About the exam

General information about the exam telc B1

The telc B1 exam is a standardized test that tests how confident a candidate is in a language at the appropriate level.
It is intended for people who want to communicate freely and independently in German in everyday life, at work or in studies.
Such an exam is recognized in many countries and can be conducted both face-to-face and online.
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Sergiy Shakhtyor
Hello everyone! I recommend this website for preparing for the German exam. There is a lot of useful information here, everything is well organized, and the best part – incorrect answers are explained, which really helps with learning. It would be great if the developers also created an app for this...
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Lyudmila Blyashenko
Olena, I sincerely want to thank you for helping me prepare for the B1 exam. In difficult times, you became my best assistant and German teacher — it was a joy to learn! Thanks to you, I had a clear vision of myself, well-prepared for both the oral and written parts of the B1 exam ❤️. Your lessons w...
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Iren Zeibel
I’m very happy that I found such a website. I have an exam soon and hope it will go well. I will recommend it to my friends. Thank you for being here.
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Andrii
A great site where you can prepare for your German exam. I studied online with Olena to pass the exam, and it helped me a lot. Grammar was also explained in the integration courses, but Olena showed me how to actually pass the exam. As a result, I received a B1 certificate.
Olena is a very good teac...
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Hanna Boltinova
Thanks to the preparation with Olena, I successfully passed the B1 exam. The online lessons were interesting, I was motivated to do homework, and developed a real interest in the German language ☺️ Thank you, Olena — I recommend you to everyone!
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Anna Chin
Hello, from August to October I prepared for the B1 exam with Olena. As a result, I passed the exam and received my B1 certificate. I would like to say that the training with Olena gave me more knowledge than the courses, because during those months my listening, reading, and writing skills improved...
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Viktoriia
I'm really glad I came across your website. It helped me a lot in preparing for the exam. High quality, clear, easy to understand.
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andrijana ristic
As someone who is passionate about teaching German, I can confidently say that this platform has exceeded my expectations in every respect. It is very practical for improving skills in each module, whether learners study independently, in teacher-led classes, or in group courses. What makes “Vorbere...
User Avatar
Sergiy Shakhtyor
Hello everyone! I recommend this website for preparing for the German exam. There is a lot of useful information here, everything is well organized, and the best part – incorrect answers are explained, which really helps with learning. It would be great if the developers also created an app for this...
User Avatar
Lyudmila Blyashenko
Olena, I sincerely want to thank you for helping me prepare for the B1 exam. In difficult times, you became my best assistant and German teacher — it was a joy to learn! Thanks to you, I had a clear vision of myself, well-prepared for both the oral and written parts of the B1 exam ❤️. Your lessons w...
User Avatar
Iren Zeibel
I’m very happy that I found such a website. I have an exam soon and hope it will go well. I will recommend it to my friends. Thank you for being here.
User Avatar
Andrii
A great site where you can prepare for your German exam. I studied online with Olena to pass the exam, and it helped me a lot. Grammar was also explained in the integration courses, but Olena showed me how to actually pass the exam. As a result, I received a B1 certificate.
Olena is a very good teac...
User Avatar
Hanna Boltinova
Thanks to the preparation with Olena, I successfully passed the B1 exam. The online lessons were interesting, I was motivated to do homework, and developed a real interest in the German language ☺️ Thank you, Olena — I recommend you to everyone!
User Avatar
Anna Chin
Hello, from August to October I prepared for the B1 exam with Olena. As a result, I passed the exam and received my B1 certificate. I would like to say that the training with Olena gave me more knowledge than the courses, because during those months my listening, reading, and writing skills improved...
User Avatar
Viktoriia
I'm really glad I came across your website. It helped me a lot in preparing for the exam. High quality, clear, easy to understand.
User Avatar
andrijana ristic
As someone who is passionate about teaching German, I can confidently say that this platform has exceeded my expectations in every respect. It is very practical for improving skills in each module, whether learners study independently, in teacher-led classes, or in group courses. What makes “Vorbere...
User Avatar
Sergiy Shakhtyor
Hello everyone! I recommend this website for preparing for the German exam. There is a lot of useful information here, everything is well organized, and the best part – incorrect answers are explained, which really helps with learning. It would be great if the developers also created an app for this...
User Avatar
Lyudmila Blyashenko
Olena, I sincerely want to thank you for helping me prepare for the B1 exam. In difficult times, you became my best assistant and German teacher — it was a joy to learn! Thanks to you, I had a clear vision of myself, well-prepared for both the oral and written parts of the B1 exam ❤️. Your lessons w...
User Avatar
Iren Zeibel
I’m very happy that I found such a website. I have an exam soon and hope it will go well. I will recommend it to my friends. Thank you for being here.
User Avatar
Andrii
A great site where you can prepare for your German exam. I studied online with Olena to pass the exam, and it helped me a lot. Grammar was also explained in the integration courses, but Olena showed me how to actually pass the exam. As a result, I received a B1 certificate.
Olena is a very good teac...
User Avatar
Hanna Boltinova
Thanks to the preparation with Olena, I successfully passed the B1 exam. The online lessons were interesting, I was motivated to do homework, and developed a real interest in the German language ☺️ Thank you, Olena — I recommend you to everyone!
User Avatar
Anna Chin
Hello, from August to October I prepared for the B1 exam with Olena. As a result, I passed the exam and received my B1 certificate. I would like to say that the training with Olena gave me more knowledge than the courses, because during those months my listening, reading, and writing skills improved...
User Avatar
Viktoriia
I'm really glad I came across your website. It helped me a lot in preparing for the exam. High quality, clear, easy to understand.
User Avatar
andrijana ristic
As someone who is passionate about teaching German, I can confidently say that this platform has exceeded my expectations in every respect. It is very practical for improving skills in each module, whether learners study independently, in teacher-led classes, or in group courses. What makes “Vorbere...

