telc Deutsch B1 — Certificate of German
CEFR Level B1. Officially accepted for German citizenship applications.
Written & Oral Exam
Officially Recognised
External Candidates Welcome
Officially Recognised
External Candidates Welcome
Exam Fee
€ 200,-
Book directly at the bottom of this page
Key Information at a Glance
| Exam | telc Deutsch B1 — Certificate of German (ZD B1) |
| Level | CEFR B1 (Intermediate) |
| Total Duration | ≈ 09:00 – 16:00 (written + oral) |
| Pass Requirement | At least 60 % in the written AND at least 60 % in the oral section |
| Recognition | Required proof of language skills for German citizenship |
| Validity | Certificate has no expiry (authorities may request recent proof) |
| Test Centre | Eloquia Frankfurt — open to external candidates |
Exam Sections & Points
| Section | Content | Duration | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Understand everyday and professional texts; multiple choice and matching tasks | 90 min. | 75 points |
| Language Elements | Grammar and vocabulary tasks in context | 30 points | |
| Listening Comprehension | Understand everyday conversations, announcements and interviews in various situations | 30 min. | 75 points |
| Written Expression | Write a formal or informal letter based on a given situation | 30 min. | 45 points |
| Oral Exam Parts I – III |
Part I: Introduce yourself & talk about everyday life Part II: Present and discuss a topic Part III: Discuss and plan a task together |
20 min. preparation 15 min. exam |
15 + 30 + 30 points |
Passing Rule: You must achieve at least 60 % of the points in both the written section (reading, listening, writing) and the oral section. Both parts must be passed separately.
Scoring & Pass Overview
The telc Deutsch B1 exam consists of a written and an oral section. Both are assessed separately and must each be passed individually.
| Section | Max. Points | Minimum Score (60 %) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written total Reading + Language Elements + Listening + Writing |
225 points | 135 points | ✅ Must be passed |
| Oral total Part I + Part II + Part III |
75 points | 45 points | ✅ Must be passed |
| Overall result if one section is failed | ❌ Exam not passed | ||
How to Register
- 1
Choose an exam date: Select a suitable date at our test centre in Frankfurt.
- 2
Register online: Fill in the Eloquia registration form with your personal details.
- 3
Pay the fee: Secure payment by credit card or PayPal.
- 4
Receive confirmation: You will receive a registration confirmation and all organisational information by email.
- 5
On exam day: Arrive at the test centre 15 minutes before the start and bring a valid photo ID. All exam sections take place on site.
- 6
Results: You will receive your result and — if successful — your telc certificate by email, usually within 4 weeks.
Important Notes
- Valid ID: Please bring a passport or national identity card on exam day — entry is not possible without a valid document.
- Punctuality: Arrive at the test centre on time; latecomers cannot be admitted.
- Citizenship: The certificate is accepted as official proof of language skills for German citizenship applications.
- External candidates: You do not need to take a course at Eloquia in order to sit the exam here.
- Special arrangements: Requests for reasonable adjustments or special requirements must be submitted at least 6 weeks before registration.
- Cancellations / Changes: The policies of telc and Eloquia apply; please observe deadlines and any applicable fees.
FAQ — telc Exams
Are telc exams officially recognised?
In Germany, language certificates issued by telc gGmbH are recognised by the federal government for all purposes. Those applying for German citizenship can demonstrate the required language skills with a telc certificate. In all German-speaking countries, telc German certificates are accepted for residence permit purposes.
How can I register for a telc exam?
You can register in person at our test centre or online. For German language exams, please register here: www.eloquia.com/pruefungen/fremdsprachenzertifikate/deutsch/
Is there a registration deadline?
Registration is possible as long as places are available and at least 14 days remain between registration and the exam date. On our website: Red = fully booked, Yellow = almost full (limited places), Green = places available.
How long do results take?
Results are available approximately 4 weeks after the exam. Once we receive them, your certificate will be sent to you by email.
I am registered but cannot attend. Can I cancel or reschedule?
Cancellation deadlines apply in accordance with our terms and conditions. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us. Our T&Cs can be found at: www.eloquia.com/impressum/
I have lost my telc certificate. What should I do?
If your certificate is lost, you can request a duplicate from telc for a fee. www.telc.net/kontakt
What do I need to bring to the exam?
You must bring a valid identity document — passport, national ID card, or residence permit (with photo).
Tip: Not sure whether your level is sufficient for the B1 exam? Take our free placement test and get a no-obligation consultation!