The telc Deutsch B1 exam, explained
Structure, points, grades and free sample tasks for every part of the exam — from people who build B1 practice software all day.
Start practicing freeThe parts of the exam
Written Exam · 225 points
Written: 135 of 225 points (60%)
- 0190 minutes
Leseverstehen
- Teil 1 · Globalverstehen25 points · 11 %
- Teil 2 · Detailverstehen25 points · 11 %
- Teil 3 · Selektives Verstehen25 points · 11 %
- Subtotal75 points · 33 %
Try interactive sample tasks
- 0290 minutes
Sprachbausteine
- Teil 1 · Grammatik15 points · 7 %
- Teil 2 · Lexik15 points · 7 %
- Subtotal30 points · 13 %
Try interactive sample tasks
- 0330 minutes
Hörverstehen
- Teil 1 · Globalverstehen25 points · 11 %
- Teil 2 · Detailverstehen25 points · 11 %
- Teil 3 · Selektives Verstehen25 points · 11 %
- Subtotal75 points · 33 %
Try interactive sample tasks
- 0430 minutes
Schriftlicher Ausdruck
- E-Mail45 points · 20 %
Oral Exam · 75 points
Oral: 45 of 75 points (60%)
Exam structure & points
| Subtest | Part | Points | Max | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | ||||
| Leseverstehen | Teil 1 | 25 | 75 | 25 % |
| Teil 2 | 25 | |||
| Teil 3 | 25 | |||
| Sprachbausteine | Teil 1 | 15 | 30 | 10 % |
| Teil 2 | 15 | |||
| Hörverstehen | Teil 1 | 25 | 75 | 25 % |
| Teil 2 | 25 | |||
| Teil 3 | 25 | |||
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck | 45 | 45 | 15 % | |
| Subtotal | 225 | 75 % | ||
| Oral Exam | ||||
| Mündlicher Ausdruck | Einander kennenlernen | 15 | 75 | 25 % |
| Über ein Thema sprechen | 30 | |||
| Gemeinsam etwas planen | 30 | |||
| Subtotal | 75 | 25 % | ||
| Total | 300 | 100 % | ||
You must reach 60% in both sections independently. Failing either section means failing the entire exam, regardless of overall score.
Written: 135 of 225 points (60%)
Oral: 45 of 75 points (60%)
Grading Scale
After passing both sections, the combined total determines your grade.
Notenskala · telc Deutsch B1
- sehr gut (very good)270–300
- gut (good)240–269.5
- befriedigend (satisfactory)210–239.5
- ausreichend (sufficient)180–209.5
- nicht bestanden (failed)0–179.5
Frequently asked questions
01How is the telc B1 exam structured?
The exam has a written part (Leseverstehen, Sprachbausteine, Hörverstehen, Schriftlicher Ausdruck — 225 points) and an oral part (Mündlicher Ausdruck — 75 points), 300 points in total.
02How many points do I need to pass?
You must pass both parts separately: at least 135 of 225 points in the written exam and at least 45 of 75 points in the oral exam — 60% each.
03How long does the telc B1 exam take?
The written exam takes about 2.5 hours: 90 minutes for Leseverstehen and Sprachbausteine together, about 30 minutes for Hörverstehen and 30 minutes for Schriftlicher Ausdruck. The oral exam takes about 15 minutes plus 20 minutes preparation.
04How much does the telc B1 exam cost?
Each exam centre sets its own fee, usually between 120 and 200 euros. Prices differ noticeably, so it pays to compare the centres in your area.
05What happens if I pass only one part?
You do not have to repeat the whole exam: the failed part (written or oral) can be retaken on its own. Important: the passed part only counts if you retake within twelve months of the date on your result sheet.
06How often can I retake the exam?
As often as you like. telc sets no limit on attempts and no waiting period; you simply register again at an exam centre and pay the fee.
07When do I get my results?
Marking happens centrally at telc and usually takes four to six weeks, longer in busy periods. You receive the result sheet and certificate through your exam centre, which cannot speed the process up.
08How can I prepare for the exam?
Work through full mock exams under real time conditions. Yulo gives you unlimited telc-style practice for every part of the exam with instant AI feedback — try the free samples on this page first.
Want more than a sample?
Practice complete telc B1 mock exams with instant AI feedback on Yulo. Free to get started.