Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about the TELC B1 exam and our preparation platform.

The TELC B1 Exam

What is the TELC B1 exam?

The TELC Deutsch B1 exam is a standardised language test that certifies German language proficiency at the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It is widely recognised by employers, universities, and government authorities in Germany and other German-speaking countries. The certificate proves that you can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar topics, handle most situations you might encounter while travelling in a German-speaking region, and produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.

What sections does the TELC B1 exam consist of?

The exam is divided into a written part and an oral part. The written part includes four sections: Reading Comprehension (Lesen), Language Elements (Sprachbausteine), Listening Comprehension (Hören), and Written Expression (Schreiben). The oral part (Sprechen) is taken together with a partner and comprises three tasks: presenting a topic to your partner, having a conversation about a shared topic, and jointly planning an activity or event.

How long does the TELC B1 exam take?

The written portion of the exam lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The oral exam takes about 15 to 20 minutes per pair of candidates. Overall, you should plan to spend roughly half a day at the exam centre, as there are organisational procedures, breaks, and waiting times between sections.

What score do I need to pass?

To pass the TELC B1 exam, you need to score at least 60% in both the written and the oral parts. These two parts are evaluated separately, and you must pass each one individually. If you fail only one part, some exam centres allow you to retake just the failed section within a certain time period, without having to repeat the entire exam.

Where can I take the TELC B1 exam?

TELC exams are offered at licensed test centres throughout Germany and in many other countries around the world. Common exam locations include Volkshochschulen (adult education centres) and private language schools. You can search for a test centre near you on the official TELC website at telc.net.

Is the TELC B1 certificate accepted for German citizenship or a residence permit?

Yes. The TELC Deutsch B1 certificate is officially recognised as proof of sufficient German language proficiency for naturalisation (Einbürgerung) in Germany. It is also accepted in connection with various residence permit applications. However, requirements can vary depending on your specific situation and the responsible authority, so it is always a good idea to verify the exact requirements with your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).

Our Platform

Is this platform free to use?

Yes, the core features of the platform are entirely free. We offer a broad selection of practice exercises for all four exam sections at no cost. The free version is supported by advertising through Google AdSense. If you prefer an ad-free experience or wish to access additional premium content, a paid option is available.

Do I need to create an account?

No, you can begin practising immediately without signing up. Your learning progress is automatically saved in your browser's local storage, so you can pick up right where you left off. However, creating a free account lets you synchronise your progress across multiple devices and take advantage of additional features as they become available.

Do the exercises match the real exam format?

Yes. Our exercises are carefully designed to mirror the structure, difficulty level, and question types of the actual TELC B1 exam. This includes the number of items per task, the types of texts used, and the range of topics that typically appear in the real test. Practising with realistic material is one of the most effective ways to prepare.

How often is new content added?

We add new exercises and update existing material on a regular basis. Our aim is to build a continuously growing library of practice tasks so that returning users always find fresh content. If you have suggestions for topics or exercise types you would like to see, feel free to get in touch.

Can I use this platform on my phone?

Absolutely. The platform is fully responsive and has been tested on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. You can practise on the go whenever you have a few spare minutes — during your commute, on a break, or while waiting in line.

Why do I see an ad blocker notice?

Advertising revenue is what allows us to keep the platform free for all users. If your browser has an ad blocker enabled, you may see a notice asking you to either whitelist our site or consider upgrading to a premium subscription. This is not meant to be intrusive — it simply helps us cover hosting costs and continue developing new exercises and features.

Study Tips

How long should I prepare for the TELC B1 exam?

The amount of preparation time you need depends on your current level. If you are at a solid A2 level, plan for at least 4 to 8 weeks of regular, focused practice. If your German is already close to B1, a few weeks of targeted review and exam-format practice may be sufficient. The most important thing is consistency: practising a little every day is far more effective than cramming in long sessions once a week. Set a realistic study schedule and stick to it.

What is the best way to prepare for the listening section?

Make listening to German a daily habit. Use our listening exercises to become familiar with the exam format and the types of questions you will face. In addition, supplement your practice with German-language podcasts, news broadcasts, YouTube videos, and films. Train yourself to grasp the main idea of a passage even when you do not catch every word. A particularly useful exam strategy is to read the questions before the audio plays, so you already know what information to listen for.

How can I improve my writing for the exam?

Focus on the types of texts that appear on the exam: semi-formal letters and messages. Common topics include making a complaint, requesting information, responding to an invitation, or expressing an opinion. Pay careful attention to structure — every text should have a clear greeting, introduction, main body with your key points, and an appropriate closing. Use linking words such as deshalb, außerdem, and trotzdem to connect your sentences smoothly. Write regularly, and if possible, ask a teacher or a native speaker to review your texts and point out recurring mistakes.

Any tips for the speaking part of the exam?

The oral exam is taken with a partner, so practising with another person is ideal. If that is not possible, practise speaking out loud on your own — this builds fluency and confidence. For Part 1, prepare brief presentations on everyday topics (hobbies, travel, work, family). For Part 2, practise responding to what someone says: agreeing, disagreeing politely, and asking follow-up questions. For Part 3, learn useful phrases for making suggestions (Wir könnten..., Was hältst du davon, wenn...) and reaching agreement. During the exam, speak clearly, stay on topic, and remember that the examiners are assessing your ability to communicate effectively — not whether your grammar is flawless.