Overview
telc (the European Language Certificates) offers a wide family of German exams from A1 to C2, each tied to a CEFR level and focused on using language to communicate in real situations. Beyond the general exams, telc also offers exams for school pupils, for university study, for business and for medical and nursing professionals, plus dual-level exams that assess two adjacent levels at once. This page covers the general-purpose exams and the C1 Hochschule exam for university applicants.
Exam pattern
Each general exam has a written part (reading, listening and, depending on the level, language elements and writing) and an oral part. Timings below are those given on the telc page for each exam; "parts" means the number of task sections within a subtest.
| Level | Written part | Oral exam | Format and partial exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 (Start Deutsch 1) | Listening: 3 parts, about 20 min, no break. Reading (3 parts) and writing (2 parts): 45 min together | 3 parts, about 15 min, usually 4 test takers, no preparation time | Paper only; cannot be taken in parts |
| A2 (Start Deutsch 2) | Listening: 3 parts, about 20 min, no break. Reading (3 parts) and writing (2 parts): 50 min together | 3 parts, about 15 min, usually 2 test takers, no preparation time | Paper only; cannot be taken in parts |
| B1 (Zertifikat Deutsch) | Reading (3 parts) and language elements (2 parts): 90 min together, no break. Listening: 3 parts, about 30 min. Writing: 1 part, 30 min | 3 parts, about 15 min, in pairs, 20 min preparation | Computer or paper; the page does not mention partial exams |
| B2 | Reading (3 parts) and language elements (2 parts): 90 min together, no break. Listening: 3 parts, about 20 min. Writing: 1 part, 30 min | 3 parts, about 15 min, in pairs, 20 min preparation | Digital, hybrid or paper; partial exams possible |
| C1 and C1 Hochschule | Reading (3 parts) and language elements (1 part): 90 min together, then a 20 min break. Listening: 3 parts, about 40 min. Writing: 1 part, 70 min | 3 parts, about 16 min, usually 2 participants, 20 min preparation | Digital, hybrid or paper; partial exams possible |
| C2 | Reading: 3 parts, 80 min, then a 20 min break. Listening and writing combined: 1 part, 60 min. Writing: 1 part, 90 min | 2 parts, about 15 min, usually 1 participant, 20 min preparation | Digital, hybrid or paper; partial exams possible |
C1 and C1 Hochschule share the same format. The Hochschule version is designed to test skills needed for university study and academic work.
Fees and dates
The telc exam pages do not list a price or exam dates. Exams are booked through telc examination centres, so use the telc centre finder to locate one near you and ask it for dates and fees.
How to apply
Choose the exam that matches the level and purpose you need, then book it at a telc examination centre. telc also lists remote tests and digital exams among its services. Free mock exams with audio files can be downloaded from each exam page.
Preparation tips
Download the free mock examination for your level and time yourself against the timings in the table.
For the oral part at B1 to C2, practise using your 20 minutes of preparation time well.
If you only need part of the exam again, check whether your level allows partial exams: telc states that A1 and A2 cannot be taken in parts, while B2, C1, C1 Hochschule and C2 can.
Can I take part of a telc German exam?
telc says partial exams are possible at B2, C1, C1 Hochschule and C2, and not at A1 and A2. Its B1 page does not say, so ask your centre.
Which telc German exam is meant for university study?
telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, which tests skills needed for university studies and academic careers. Check with your university that it accepts this exam.
Is telc Deutsch available digitally?
Several levels can be taken digitally or in hybrid form, such as B2, C1 and C2. A1 and A2 are paper-based, and B1 is offered on computer or paper.