04.03.01 · telc – The European Language Certificates

telc –
German exams
for every goal.

telc is one of the world's largest providers of language certificates. In Germany, telc exams are held for naturalization, settlement, profession, Studies (telc C1 University) and training recognized. telc is flexible, cheaper than Goethe and widely available – but not every telc exam is accepted everywhere.

A1-C2levels
telc C1 UniversityStudy Access
3.000+Examination centers

What is telc?

The European Language Certificates – recognized worldwide

telc is a non-profit provider based in Frankfurt am Main. telc exams are offered in over 20 languages, with the focus on German as a foreign language. Authorities, universities and employers have trusted telc for over 20 years.

01 Profile

telc at a glance – flexibility, distribution, specialization

telc differs from other providers in that it:

  • Wide range of special tests: telc not only offers the general levels A1-C2, but also focused exams such as “telc C1 University” (study access), “telc B2·C1 Berufs” (skilled workers), “telc Deutsch B1·B2 Pflege” (health care) and “telc Deutsch A2/B1” for integration courses.
  • Cheaper fees: telc exams are usually 20-30% cheaper than comparable Goethe exams.
  • Dense availability: Over 3,000 licensed examination centers in 20+ countries - in Germany, practically every major adult education center offers telc examinations.
  • Modular system: The written exam (reading, listening, writing) cannot be passed modularly - all three parts must be passed at the same time; If you fail, the oral examination can be repeated within one year.
telc is often associated with the integration course: The German test for immigrants (DTZ) is carried out by telc. Anyone who completes the integration course automatically takes the telc exam at B1 level (or A2).

telc exams at a glance

From A1 to C2 – the right telc exam for your goal

telc offers exams for every level of the GER, but also job-specific variants. Here is a comparison of the most important tests.

02 Variety of exams

General language vs. specialized telc exams

Exam nameGER levelTypical usageSpecial feature
telc German A1A1Spouse reunification, initial orientationEasiest test, very low threshold
telc German A2A2Naturalization requirement (partial), simple professionsOften used as an intermediate step
telc German B1B1Settlement permit, naturalization, trainingThe standard B1 exam for immigrants (in addition to DTZ)
telc German B2B2Professional recognition (nursing, educator), university (limited)For advanced everyday communication
telc German C1 UniversityC1University entrance (partial), academic workEspecially for university applicants, accepted by many universities
telc German B2·C1 ProfessionB2/C1Specialists in business, technology and tradeJob-specific vocabulary and communication situations
telc German B1·B2 NursingB1/B2Nursing professionals, medical assistantsMedical vocabulary, communication with patients and colleagues
telc German C2C2German studies, translator, highest academic requirementsRarely asked for, very demanding
The acceptance of telc C1 University is not universal. Before applying to a German university, be sure to check the admission regulations to see whether telc C1 Hochschule is recognized as proof of admission. Many universities accept it, but not all.

Exam format

This is how a telc exam works – example telc German B1

The telc exams follow a uniform pattern: written exam (reading, listening, writing) and an oral group exam. The details vary slightly depending on the level.

03 Construction

Written + oral part – passing rules

partDuration (B1)ContentPassing limit
Reading & Language (combined)90 minsReading comprehension (multiple selection, assignment) + language components (fill-in-the-blank grammar/vocabulary).60% (overall written evaluation)
Listenapprox. 30 minutesShort announcements, dialogues, interviews – play once.no separate passing threshold
Write (part of the written)30 minsWrite a letter or email on an everyday topic (approx. 80-100 words).included in the overall ranking
Speak (oral)approx. 15 minutes per pair. Introduce yourself, present a topic, discuss an everyday problem.at least 60% of the oral points

At telc you have to written and oral examinations must each be passed separately. Unlike Goethe, there is no repetition of individual parts of the module - if the written part is not passed, the entire written examination must be repeated. If you fail, the oral part can be repeated separately up to one year later.

The combination of reading and language modules in one exam period is typical for telc. Many examinees underestimate time management because they are used to working on the parts separately. Practice with mock tests in real-time conditions.

Telc C1 University

The special telc for study success

The telc C1 University is the only telc exam that is specifically tailored to the requirements of studying at a German university. It tests academic language skills.

04 Study Access

Recognition, difference to Goethe-C1, TestDaF and DSH

The telc C1 University is recognized by a growing number of German universities as equivalent proof of the necessary German language skills for studying. The exam includes:

  • Reading (90 mins): scientific texts, graphics, statistics, multiple choice, true/false and text production (summary).
  • Listening (approx. 40 min.): Lecture excerpts, seminar discussions, scientific lectures – only play once.
  • Writing (70 mins): Write a discussion of an academic topic or a summary + commentary of a longer text (approx. 250 words).
  • Speaking (approx. 20 min.): Presentation of a self-selected topic (10 minutes preparation), discussion with the examiner about a controversial topic.

