How to Start Learning German? Why I Chose the Goethe-Zertifikat
My progress so far
August 2023 - Started self-study
November 2023 - Took the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 exam → Passed
March 2024 - Took the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 exam → Passed
September 2024 - Took the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 exam
September 2024 - Currently at 1 year and 1 month. Continuing self-study.
I want to start learning German, but...
It was about a year ago that I decided to start learning German. If it were English, there would be piles of materials available at any bookstore, but for German, there aren't that many. I like to study from grammar, so I first looked for a basic grammar book, but I couldn't quite decide on one. Also, since there are few series available, there is the problem of having to think about which textbook to move on to next once you choose an introductory one.
I wanted to make the learning steps easier to understand, so I looked into certification exams.
The 'Dokken' (German Language Proficiency Test) and the Goethe-Zertifikat
When I looked into it, I found that the 'Dokken' is a major exam that can be taken in Japan. However, in my case, I also wanted to study writing and speaking from the beginner level, so I did a little more research. That's when I found the Goethe-Zertifikat, an international qualification that can be taken in Japan.
What are A1 and A2?
The Goethe-Zertifikat is a qualification that can certify German language proficiency based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). There are six levels starting from the beginner level: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. It is a system where other European languages can also be evaluated using this same standard. I only learned this when I looked it up at that time...
The benefits of learning with Goethe-Zertifikat materials
To check the content of the exam, I looked at the practice problems for exam preparation posted on the official website of the Goethe-Institut . One of its features is that from the A1 level, there are all parts: reading (Lesen), listening (Hören), writing (Schreiben), and speaking (Sprechen). As for the content, I thought it would be useful because there are many practical things, such as reading emails and advertisements, listening to announcements in public transportation, airports, stations, and commercial facilities, writing emails, and asking questions or communicating. In reading, there are no questions that ask about grammar itself, only reading comprehension of various types of texts.
At first, my goal wasn't to get the qualification itself, but since the content was substantial, I thought I would take the exam if I was going to study anyway.
The drawbacks of Goethe-Zertifikat materials
Major exam preparation materials are all written in German. Since they are difficult to obtain at bookstores, I purchase them on Amazon. It was a bit troublesome at first because I had to use the textbooks while translating them, but now I'm used to it and it's not that much of a resistance anymore.
Starting from A1
With that background, I gathered materials for A1 and started studying. Currently, I have passed A1 and A2 and have finished taking the B1 exam, but this learning method seems to suit me so far. There is no stress of getting lost about what to study next, and I think it is one of the factors that keeps my motivation up. Now, when I see people studying at a higher level, I think it's cool...
Can you study by yourself?
If you are able to attend a language school or take lessons, I think that is ideal. You can have your pronunciation checked, and it is also possible to get feedback on your writing and speaking. However, since it does cost money, I decided to try my best with self-study as far as I could, and I have been studying in my own way up until now. I know there are many people who cannot take lessons for various reasons, so I would like to share details about my study methods and more in a separate article. I hope it will be of some help to you.