–3 intensive months), but retention depends on continued use.
The main drivers are hours invested, quality of practice, and especially speaking and listening exposure.
Sample 16‑Week Plan to Go from A1 to A2
A realistic outline if you’re around late A1 now.
Weeks 1–4: A1 Review and Topic Expansion
- Review core A1 grammar and vocabulary with focused exercises.
- Add more vocabulary for work, free time, travel, and health.
- Practice speaking about your daily life and routine in more detail.
Weeks 5–8: Past Tense and Everyday Dialogues
- Learn and practice Perfekt (spoken past) with common verbs.
- Focus on modal verbs in everyday contexts (can, must, want).
- Role‑play: at the doctor, booking a trip, invitations and appointments.
Weeks 9–12: Longer Texts and Opinions
- Read short graded texts or A2 readers and summarize them in simple German.
- Practice giving simple opinions and reasons: what you like/dislike and why.
- Increase listening practice with A2‑level audio and subtitles.
Weeks 13–16: Integration and Exam‑Style Practice
- Work through sample A2 exam tasks (reading, listening, writing, speaking).
- Write short texts each week and get feedback (teacher, tutor, language partner, or correction tools).
- Have regular conversations (even short ones) entirely in German.
By week 16, many learners have a stable A2 level and are starting to touch some B1‑style content.
Common Mistakes on the Path to German A2
- Staying in “A1 mode.”
Only using present tense and very short sentences, even when you know more. Push yourself to use past tense and simple connectors (und, aber, weil, dann).
- Avoiding real conversations.
Only talking to teachers or doing written exercises will slow your speaking progress. Include low‑pressure conversations with language partners or tutors.
- Not revising vocabulary actively.
A2 requires more words. Use spaced repetition or regular review to keep vocab active.
- Fear of making longer sentences.
It’s okay if your word order isn’t perfect yet. Try, listen to corrections, and you’ll improve.
Is German A2 Enough for Working or Living in Germany?
A2 is often enough for:
- Simple social interactions.
- Basic handling of daily life with some English support (shopping, simple services).
- Certain low‑language‑demand jobs or internships where German is not the main working language.
For:
- Most office jobs in German.
- Handling bureaucracy independently.
- Deeper social integration.
You’ll typically need B1/B2. Think of A2 as a stepping stone where life gets noticeably easier, but you’re not “comfortable” yet.
FAQs: Learning German A2
How long does it take to go from German A1 to A2?
With a solid A1 and 3–6 hours of weekly study, many learners reach A2 in 3–6 months, and feel confidently A2 (ready to move toward B1) in 6–9+ months.
Is German A2 much harder than A1?
A2 is a step up, but it’s still considered “basic user.” The difficulty comes from needing more vocabulary and starting to use more grammar (especially past tense and longer sentences). If your A1 is solid, A2 is very manageable.
Do I need to pass an A1 exam before starting A2?
No. You don’t need an official A1 certificate to learn A2 content. What matters is your actual skill: if you can comfortably handle typical A1 tasks (introductions, basic questions, simple texts), you’re ready to start A2.
Can I skip A2 and jump straight to B1?
In practice, not really. “Skipping A2” usually means trying to study B1 material without a stable foundation, which leads to gaps and frustration. You might move quickly through A2 if you progress fast, but the A2 stage itself is important.
How many words do I need to know for German A2?
Different sources give different numbers, but many A2 courses aim for roughly 1,000–1,500 active words. The exact number matters less than being able to use those words in real sentences and contexts.
What skills should I focus on most for A2?
Three priorities:
- Listening to real German (not just reading): short podcasts, videos, graded audio.
- Speaking in longer sentences with basic connectors and simple past.
- Expanding topic‑specific vocabulary (work, travel, health, daily life).
Is it possible to reach A2 with self‑study only?
Yes, it’s possible, especially if you’re disciplined and use good resources. That said, some access to real conversation (language exchange, tutor, online class) will significantly accelerate your speaking and listening progress.
