In 2023, over 200,000 people took the telc German exam - that’s 15% more than in 2022. More and more people want to learn the German language for various reasons and if you’re reading this article, you probably do too.
Telc stands for “The European Language Certificates” and is an internationally recognized and standardized language testing system for European languages.
Telc language tests use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to evaluate language proficiency across six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. The test will evaluate your overall German abilities, with sections in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
As someone who’s taken the telc before, here’s everything you need to know about the test.
Understanding telc
The organization behind telc has been making language tests since 1968 and their experience with language testing is what led them to be an internationally-recognized institution.
Because of their international reputation, this means that the test is easily accessible. There are currently around 3,000 testing centers spread across twenty countries.
In addition to German, telc also offers tests in 9 other European languages, such as Spanish, French, and Arabic.
What is telc?
Telc is short for The European Language Certificates and is developed by seasoned language experts and subjected to strict quality controls.
Through a written and oral exam, it tests your ability to use the language in real-life scenarios. You can see it as a test of how well you’ll speak German if you’re living in Berlin, for example.
One great thing about telc certificates is that they never expire!
telc's Global Reach
With over 3,000 testing centers in 20 countries, telc truly has international influence. This makes the test accessible, yes, but it also proves just how respected and recognized telc is.
Because of their expertise in many languages, they frequently partner with language schools, universities, and other cultural institutions to promote cultural exchange and language testing.
They also train examiners across the world. This is to ensure that the quality and standards of language assessment across the globe remain high and consistent.
telc and CEFR Alignment
Telc tests and certificates are designed to directly represent the six CEFR levels of A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.
Additionally, each CEFR level in telc exams will have specific “can-do” statements, outlining a more concrete view of your language abilities.
This makes it valid and recognizable to institutions across the world, as well as easily comparable with certificates from other tests, like the TestDaF, the Goethe-Institut test, and the DSH.
Skills Assessed
As said before, the telc will test your proficiency as a whole. You’ll be tested in the four language areas:
- Listening - listen to spoken German in varying situations.
- Reading - read and interpret German texts of different forms and genres.
- Writing - write in German for different purposes and audiences.
- Speaking - speak in interactive tasks.
telc German Exam Levels
One of the best things about telc is that you can actually choose the CEFR level of your exam.
Telc offers six exams, corresponding to the six CEFR levels. And if you pass it, you’ll get a certificate that proves you have acquired that CEFR level of proficiency.
So if you take and pass a telc B1 test, you’ll get a B1 certificate. If you pass a telc C1 test, you’ll get a C1 certificate. So on and so forth.
Of course, each level is harder than the last. The quantity and complexity of the questions increase with each level and will really start to ramp up with the telc B2 test.
Questions are highly applicable to real life and also build on the content of the previous level, creating a clear progression path.
Dual-level Examinations
Telc also offers dual-level exams. These exams test your fluency at two adjacent levels at the same time, featuring questions from both levels.
This is for people who may not be so sure about their proficiency level. For example, you might feel like you’re too good for A2 but aren’t sure if you’re fluent enough for a telc B1 exam.
Dual exams are available from levels A2 to C1. For example, a B2-C1 exam will have questions from the telc B2 exam and the telc C1 exam.
The more nuanced assessment of these dual exams will highlight areas for improvement, helping you plan your next learning steps.
Structure and Content of telc German Exams
Now, what does the actual telc exam actually look like?
The exam has two main sections: the written and oral exam. These test both your receptive skills (listening and reading) and your productive skills (speaking and writing).
The exam structure is similar throughout all levels and will have a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and open-ended questions.
Source: germanlw.com
Written Examination
The written exam is the larger of the two, accounting for 75% of your total score.
It will test your reading and listening comprehension, application of language elements, and ability to write.
Be sure to manage your time well as you’ll only get a specific amount of time for each section. Sections also get progressively harder!
When comprehending a given piece, make sure to pay attention to details in addition to interpreting their main idea. There’s no need to worry about trick questions or obscure vocabulary either, the test will focus on how well you can apply German in real life.
Reading Comprehension
For the reading section, you’ll be asked to read authentic texts of different forms and genres.
You can encounter anything, from newspaper articles to advertisements to short stories to personal letters. Higher levels will feature more complex texts, like academic or professional documents.
Through multiple-choice, matching, and short-answer formats, you’ll be asked about the texts as a whole, as well as specific information about them.
