telc Deutsch B1
telc Deutsch B1 (also called Zertifikat Deutsch, exam no. 1061) is a single 300-point exam split into a written part (225 points) and an oral part (75 points). Unlike Goethe B1 it is not modular: you must reach 60% in each of the two parts, with no compensation between them.
Exam structure
The written exam is 150 minutes plus a 20-minute break before Hören; the oral is a ~15-minute paired exam after 20 minutes of supervised preparation.
Leseverstehen
| Part | Task | Items | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teil 1 | Match 5 texts to 10 headings (Global) | 5 | 25 |
| Teil 2 | Multiple choice on an article (Detail) | 5 | 25 |
| Teil 3 | Match 10 situations to 12 adverts (Selektiv) | 10 | 25 |
Sprachbausteine
| Part | Task | Items | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teil 1 | Grammar cloze, 3 options each | 10 | 15 |
| Teil 2 | Vocabulary cloze from a 15-word bank | 10 | 15 |
Hörverstehen
| Part | Task | Items | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teil 1 | Richtig/Falsch, short texts (Global) | 5 | 25 |
| Teil 2 | Richtig/Falsch, interview (Detail) | 10 | 25 |
| Teil 3 | Richtig/Falsch, announcements (Selektiv) | 5 | 25 |
Schriftlicher Ausdruck
| Part | Task | Items | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brief | Half-formal letter, 4 Leitpunkte, 1 of 2 prompts | 1 | 45 |
Mündliche Prüfung
| Part | Task | Items | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teil 1 | Kontaktaufnahme — getting acquainted | ~3–4 min | 15 |
| Teil 2 | Discuss a topic (each has a text/graphic) | ~5–6 min | 30 |
| Teil 3 | Solve a task together (joint planning) | ~5–6 min | 30 |
Pass rules & grades
telc B1 is passed on the two parts independently: you need at least 60% in the written part and 60% in the oral part, and a strong result in one cannot compensate for a weak result in the other.
- Written: at least 135 of 225 points (60%).
- Oral: at least 45 of 75 points (60%).
- Overall weighting: written 75%, oral 25%, total 300 points.
- Grades of 300: sehr gut 270+, gut 240+, befriedigend 210+, ausreichend 180+.
Fees & retakes
In Germany telc B1 typically costs about €130–230 (VHS centres roughly €100–185, private centres €149–229). If you fail, one whole part — the entire written OR the entire oral — can be retaken within 12 months while carrying over the part you passed; a result review costs about €40. A telc-licensed centre also exists in Uzbekistan.
What the certificate is used for
B1 is the level that opens the main long-stay routes into Germany. telc B1 is one of the accepted certificates for each.
- Einbürgerung (citizenship) — B1 language proof.
- Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement) — B1 ("ausreichend").
- Ausbildungsplatzsuche (training-place search) — B1.
- Chancenkarte points — B1 counts as 2 points.
Frequently asked questions
Is telc B1 modular like Goethe B1?
No. telc B1 is a single exam with two parts — written (225 points) and oral (75 points). You must pass both; there are no separately certified modules.
What score do I need to pass?
You need at least 60% in each part: 135 of 225 in the written exam and 45 of 75 in the oral. The two parts do not compensate for each other.
How long is the exam?
The written exam runs 150 minutes plus a 20-minute break before Hören. The oral is a paired exam of about 15 minutes, after 20 minutes of supervised preparation.
Can I retake only the part I failed?
If you fail, you may retake one whole Teilprüfung — the entire written part or the entire oral part — within 12 months and carry over the part you passed. You must declare this carry-over when you register.
What is Sprachbausteine?
Sprachbausteine is the language-elements section: 10 grammar cloze items (3 options each) and 10 vocabulary cloze items from a word bank, worth 30 points in total, sat within the reading time.
How much does telc B1 cost?
In Germany the fee is typically about €130–230 depending on the centre. There is also a telc-licensed centre in Uzbekistan; check its current fee directly.
Is telc B1 accepted for citizenship?
telc B1 is one of the certificates accepted as B1 language proof for Einbürgerung (citizenship) and for a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). Always confirm the exact requirement with the relevant authority.
Is Prufling official telc practice material?
No. Prufling is an independent learning service, not affiliated with or endorsed by telc gGmbH. Our practice items are original and built to match the official format; AI scores are estimates, not official results.
See where you stand — free
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