telc Deutsch A1 and A2: format, rules and differences from Goethe
telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1)
The exam has a written and an oral part. The written part runs without a break. The exam is taken on paper and cannot be taken in parts.[1]
| Part | Number of Teile | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hören | 3 | about 20 minutes | written part, no break |
| Lesen and Schreiben | 3 and 2 | 45 minutes | written part |
| Sprechen | 3 | about 15 minutes | usually 4 candidates, no preparation time |
The pass mark is 60% (60 points).
telc Deutsch A2 (Start Deutsch 2)
The structure is similar to A1, but the Lesen and Schreiben block is longer and Sprechen is usually taken in pairs. The exam is on paper, with no modules.[2]
| Part | Number of Teile | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hören | 3 | about 20 minutes | written part, no break |
| Lesen and Schreiben | 3 and 2 | 50 minutes | written part |
| Sprechen | 3 | about 15 minutes | usually 2 candidates, no preparation time |
We could not confirm the pass rule for telc Deutsch A2 in an official source. Check it in the free Übungstest on the exam page at telc.net.
telc Deutsch A2·B1: a two-level exam
telc has one more option: telc Deutsch A2·B1. It contains tasks of both levels in every part, and depending on your result you receive an A2 or a B1 certificate. Structure: Lesen 45, Sprachbausteine 35, Hören 35 and Schreiben 10 minutes, and Sprechen about 15 minutes (usually in pairs, with no preparation time). This exam is taken in digital, hybrid or paper form, and it also cannot be taken in parts.[3] If your goal is B1 but an A2 certificate would also be useful, consider this option; for B1 in detail, see telc Deutsch B1.
telc and Goethe: the differences at A1 and A2
The table below compares only information confirmed on the official pages.[1][2][4][5]
| telc A1 | Goethe A1 | telc A2 | Goethe A2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hören | ~20 min. | ~20 min. | ~20 min. | ~30 min. |
| Lesen | 45 min. (together) | 25 min. | 50 min. (together) | 30 min. |
| Schreiben | 20 min. | 30 min. | ||
| Sprechen | ~15 min., usually 4 people | ~15 min., up to 4 people | ~15 min., usually in pairs | ~15 min. in pairs / ~10 min. alone |
| Preparation time (Sprechen) | none | none | none | none |
| Pass | 60% | 60 points out of 100 | not verified | 60 points; 45+ written, 15+ oral |
| Retaking | cannot be taken in parts | only as a whole | cannot be taken in parts | as an exception, the written or oral part separately |
In practice the choice often depends on which exam you need (for example, a visa or employer requirement), on the dates and on where the centre is. Ask the organisation that requires the certificate in advance which certificate it accepts.
The telc exam in Uzbekistan
According to telc-usbekistan.com, the centre is run by "Bildung und Beruf" and operates in Tashkent (Kamashi Street 48B), Samarkand (Mirzo Ulugbek Street 7) and Fergana, and it holds digital exams.[6] We could not verify this centre's telc licence on telc.net. Ask the centre directly for the price, the dates and which exams it holds, and confirm with telc if needed.
How to prepare
- The official Übungstest. The telc A1 and A2 pages let you download a full practice set, with answers and audio files, free of charge.[1][2] It also shows you how the marking works.
- Lesen and Schreiben together. In telc these two parts share one block of time. In practice, work on them together with one timer and measure how much time is left for Schreiben.
- Sprechen. No preparation time is given. You speak in a group in A1 and usually in pairs in A2, so practise out loud with another person.
Goethe or telc: how to choose
- Check the requirement. Find out in writing which exams the organisation that asks for the certificate (an embassy, employer or educational institution) accepts.
- Compare dates and city. At the Goethe-Institut Tashkent registration opens on the 1st of every month; ask the telc centre for its dates. More detail: The Goethe exam in Tashkent.
- Try the format. Work through the official practice set of both organisations against the clock and see which structure suits you better.
telc A1 and A2 practice on Prufling
Prufling has 64 practice tasks in the telc Deutsch A1 format and 64 in the telc Deutsch A2 format, for every Teil. The first task of each Teil is free. For each exam there are 8 full Modellsatz papers: Hören, Lesen, Schreiben and Sprechen in the exam order and with the exam timing; Modellsatz 1 is free and the rest come with Pro. AI marks Schreiben and Sprechen against the exam criteria (the free plan includes 3 checks per month); these scores are estimates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between telc A1 and Goethe A1?
Both are A1 exams called Start Deutsch 1, both test the four skills and both are passed with 60%. The difference is the organiser and the structure of the written part: in telc, Lesen and Schreiben share one 45-minute block, while in Goethe they are separate, at 25 and 20 minutes.
Can you take telc A1 or A2 in parts?
No. According to the telc page, telc Deutsch A1 and A2 are taken on paper and cannot be taken in part (as a separate module).
Where can you take the telc exam in Uzbekistan?
According to telc-usbekistan.com, the centre operates in Tashkent, Samarkand and Fergana. We could not verify the centre's licence on telc.net, so confirm with telc before you register.
What score do you need to pass telc A2?
We could not confirm the pass rule for telc Deutsch A2 in an official source. Check the exam page on telc.net and the scoring section of the free Übungstest.
Practise in the exam format, free
Prufling has Lesen, Hören, Schreiben and Sprechen practice in the exam format, with AI scores and feedback on writing and speaking.
Prufling is independent and not affiliated with the Goethe-Institut, telc gGmbH or ÖSD. AI scores are estimates, not official results.
Sources
Figures and rules are taken from the official sources below. Fees and dates change — check the official page before you register.