telc Deutsch B1 Guides
telc Deutsch B1: exam structure
By PreparaioEditorial team & sourcesUpdated
The telc Deutsch B1 is a standardised German exam at level B1 of the Common European Framework (CEFR). It has a written and an oral part. This guide follows the format as documented in the official practice materials.
Note: independent educational content, not affiliated with telc gGmbH. Binding rules on structure, marking, and admission are set by the official practice tests and by your local exam centre.
Contents
At a glance
The exam has two separate parts: a written part that all candidates take together, and an oral part, usually as a paired interview.
Both parts are graded and passed independently. If you pass only one, telc rules let you resit the other part once within a defined window — the exact deadlines are set by the exam centre.
- Written: Reading, Language Elements, Listening, Writing.
- Oral: Getting-to-know phase, topical conversation, joint task.
- Each part is passed separately.
The written part
The written part groups four task areas. Reading and Language Elements form one block; Listening and Writing follow. A short break sits between blocks; exact scheduling is up to the centre.
Task formats are closed (multiple choice, matching) or semi-open (short-answer) — except Writing, which asks for a free text.
The oral part
The oral part is a paired interview with a second candidate. You get short preparation time to read your task cards and take notes.
Two examiners are present: one runs the conversation, the other grades. Sessions are usually recorded for internal quality control.
- Part 1 — Getting to know: short introductions and a few personal questions.
- Part 2 — Topic conversation: exchange with your partner about a given everyday topic.
- Part 3 — Joint task: plan something concrete together (e.g. an outing or celebration).
What to bring
Bring a valid photo ID, the invitation from the exam centre, and several blue or black ballpoint pens. Dictionaries, notes, and electronic devices are not allowed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the written and oral parts on different days?
The order and whether both parts happen on one or two days is set by the exam centre. In practice both are often taken on the same day, sometimes on consecutive days.
Is telc B1 the same exam as DTZ?
No. Both certify B1 competence but differ in task formats, marking, and official purpose. See the comparison guide for details.
Sources & currency
- Exam version
- telc Deutsch B1, as of 2026
- Editorial check
- Source check by the Preparaio editorial team ()
- Author
- Preparaio RedaktionEditorial team, fact-checking against official primary sources
- Reviewed by
- Source-checked by PreparaioSource comparison with the exam providers' own pages
- Fact-check status
- Source check in progress ()
- Content version
- 2026-07-31
How we check: Every exam-relevant fact is compared with the exam providers' official pages (g.a.s.t./TestDaF-Institut, BAMF, ETS, IELTS Partners, telc). The check is editorial, supported by AI and automated test gates; it is not a review by certified examiners.
The hard exam facts in this article were verified against the official primary sources linked below on the date shown. This is not a review by an examination body and does not replace information from your test centre. Fees, dates and local procedures are set by the test centres themselves.
Official primary sources
- telc Deutsch B1 – Zertifikat Deutsch — telc gGmbH · telc.net · official primary source · checked on
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