The TELC B1 pass mark is 60% in each of the two exams, scored separately:
- Written exam: at least 135 of 225 points
- Oral exam: at least 45 of 75 points
The total is 300 points, so the minimum combined score is 180. But a high written score can't make up for a failed oral exam, and a high oral score can't make up for a failed written exam.
The rest of this guide covers how those 300 points are split across the sections and how many points each question is worth.
📊 Overview of the 300-Point System
The entire TELC B1 exam is scored out of a maximum of 300 points. These points are divided into two main categories: the Written Part and the Oral Part.
| Category | Maximum Points | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Written Part (Modules 1-4) | 225 Points | 75% |
| Oral Part (Section 5) | 75 Points | 25% |
| Total Possible | 300 Points | 100% |
📝 Breakdown of the Written Part (225 Points)
The written portion of the exam consists of four distinct modules, each with its own point distribution.
| Section | Part | Questions | Points per question | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leseverstehen (Reading) | Teil 1 | 5 | 5 | 25 |
| Teil 2 | 5 | 5 | 25 | |
| Teil 3 | 10 | 2.5 | 25 | |
| Sprachbausteine (Language Elements) | Teil 1 | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Teil 2 | 10 | 1.5 | 15 | |
| Hörverstehen (Listening) | Teil 1 | 5 | 5 | 25 |
| Teil 2 | 10 | 2.5 | 25 | |
| Teil 3 | 5 | 5 | 25 | |
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck (Writing) | Letter/email | 1 | — | 45 |
| Total written | 225 |
Not all questions are worth the same. A question in Leseverstehen Teil 1 or 2, or in Hörverstehen Teil 1 or 3, is worth 5 points. That's twice a Teil 3 matching item and more than three times a Sprachbausteine gap. Spend your time where the points are.
Wrong answers aren't penalised, so never leave a question blank.
1. Leseverstehen (Reading) - 75 Points
- Structure: 20 questions across three parts. You get 90 minutes for Leseverstehen and Sprachbausteine together.
- Scoring: 25 points per part. Teil 1 and 2 are worth 5 points per question, Teil 3 is worth 2.5. See the Leseverstehen Teil-by-Teil guide.
2. Sprachbausteine (Language Elements) - 30 Points
- Structure: 20 gaps across two parts.
- Scoring: Each correct answer is worth 1.5 points (20 × 1.5 = 30 points).
3. Hörverstehen (Listening) - 75 Points
- Structure: 20 questions across three parts, about 30 minutes.
- Scoring: 25 points per part. Teil 1 and 3 are worth 5 points per question, Teil 2 is worth 2.5.
4. Schriftlicher Ausdruck (Writing) - 45 Points
- Structure: One letter or email based on four bullet points (Leitpunkte).
- Scoring: Assessed on three criteria (task completion, communicative design, and formal accuracy), for a maximum of 45 points. See the Schreiben grading criteria.
🗣️ Breakdown of the Oral Part (75 Points)
The oral exam is typically conducted in pairs and graded on the spot by two trained examiners.
| Task | Points |
|---|---|
| Introduction (Part 1) | 15 Points |
| Presentation (Part 2) | 30 Points |
| Planning (Part 3) | 30 Points |
| Total Oral | 75 Points |
Note: You are also graded on your Pronunciation, Intonation, and Fluency throughout the entire conversation.
✅ Passing Thresholds: What You Need to Succeed
To receive your B1 certificate, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Written Part: You must score at least 60% of 225 points, which is 135 points.
- Oral Part: You must score at least 60% of 75 points, which is 45 points.
The two parts don't compensate for each other: 200 written points plus 40 oral points is a fail, even though the total is 240.
Important Note: If you pass the written part but fail the oral part (or vice versa), you only need to retake the part you failed. telc sets a deadline for that retake, typically the end of the calendar year after your first attempt. Confirm the exact date with your test centre. See what to do after failing TELC B1.
🏆 Final Grade Brackets
Your final grade is based on your total points (assuming you passed both sections):
- Very Good (Sehr gut): 270 - 300 points
- Good (Gut): 240 - 269.5 points
- Satisfactory (Befriedigend): 210 - 239.5 points
- Sufficient (Ausreichend): 180 - 209.5 points (The minimum passing grade)
Ready to see how you'd score? Take our AI-powered mock exam and get your estimated grade instantly!