The telc B1 exam is a general German language examination at level B1. It confirms communication skills in everyday situations and the ability to express yourself in a simple, coherent way in personal and professional contexts.

1

Structure of the telc B1 Exam: Sections and Assessment

Preparing for the telc B1 exam means working with practice tests that match the official examination format. It is important to become familiar with the structure and assessment criteria.

The telc Deutsch B1 exam consists of a written and an oral examination. The written examination includes Reading Comprehension (3 parts), Language Elements (2 parts), Listening Comprehension (3 parts), and Written Expression (1 part). The oral examination consists of 3 parts.

Part 1 — Reading

In the Reading Comprehension subtest, candidates complete three parts with different task formats. The exam tests the ability to understand information in everyday texts. Multiple-choice and matching tasks are among the formats used.

Part 2 — Listening

The Listening Comprehension subtest consists of three parts and lasts approximately 30 minutes. It tests understanding of the main idea, detailed understanding, and selective listening. The official practice materials mainly include true-or-false tasks.

Part 3 — Writing

The aim of this section is to assess the ability to express thoughts in written German at B1 level. In telc Deutsch B1, Written Expression consists of one writing task: an informal or semi-formal email covering four required points. Candidates have 30 minutes for this subtest. The assessment considers, among other things, task achievement, communicative design, and formal accuracy.

Part 4 — Speaking

The oral examination is generally conducted in pairs and consists of three parts: Getting to Know Each Other, Talking About a Topic, and Planning Something Together. Preparation time is 20 minutes, and the oral examination lasts approximately 15 minutes. Asking follow-up questions and helping each other are also assessed positively when they contribute to a natural, lively conversation.

2

telc B1 Exam Exercises with Answers

Exercises with answers are structured online activities that simulate the examination. They help learners check their current knowledge and receive immediate feedback.

Reading — Sample Texts

This is a typical text used to assess language skills.

Öffnungszeiten der Bibliothek: Die Stadtbibliothek in München ist von Montag bis Freitag von 9:00 bis 18:00 Uhr geöffnet. Am Samstag ist die Bibliothek von 10:00 bis 14:00 Uhr geöffnet. An Feiertagen bleibt die Bibliothek geschlossen. Die Bibliothek bietet Bücher, Zeitschriften, Computerarbeitsplätze und einen kostenlosen WLAN-Zugang.

Questions are provided about the text.

Listening

Texts corresponding to the standard telc B1 exam format are used to assess listening skills. However, they vary in length. The topics are exclusively related to everyday life, such as children's leisure activities, holiday destinations, and similar situations. Candidates must identify which statements are true and which are false.

Examples of Written Expression

Possible topics in the format of a received letter include "Neue Wohnung mit kleinem Garten", "Praktikum im Büro", "Ausflug mit Bus und Boot", and others. Task: Write a reply according to the given instructions.

Speaking: Exam Topics

The telc B1 German practice test includes several dialogue formats in the Speaking section. These include getting to know each other, discussing a given topic, and planning something together (excursions, cleaning up, picnics, etc.).

3

Sample Tests and Online Materials for telc B1 Preparation

The online telc B1 model test includes not only preparation materials but also a range of typical questions and tasks that you can expect in the official examination.

Interactive Online Tests with Immediate Feedback

Reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises can be completed conveniently on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Immediate feedback allows learners to identify and correct mistakes straight away.

Exam Simulations for Self-Assessment

When preparing for the telc B1 exam, it is important to create conditions that are as realistic as possible. Self-assessment helps with this:

  • Complete tasks within a time limit;
  • Avoid using dictionaries;
  • Complete all tasks independently and honestly, without assistance.
4

Tips for Preparing for the telc B1 Exam

The telc Deutsch B1 exam assesses communication skills in German at B1 level. To succeed, however, it is important to become familiar with the exam structure, task formats, and requirements in advance. Take the telc exam after preparing with an exam simulator to significantly increase your chances of success.

