Telc Deutsch B1 Prüfung¶
The Telc Deutsch B1 examination is a standardized German language test that assesses your ability to use German independently in everyday situations. It corresponds to the B1 level (Intermediate) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Successfully passing the B1 exam means you can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc., deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken, produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest, and describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
📝 Exam Structure¶
The B1 examination consists of two main parts: a Written Examination and an Oral Examination.
I. Written Examination (Schriftliche Prüfung)¶
Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
The written part is conducted without a break and is divided into three sections:
| Part | Section | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leseverstehen (Reading Comprehension) | 90 min (with Sprachbausteine) | Understanding global, selective, and detailed information in texts (e.g., newspaper articles, emails, short reports). |
| 2. | Sprachbausteine (Language Elements/Grammar & Vocabulary) | 90 min (with Leseverstehen) | Completing gaps in texts by choosing the correct word or phrase. Tests vocabulary and grammatical structures. |
| 3. | Hörverstehen (Listening Comprehension) | Approx. 30 min | Understanding global, selective, and detailed information from spoken texts (e.g., announcements, radio dialogues, discussions). |
| 4. | Schriftlicher Ausdruck (Writing) | 30 min | Writing a cohesive text, typically a formal or informal email or letter, in response to a prompt. |
(Note: The "Leseverstehen" and "Sprachbausteine" sections are timed together.)
II. Oral Examination (Mündliche Prüfung)¶
Approx. 15 minutes
The oral exam is typically conducted with a partner (two candidates) and two examiners. It takes place after the written exam and has a preparation time of 20 minutes.
| Part | Activity | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Gemeinsam etwas planen (Joint Planning) | Discussing and planning a shared activity or project with your partner based on given points. |
| 2. | Über ein Thema sprechen (Speaking about a Topic) | One candidate gives a short presentation/talk about a pre-prepared topic (e.g., a country, a hobby, an experience), and the other asks a question. |
| 3. | Meinungsaustausch (Exchange of Opinions) | Discussing and exchanging views on a controversial or thematic statement provided by the examiners. |
✅ Passing the Exam¶
To pass the entire B1 Telc exam, candidates must achieve a minimum of 60% of the total score in both the written and oral parts:
- Written Exam (Leseverstehen, Sprachbausteine, Hörverstehen, Schriftlicher Ausdruck): You need at least 135 points out of a possible 225.
- Oral Exam: You need at least 45 points out of a possible 75.
If you pass one part (e.g., Written) but not the other (e.g., Oral), you can retake the failed part separately.