Language Elements
This section tests your vocabulary and grammar. They won’t test if you can list out all the grammar rules - but they’ll test if you can apply them and produce grammatically sound sentences.
This will involve things filling out the gaps in a sentence with the grammatically correct phrase or word. Or, even if all choices end up being grammatically correct, you’ll have to choose the most apt word for the sentence and its context.
As always, questions get harder the higher the CEFR level.
Listening Comprehension
In the listening section, you’ll listen to a variety of audio clips. These clips can be interviews, speeches, calls, announcements, or anything with spoken German.
You’ll get to listen to it twice. Then, you’ll answer multiple-choice questions and perform note-taking or matching exercises. Like the reading section, be sure to understand the whole clip as well as remember any important details.
Higher CEFR level exams will feature longer, more complex audios. Often with regional accents too!
Writing Section
In the writing section, you’ll be asked to produce a coherent, grammatically correct, and well-structured German text.
What text exactly? Well, it depends on your test level, but it’ll be texts that you’re likely to produce in everyday life.
Lower levels may have you writing a simple email. Higher levels might require an essay or even a professional document.
Oral Examination
Ah, the ever-dreaded oral exam.
But don’t worry, it’s actually designed to feel casual and free-flowing like a real conversation. You’ll be with a fellow test-taker too, so at least there’s someone to commiserate with!
It’s not fully spontaneous either. Half of it will involve a prepared speech.
And you do screw up, at least it’s just 25% of the total score! You’ll be evaluated according to your fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical correctness.
This video provides a visual walkthrough of a telc oral examination, helping candidates understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Video Source: YouTube
Conversation Dynamics - Oral Exam
But what exactly will you be talking about?
To test your spontaneous interactions, you and your partner will be asked to talk about everyday life or current affairs. You might be asked to discuss your opinions on a topic, role-play a typical everyday scenario, or even debate a social issue.
Examiners will see if you can competently initiate and maintain the conversation. They’ll look for signs that you’re using effective communication strategies and will be able to comfortably socialize in a German setting.
Note that you will also be asked to deliver a monologue!
Preparation Time - Oal Exam
You’ll also be given twenty minutes to prepare before the oral exam.
Take the time to calm yourself down! The more relaxed you feel, the more confident you’ll be, and the better your responses will be.
They may give you relevant materials for your speech or conversation topic, such as images, short texts, or topic cards. Spend that time reviewing and taking notes. Prepare what you might want to say about them as well.
However, you’re not allowed to take the notes with you once the actual exam begins.
Exam Duration and Scoring
On average, you’ll need around 2.5 to 3 hours to finish the test, depending on your CEFR level (or your ability!). The written exam takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, while the oral exam takes around 15-20 minutes.
The whole exam will have 300 points, with 225 (75%) for the written exam and 75 (25%) points for the oral exam. Expect to wait around 4-6 weeks to get your results.
You won’t just get a numerical score, however. Telc will give you a detailed breakdown of your strengths and areas for improvement as well.
Telc Exam Preparation
The best way to prepare for the telc is to employ a balanced approach.
Don’t limit yourself to textbooks—you also have to expose yourself to authentic German usage.
Especially since the telc is all about real-life, everyday German usage! Immerse yourself in German media and or talk to German people if you can.
The telc community also has a large presence online. People are sharing free resources with each other everywhere and are an easy search away.
It’s just as easy as Googling something like “telc b1 exam preparation” and you’ll see more learning resources than you’ll know what to do with!
Telc’s official website, www.telc.net, has mock exams and other official resources available, which we’ll discuss below.
Source: shop.telc.net
Official telc Resources
Telc is actually offering a wealth of invaluable learning resources on their website.
Things like telc sample tests are immediately available on their website. They even have official preparation handbooks with detailed previews of the exam!
(Here is a tip, for those in B2 for exmaple—and I know a lot of you are struggling in B2—just copy-paste telc b2 exam sample test pdf into your search engine. )
I highly suggest taking these mock exams to get a feel of what exam day might look like. Many language schools also partner with telc and offer telc-authorized preparation courses.
External Preparation Options
However, don’t limit yourself to these official learning materials. Enrolling in a language school’s intensive telc preparation course will net you the help of a native German instructor.
