To pass the TELC B1 German exam, you must first understand its technical architecture. This guide provides a definitive, structured breakdown of exactly what to expect on exam day.
The TELC B1 exam consists of two main parts: the Written Examination and the Oral Examination.
Written Examination Overview
The written exam lasts approximately 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) and is divided into four main modules.
| Module | Sub-Section | Time | Questions | Max Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leseverstehen (Reading) | Parts 1, 2, 3 | 90 min | 20 | 75 |
| Sprachbausteine (Language) | Parts 1, 2 | (Included in Reading) | 20 | 30 |
| Hörverstehen (Listening) | Parts 1, 2, 3 | 30 min | 20 | 75 |
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck (Writing) | Letter/Email | 30 min | 1 | 45 |
| Total Written | 150 min | 61 | 225 |
Detailed Section Breakdown
1. Leseverstehen (Reading Comprehension)
This section tests your ability to understand various types of German texts, from global information to specific details.
- Teil 1 (Global): Matching five headlines to five short texts.
- Teil 2 (Detail): Reading a longer text and answering five multiple-choice questions (a, b, or c).
- Teil 3 (Selective): Matching ten advertisements or short items to specific situations.
2. Sprachbausteine (Language Elements)
Integrated within the reading timeframe, this module focuses on grammar and vocabulary.
- Teil 1: Multiple-choice cloze test (10 items).
- Teil 2: Gap-fill with a word bank (10 items).
3. Hörverstehen (Listening Comprehension)
You will listen to audio recordings and answer questions based on what you hear.
- Teil 1 (Global): Understanding the main points of five short announcements (True/False).
- Teil 2 (Detail): Following a longer interview or conversation (10 True/False items).
- Teil 3 (Selective): Identifying specific information from five short everyday situations (True/False).
4. Schriftlicher Ausdruck (Written Expression)
You must write a formal or semi-formal letter/email based on a specific prompt and four bullet points.
- Task: Respond to a situation (e.g., an invitation, a complaint, or a request for information).
- Requirement: Cover all four given points and maintain appropriate tone and structure.
Oral Examination Overview
The oral exam usually takes place on the same day or shortly after the written exam. It is typically conducted in pairs (two candidates).
| Section | Task | Time | Max Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teil 1 | Kontaktaufnahme (Introduction) | ~2 min | 15 |
| Teil 2 | Gespräch über ein Thema (Presentation) | ~5 min | 30 |
| Teil 3 | Etwas zusammen planen (Planning) | ~6 min | 30 |
| Total Oral | ~15 min | 75 |
Preparation Time: Candidates receive 20 minutes before the oral exam to prepare for Teils 2 and 3.
Final Scoring Summary
The total possible score is 300 points.
- Written Part: 225 Points (75%)
- Oral Part: 75 Points (25%)
- Passing Threshold: You must achieve at least 60% in both the written (135 points) and oral (45 points) sections to pass the overall exam.
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