Learning Strategies for All Exam Sections

The right strategy is half the battle:

  • Take practice tests with a timer — get used to working under time pressure;
  • Study every day — set aside 20 to 30 minutes for writing and speaking;
  • Alternate between different language skills — this helps prevent overload;
  • Follow a structured approach: General understanding — details — checking and logical reasoning.

How to Avoid Mistakes

The following measures will help you avoid mistakes that could reduce your score in the telc B1 German exam:

  • Reading — pay attention to details and linking words, and focus on subtle differences between similar answers;
  • Listening — listen to the entire text without focusing only on the first words, and note down the most important facts;
  • Writing — make a plan, use vocabulary appropriate for B1 level, check spelling and grammar, and pay attention to logical structure;
  • Speaking — speak fluently and clearly without complicated structures, respond to your partner's questions, and organize your answers using linking expressions.
5

Differences: telc B1 vs. DTZ and Goethe-Zertifikat

To make the differences easier to understand, we have summarized the information in a table.

Criterion DTZ (German Test for Immigrants) Zertifikat Deutsch / telc Deutsch B1 Goethe-Zertifikat B1
Basic structure Written and oral examination Written and oral examination Modular structure: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking can be taken separately or together
Written examination "Listening and Reading" and "Writing" Reading Comprehension, Language Elements, Listening Comprehension, Written Expression Separate Reading, Listening, and Writing modules
Reading 5 parts, 25 questions, 45 minutes 3 parts Reading module
Listening 4 parts, 20 questions, approx. 25 minutes; all recordings are played once 3 parts, approx. 30 minutes Listening module
Writing 1 task; semi-formal/formal message (letter or email), choice of 2 tasks; 30 minutes 1 writing task Writing module
Oral examination Oral examination with 5 tasks; usually conducted in pairs; no preparation time; approx. 16 minutes 3 parts: Getting to Know Each Other, Talking About a Topic, Planning Something Together; usually conducted in pairs; 20 minutes of preparation time; approx. 15 minutes 3 parts; 15 minutes of preparation time; 15 minutes for two candidates
Assessment / Result Result at A2 or B1 level Written and oral examination; official practice materials explain the assessment Maximum of 100 points per module; passing score of 60 points / 60% per module
6

Checklist: How to Prepare Effectively for the telc B1 Exam

telc B1 exam exercises offer an advantage when preparing for the examination. A systematic approach is important:

  1. Learn the structure of the test — pay attention to the details and special features of each task;
  2. Practice reading short texts — highlight keywords, dates, and facts;
  3. Listen to B1-level audio recordings — take notes;
  4. Practice writing letters, emails, and descriptions — use standard expressions and check your spelling;
  5. Practice speaking — discuss everyday topics with a partner or teacher, ask questions, and answer them;
  6. Expand your vocabulary — learn 50 words per week on a particular topic;
  7. Use exam simulators with realistic tasks.

Are you looking for general preparation for the B1 exam rather than preparation specifically for telc? Then visit the main page with exercises for all B1 exam formats.

7

FAQ

What is the telc B1 exam and who is it for?

The telc B1 exam is a language test that assesses the ability to communicate in German (level: everyday situations and simple formal or business communication). It is intended for German learners who want to demonstrate their general German language skills at B1 level.

How is the telc B1 exam structured?

The exam consists of a written and an oral examination. The written examination includes Reading Comprehension, Language Elements, Listening Comprehension, and Written Expression. The oral examination consists of three tasks: Getting to Know Each Other, Talking About a Topic, and Planning Something Together.

Are there official model tests for the telc B1 exam?

Official practice tests are available for the examination, with tasks for each section. A systematic approach is necessary — daily practice and working on mistakes.

Where can I find free exercises with answers?

We offer new users the opportunity to try our service for free. Without registering on the website, you can complete 5 different exercises free of charge. After registration, new users receive completely free access to all website features for 24 hours. Only after that do they need to decide whether they want to purchase a subscription.

What is the best way to prepare for the telc B1 exam?

Become thoroughly familiar with all task formats, practice with a timer, study every day (20–30 minutes for writing and speaking), alternate between different language skills, and expand your vocabulary.

Which topics are covered in the telc B1 exam?

The examination covers topics from everyday life. These include work and hobbies, education, and social situations.

How many points do you need to pass the exam?

To pass the examination, candidates must achieve at least 135 points in the written examination and at least 45 points in the oral examination. If candidates have failed or have not taken one of the two examination sections, they can retake the relevant section within the calendar year of the examination or in the following calendar year.

Which mistakes should you avoid during the exam?

Some common mistakes include: answering questions based on guesswork; focusing on every single word during listening comprehension; going off-topic in the writing task; using complicated language structures; giving very short or one-word answers; taking long pauses while searching for the "perfect" word; and poor time management.
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