telc German C1 General & C1 University
CEFR level C1. Proof of highly advanced German language skills — for everyday life, work, and university admission.
Written & oral examination
Internationally recognized
External participants welcome
Internationally recognized
External participants welcome
Exam fee
240,- €
Can be booked directly at the end of this page
Key information at a glance
| Exams | telc German C1 General & telc German C1 University |
| Level | CEFR C1 (Highly advanced) |
| Total duration | 09:00 a.m. – approx. 4:00 p.m. |
| Passing criterion | At least 60% in the written AND at least 60% in the oral part |
| Recognition | Internationally recognized by universities, employers, and authorities; C1 University serves as language proof for university admission |
| Validity | Certificate is valid indefinitely (authorities may require current proof) |
| Examination center | Eloquia Frankfurt — also open to external participants |
Which exam is right for you?
telc German C1 General
For anyone who wants to demonstrate their general German language skills at a highly advanced level — for work, authorities, or personal development.
- Everyday communication & work
- Express yourself spontaneously and fluently
- Internationally recognized by employers and authorities
telc German C1 University
Designed specifically for university admission — tests academic language skills such as mediation tasks, presentation, and academic writing.
- University admission in Germany
- Academic reading, listening, writing
- Recognized by German universities
Exam sections & points
Both exams have an identical structure and the same exam sections.
| Section | Content | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Understand texts; 3 task sections with multiple-choice and matching tasks | 90 min. then a 20 min. break |
| Language elements | Grammar and vocabulary tasks in textual context | |
| Listening | Understand everyday conversations, lectures, and interviews; 3 task sections | approx. 40 min. |
| Writing | Write a longer text based on a given prompt | 70 min. |
| Oral examination Part I & II |
Part I: Presentation with summary and follow-up questions Part II: Discussion on a given topic (usually 2 participants) |
20 min. preparation time approx. 16 min. exam |
Passing rule: You must achieve at least 60% of the points in both the written part (Reading, Listening, Language Elements, Writing) and the oral part. Both parts must be passed separately.
Assessment & passing overview
The exam consists of a written and an oral part. Both parts are assessed separately and must each be passed individually.
| Exam part | Passing criterion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Written total Reading + Language Elements + Listening + Writing |
At least 60% of the points | ✅ Must be passed |
| Oral total Part I + Part II |
At least 60% of the points | ✅ Must be passed |
| Overall result if one part is failed | ❌ Exam failed | |
How registration works
- 1
Select exam & date: Choose between telc German C1 General and telc German C1 University and select a suitable date at our Frankfurt test center.
- 2
Register online: Complete 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 organizational information by email.
- 5
On the exam day: Be at the test center 15 minutes before the exam starts and bring a valid photo ID. All exam sections take place on site.
- 6
Results: You will usually receive your result and — if you pass — your telc certificate by email within 4 weeks.
Important notes
- Valid ID: Please bring a passport or identity card on the exam day — participation is not possible without a valid document.
- Arrive on time: Please be at the test center on time; participation is not possible if you arrive late.
- University admission: The telc German C1 University certificate is recognized by German universities as proof of language proficiency for admission.
- External participants: You do not need to attend a course at Eloquia to take the exam with us.
- Special conditions: Compensations for disadvantages or special requirements must be communicated at least 6 weeks before registration.
- Cancellations / changes: The guidelines of telc and Eloquia apply; please observe deadlines and any applicable fees.
FAQ — telc Exams C1
What is the difference between telc German C1 General and C1 University?
Both exams are at CEFR level C1 and have the same structural format. The difference lies in the focus: telc German C1 General tests general language skills for everyday life and work. telc German C1 University tests academic language skills (e.g. academic writing) and is recognized by German universities as an admission requirement.
Are telc exams officially recognized?
In Germany, the language certificates of telc gGmbH are recognized by the federal government for all purposes. telc certificates are internationally recognized by schools, universities, employers, and authorities as proof of language proficiency. As a full member of ALTE, telc is committed to complying with international quality standards.
How can I register for a telc exam?
You can register with us in person at our examination center or online. For German 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 there are at least 14 days between the registration date and the exam date. On our website: Red = fully booked, Yellow = almost fully booked (limited places), Green = places still available.
How long do the results take?
The results are available approximately 4 weeks after the exam. As soon as we receive the results, you will receive your certificate by email.
I am registered for an exam but cannot attend. Can I cancel or reschedule?
The cancellation deadlines apply in accordance with our Terms and Conditions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. You can find our Terms and Conditions at: www.eloquia.com/impressum/
I lost my telc certificate. What should I do?
If you lose your certificate, you can apply for a duplicate from telc for a fee. www.telc.net/kontakt
What do I need to bring to the exam?
You must bring your identity card, passport, or residence permit (with photo).
Tip: Not sure whether your level is sufficient for the C1 exam? Take our free placement test and get non-binding advice!