Advantages and disadvantages compared to TestDaF/DSH:

  • Advantage: telc C1 Hochschule is available at many exam centers worldwide (including abroad), the exam fee is lower than with TestDaF, and the oral exam takes place in a small group, not on the computer.
  • Disadvantage: Not all universities accept telc C1 Hochschule, while TestDaF (4×4) and DSH-2 are recognized practically everywhere. In addition, the focus on academic language skills is less strong than at DSH.
Before booking a telc C1 university: Make a list of the universities you would like to apply to and check each individual admission regulations. Some universities only accept telc C1 Hochschule with a certain grade point average (e.g. “good” or “very good”).

Provider comparison

telc, Goethe, ÖSD – what’s the difference?

All three providers are standardized according to GER, but differ in exam structure, costs, availability and acceptance.

criteriontelcGoethe InstituteÖSD
Examination centers (worldwide)3.000+approx. 500approx. 300
B1 exam fee (approx.)120–170 €160–210 €130–190 €
University entrance C1telc C1 University (not accepted everywhere)Goethe-C1 (only rarely accepted)ÖSD C1 (hardly accepted)
Special examsProfession, nursing, C1 university, DTZTestDaF (separate provider), very generalFew special formats
Naturalization & SettlementYes (telc B1, DTZ)Yes (Goethe-B1)Yes (ÖSD B1)
NotorietyVery high in Germany, lower internationallyHighest international recognitionStrong in Austria, moderate in Germany
For naturalization and settlement permits, telc B1 and DTZ (also telc) are just as recognized as Goethe-B1. In practice, telc is often easier to access and cheaper. However, TestDaF or DSH are the safer route for university entrance.

Preparation

This is how you prepare optimally for a telc exam

telc offers its own practice materials, model tests and online tests. With targeted training you can pass the exam safely.

05 Resources

Official materials, courses, tips

Official preparation materials

  • telc website (telc.net): Free model tests for all levels (A1–C2) to download, including audio files and solutions.
  • Textbooks with a telc focus: “Successful to telc German B1/B2/C1” (Klett), “Exam training telc German B1” (Cornelsen).
  • Online exercise platforms: telc also offers digital mock exams (for a fee).

Practical tips for exam day

  • Train time management: Language modules are integrated into the reading section - many people lose track. Practice with a stopwatch.
  • Practice writing: Learn the typical letter and email formats (formal vs. informal) as well as language for discussions (telc C1 HS).
  • Talking to partner: The oral exam is a partner exam - find a tandem partner and simulate the three phases (introduction, topic, discussion).
  • Don't neglect listening comprehension: News, podcasts, audio books – especially with everyday topics.
Since 2023, telc has also been offering digital exams at some levels (telc Digital). The structure is identical, the operation of the computer must be practiced beforehand. Not all exam centers offer the digital version - ask before registering.

Common mistakes

What often goes wrong with telc exams

Many examinees underestimate the special features of telc - especially the non-modular structure and the combination of reading and language components.

06 stumbling blocks

Typical pitfalls and how to avoid them

  • No module repetition possible: If you do not pass the written part, you will have to repeat the entire written exam (reading, listening, writing). The oral examination can be repeated separately. So plan enough time for a possible repetition.
  • Reading and language components in one – time pressure: Many people spend too much time on the fill-in-the-blank texts and then fail to understand reading comprehension. Recommendation: First the reading comprehension tasks, then the language modules.
  • Incorrect preparation for the speaking test: The test is a partner test - some people only prepare alone and are overwhelmed when they have to react to a strange partner. Practice with different partners.
  • Ignorance of the evaluation criteria: When it comes to writing, it's not just grammar and vocabulary that count, but also structure, coherence and fulfillment of the task. Download the official evaluation form.
  • Late registration: telc exams are often fully booked, especially in the months before application deadlines (May-July, November-January). Register 6-8 weeks before the desired date.

Next steps

G Other providers

Goethe certificates

→ O ÖSD

Austrian language diploma

→ B1 typical telc exam

B1 – Naturalization & Settlement

→ C1 telc C1 University

C1 for studies

→

You now know what sets telc apart – and for which goals it is the right choice.
Let's clarify together whether a telc exam suits your path to Germany.

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Editorial transparency

As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.