telc B1 Exam — Everything You Need to Know
The telc Deutsch B1 is one of the most widely accepted intermediate German certificates. It is recognized by German immigration authorities, employers, and universities. At B1 level you should be able to handle most everyday situations in German-speaking countries and express yourself on familiar topics.
Exam Overview
The telc B1 exam tests all four language skills. The written exam takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, and the speaking exam is conducted separately, usually in pairs.
- ✓Reading (Leseverstehen): 3 tasks, testing different text types
- ✓Language elements (Sprachbausteine): 2 tasks on vocabulary and grammar in context
- ✓Listening (Hörverstehen): 3 tasks with different audio formats
- ✓Writing (Schriftlicher Ausdruck): 1 task — a semi-formal letter or email
- ✓Speaking (Mündliche Prüfung): 3 parts — monologue, dialogue, planning task
Reading & Language Elements
The reading section uses authentic texts such as newspaper articles, advertisements, and informational brochures. The language elements section tests your knowledge of vocabulary and grammar through gap-fill exercises.
- ✓For Part 1 (matching): read the situations first, then scan texts for matching keywords
- ✓For gap-fill: always read the full sentence before choosing — context beats guesswork
- ✓Watch for synonyms — texts often paraphrase what the question states directly
- ✓Practice B1 grammar: Konjunktiv II, Passiv, and two-way prepositions
Tipp: The language elements section is highly learnable. Study common collocations and fixed phrases — they come up repeatedly.
Listening: Active Note-Taking
The listening section includes everyday conversations, radio-style announcements, and a longer interview or discussion. You are allowed to take notes — make the most of this.
- ✓Before each audio: read the questions and underline the key information requested
- ✓Use abbreviations in your notes — you do not have time to write full sentences
- ✓In discussions: identify who holds which opinion
- ✓Practice with DW Deutsch B1 audio materials and telc sample tests
Writing: Address Every Point
You must write a letter or email of around 100 words. The task gives you 3–4 bullet points that you must address. Each missing point costs significant marks — this is the most common reason candidates lose points.
- ✓Plan before you write: spend 3–4 minutes organizing your ideas
- ✓Write one paragraph per bullet point for a clear structure
- ✓Use connecting words: 'außerdem', 'deshalb', 'obwohl', 'trotzdem'
- ✓Check your register: is the task formal (Sie) or informal (du)?
- ✓Proofread for verb endings, noun capitalization, and sentence structure
Tipp: A letter that addresses all points with simple language scores better than a beautifully written text that misses a required point.
Speaking: Show Willingness to Communicate
The speaking exam is not about perfection. The examiners assess your ability to communicate effectively. Being interactive, asking follow-up questions, and showing flexibility will score well.
- ✓Part 1 (monologue): present a picture or topic — use a clear structure: What do I see? What does it mean to me?
- ✓Part 2 (question & answer): prepare to ask and answer questions on everyday topics
- ✓Part 3 (joint task): make suggestions, agree and disagree politely — show flexibility
- ✓Use filler phrases if you need thinking time: 'Das ist eine gute Frage...', 'Ich denke, dass...'