Basic German in 15 Days 2026

Learn basic German in 15 days. This plan covers all 30 beginner lessons (CEFR A1) at 2 lessons a day, about 50 minutes daily. Each day you read the lessons, listen to the phrases and take that day's quiz. The final assessment draws 40 questions at random from the whole course; score 80% or more to download your certificate.

Course
Germany
300 questions
Checked October 13, 2026
Language-reviewed October 13, 2026

Quick answer

This free course has about 750 minutes of lessons, 15 untimed topic quizzes (300 questions in all) and a timed final assessment of 40 questions drawn at random. Score 80% or more on the final assessment to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026.

Start with the lessonsBasic German: 30 Lessons: about 750 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

What you will learn

Greet people, introduce yourself and choose between du and Sie
Say and understand numbers, prices, dates and clock times
Talk about your family, your home, your work and your free time in short sentences
Order in a café, shop for food and clothes, and pay at the checkout
Ask for directions, buy a ticket and understand simple train information
Make an appointment and handle a short phone call
Say what you did yesterday and what you plan to do
Ask for help in an emergency

Score 80% or more to download your certificate.

Your study plan

Read each lesson, take its topic quiz (untimed, with explanations), then the timed final assessment. A new mix of questions is drawn every time. Your progress is saved in this browser.

Day 1: Sounds and letters and Hello and goodbye

What to know before the test

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) calls levels A1 and A2 “basic user” levels.
At CEFR level A1, a learner can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases, introduce themselves and others, and ask and answer simple questions about personal details, such as where they live, people they know and things they have. They can interact in a simple way if the other person talks slowly and clearly and is ready to help.
The Goethe-Institut describes A1 as the first “basic user” level: you can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases, introduce yourself and others, and interact in a simple way.
The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 is a German exam for adults that confirms basic skills at CEFR level A1. It has four parts: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The Goethe-Institut estimates 80 to 200 lessons of 45 minutes to reach this level, depending on what you already know.
112 is the emergency number everywhere in the European Union, including Germany. It is free and works from fixed and mobile phones.
Berlin’s official website gives 110 as the police emergency number. Call it only if you or someone else is in danger. For an ambulance after an accident with injuries, call 112.

Frequently asked questions

Which plan should I choose: 7, 10, 15 or 30 days?

All four plans have the same 30 units and the same questions. Only the daily load changes: about 4–5 units a day in 7 days, 3 a day in 10 days, 2 a day in 15 days, and 1 a day in 30 days. Choose the plan that fits the time you have each day.

What level will I reach?

The course covers the basics of level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): everyday phrases, simple questions and answers, and short conversations when people speak slowly and clearly.

Is this an official German certificate?

No. This is an independent practice course. It is not an official language exam and is not connected to the Goethe-Institut or any other testing body. If you need proof of your German, take an official exam such as the Goethe-Zertifikat A1.

How do the listening questions work?

Press the play button and your device reads the German text aloud with a computer voice. You can play it again. After you answer, you can read the text.

Do I need to know any German before I start?

No. The course starts with the alphabet and simple greetings. All instructions and explanations are in English.

What should I do after this course?

Keep practising every day: review the units, read and listen to simple German, and speak with other people. Then move on to level A2, or take an official A1 exam if you need a certificate.

Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?

No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.