German A1 for Beginners: Lessons and Learning Guide

Lesson 1: Say hello and introduce yourself

Learn how to give your name with “Ich heiße …”, ask “Wie heißt du?” and respond when you meet someone. Begin here if you are completely new. After the model, try the same introduction with a different name so you are using the pattern rather than repeating one memorised sentence.

Read the phrases and explanations: How to Introduce Yourself in German →The complete Lesson 1 written companion.

Watch Lesson 1: Say Hello and Introduce Yourself →The verified matching lesson on YouTube.

Lesson 2: Where are you from, and where do you live?

Your place of origin and your current home can be different. This lesson separates those two ideas before combining them in a short conversation. Listen for which question is being asked, then choose an answer that fits it. You can use fictional details.

Watch Lesson 2: Where You Are From and Where You Live →The verified matching lesson on YouTube.

Lesson 3: Spell your name and give your number

Practise spelling a name and saying phone digits clearly. Listen for one detail, check it and correct it when needed. Use the video models for the German letter names. Phone digits are spoken one at a time; this is different from learning how to say every whole number from 0 to 20.

Watch Lesson 3: Spell Your Name and Give Phone Digits →The verified matching lesson on YouTube.

How to work through a lesson

1. Listen for the situation. Who is speaking, and what do they need to find out? You do not have to translate every word.
2. Try before the answer. Use the response pause, or pause the video yourself. Say a complete short phrase.
3. Compare and change one detail. Listen to the model, try again, then change the name or other detail. If you get stuck, return to the example and make another attempt.
4. Write one useful line. Use a fictional name or place. Read your line back and connect it with the spoken example.

The videos provide models and time to respond. They do not record, score or certify your speech. If you are unsure about a sound, replay the relevant German phrase rather than inventing an English spelling for it.

What follows in the first module?

The planned next steps are numbers 0–20, using sein to say who people are, building regular present-tense sentences, asking someone to repeat or speak slowly, and a checkpoint conversation. The checkpoint brings earlier skills together with changed details. These are planned lessons; availability is shown only when a lesson is published.

What does A1 mean here?

A1 is a beginner level. Goethe-Institut describes it as including simple introductions, basic personal questions and everyday exchanges when the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help. These first conversations cover a small part of that wider level. Finishing them does not establish A1 proficiency or guarantee an exam result.

The wider course plan develops everyday situations and all four skills over time. Choose the next published lesson after you can follow the current example and make a small change of your own. Take extra practice time whenever you need it; there is no promised mastery deadline.

Goethe-Institut's description of Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 →The first conversations cover only a small part of this wider level.

Sources & related resources

Use official sources for current requirements. Continue with the resource that fits your next task.

Begin with Lesson 1: introduce yourself →
Read the original dialogue and explanations.

Watch the German A1 playlist →
The first three video lessons, in order.