If you’re self-studying, search for textbooks and workbooks. Online learning platforms can also provide you with extra resources, like interactive exercises, personalized study plans, and platforms to talk with other learners and native speakers.
telc German Certificates and Their Applications
The telc certificate can be used for a wide array of purposes. As an internationally recognized proof of fluency, the certificate can be used to fulfill most German language proficiency requirements.
Use it when applying to jobs and universities in German-speaking countries or conducting government business. Simply check the specific requirements of whatever you’re applying to as they may require different CEFR levels.
What’s extremely convenient is the fact that all telc certificates have lifelong validity, so you only need to pass once!
Academic Applications
International students can use their telc certificates to fulfill the language proficiency requirements of many German universities.
They are often used when applying to language preparatory courses. Undergraduate courses, however, typically require either a B2 for English-taught courses or C1 for more advanced or German-taught courses.
Telc offers exams specifically for academic purposes as well. The telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, for example, is specifically designed to be used for university admissions.
Professional Recognition
Many companies in German-speaking countries have specific CEFR requirements for their international applicants. For these, you can simply use a telc certificate of that CEFR level.
Depending on the position, most jobs need anywhere from a B1 to a C1. Of course, higher CEFR levels will give you better chances, even if the job requires lower CEFR levels. Not to mention, it’ll also make you eligible to apply to higher-paying positions!
Note that professionally licensed jobs like those in healthcare, engineering, or law will also require a higher CEFR level or even specific, profession-focused certificates from telc. If that’s what you need, make sure to take the exams for those specific certificates.
Immigration and Integration
Applying for long-term residency or citizenship in a German-speaking country? A telc certificate will fulfill these German language requirements.
In fact, according to IamExpat, German immigration policies are now stricter, with higher demands for language certifications, such as telc.
A telc B1 Deutsch certificate is considered the minimum requirement for citizen applications. However, some regions may only need an A1 or A2 level for family reunion visas. Of course, the higher your level, the better chances you have of getting accepted!
If you plan to take an integration course, schools also typically use telc exams to assess a participant’s proficiency and progress.
Advantages of telc Certification
But why should you choose a telc certificate over the other German language certificates?
There are three main reasons, which we’ll go into more detail below:
- Telc’s direct alignment with CEFR levels and reputation for high standards make them internationally recognized and respected.
- The exam focuses on real-life, practical use of German.
- Telc is highly accessible across the globe.
Source: image.isu.pub
International Recognition
Due to its direct adherence to CEFR, a telc certificate is immediately interpretable.
Applying for a job that requires B2-level proficiency? Simply get a B2 telc certificate! This, along with its reputation for rigorous testing standards, gives telc massive global street cred.
Over 3000 institutions across the world, including universities, corporations, and government agenices, recognize telc certificates, making it invaluable when pursuing global opportunities.
Practical Examination Approach
As said, telc focuses on practical German use.
In the exam, you’ll write everyday texts like emails, simulate real conversations, and listen and read authentic German material.
And so, when preparing for a telc exam, your focus should be on these too. In doing so, you’ll develop your German organically.
Flexibility and Accessibility
Telc has over 3,000 testing centers across 20 countries and multiple exam dates available every year. So you can take an exam wherever and whenever you can.
And good news for you procrastinators out there: registration deadlines are also typically closer to the exam dates compared to other tests.
Plus, you’ll also get your result in around 4-6 weeks, which is a bit quicker than other testing organizations.
Rapid Results
How can they release results that quickly? Examiners are trained to efficiently evaluate both the written and oral exams according to a standardized assessment system.
You’ll get your results online after 4-6 weeks, before you even receive the physical certificate. In fact, some test-takers even report getting their scores in just 2 weeks!
Source: learn-german-home-tuition.com
Remember that consistency is key to learning a foreign language. Especially for the telc exam where practical use is the focus, regularly talking in German should be the cornerstone of your study methods. Platforms like Deutsch Gym allow you to practice your German skills with native speakers and fellow learners alike. The environment is stress-free and low-pressure, allowing you to make mistakes and learn organically.
At Deutsch Gym, members form a warm community where daily speaking sessions cover a variety of topics. This directly mirrors the telc’s oral exam! Additionally, you get to learn new vocabulary, get exposed to different accents, and get to develop your speaking confidence. All these will help you not just in the telc exam, but also in real life.
Through dedicated and consistent practice, as well as the support of communities like Deutsch Gym, you can pass the telc test and reach whatever German fluency goals you may have
Sign up for a 5-day free trial of our speaking classes - try out as many class as you want.
