The telc (The European Language Certificates) exams are among Germany’s most widely used German language certificates. They are developed by telc gGmbH, a subsidiary of the Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband (DVV), headquartered in Bad Homburg. More than 100,000 certificates are issued every year across 3,000+ test centers in 20 countries. The most common levels are B1 (EUR 155—239), B2 (EUR 175—249), and C1 Hochschule (EUR 205—269). Unlike TestDaF, telc exams from B1 onward allow modular retakes — if you fail one part, you only repeat that part. Certificates are valid indefinitely. This guide covers every exam level in detail, compares telc with TestDaF, DSH, and Goethe, and explains how to register and prepare.
telc stands for The European Language Certificates. The organization behind the exams is telc gGmbH, a non-profit subsidiary of the DVV (Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband — Germany’s adult education association). The headquarters are in Bad Homburg, near Frankfurt am Main.
telc exams are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and recognized across Germany and Europe. They serve three main purposes:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Organization | telc gGmbH (non-profit) |
| Parent | DVV (Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband) |
| Headquarters | Bad Homburg, Germany |
| Test centers | 3,000+ in 20 countries |
| Certificates per year | 100,000+ |
| CEFR levels offered | A1 to C2 |
| Certificate validity | Unlimited |
| Results turnaround | 4—6 weeks |
telc offers German exams at every CEFR level. The four most relevant exams for international learners are B1, B2, C1 Hochschule, and B1-B2 Pflege. Here is a quick comparison.
| Feature | telc B1 | telc B2 | telc C1 Hochschule | telc B1-B2 Pflege |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 150 min | 140 min | 200 min | 115 min |
| Oral exam | 15 min (pairs) | 15 min (pairs) | 16 min (pairs) | 15 min (pairs) |
| Passing score | 60% | 60% | 60% (128/214 pts) | 60% |
| Cost range | EUR 155—239 | EUR 175—249 | EUR 205—269 | EUR 170—229 |
| Modular retake | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Main purpose | Residence, citizenship | Jobs, further study | University admission | Nursing recognition |
Prices vary by test center. The ranges above reflect typical fees across Germany.
telc Deutsch B1 is the most taken telc exam in Germany. You need it for:
The B1 exam has two parts: a written exam and an oral exam.
Written exam (150 minutes):
| Section | Duration | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Lesen (Reading) | 65 min | 5 parts, 25 items |
| Sprachbausteine (Language Elements) | 15 min | 2 parts, 20 items |
| Hören (Listening) | 30 min | 3 parts, 25 items |
| Schreiben (Writing) | 30 min | 1 semi-formal letter |
| Pause | 20 min | — |
Oral exam (15 minutes):
The oral exam is taken in pairs. It has three parts:
You need 60% in both the written and oral parts to pass. Each part is evaluated independently. If you pass one part but fail the other, you can use the modular retake option and repeat only the failed part within the same calendar year.
Example: You score 72% on the written exam but only 48% on the oral exam. You keep your written result and retake only the oral exam at a later date.
telc Deutsch B2 is widely used for professional purposes and as a stepping stone toward C1. Typical reasons for taking B2:
Written exam (140 minutes):
| Section | Duration | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Lesen (Reading) | 90 min | 5 parts, 20 items |
| Sprachbausteine (Language Elements) | included | 2 parts, 20 items |
| Hören (Listening) | 20 min | 3 parts, 20 items |
| Schreiben (Writing) | 30 min | 1 semi-formal/formal letter |
| Pause | 20 min | — |
Oral exam (15 minutes):
Taken in pairs with three parts:
The passing threshold is 60% in both parts. Modular retakes apply: fail the oral, keep the written, and repeat only the oral within the calendar year.
The B2 oral exam is more demanding than B1. Examiners evaluate your ability to argue, compare positions, and speak spontaneously — not just communicate on everyday topics.
telc C1 Hochschule is the telc exam designed specifically for university admission in Germany. It was officially recognized by the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) and is accepted by virtually all German universities. It directly competes with TestDaF and DSH as a university admission language certificate.
The key advantage over TestDaF: modular retakes. If you fail the written part but pass the oral (or vice versa), you repeat only the failed module within the calendar year. With TestDaF, you must retake the entire exam.
Written exam (200 minutes):
| Section | Duration | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Lesen (Reading) | 90 min | 48 pts |
| Hören (Listening) | 40 min | 48 pts |
| Schreiben (Writing) | 70 min | 48 pts |
| Total written | 200 min | 144 pts |
Oral exam (16 minutes):
| Part | Duration | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | ca. 3 min | 35 pts |
| Discussion | ca. 6 min | 35 pts |
| Total oral | ca. 16 min | 70 pts |
The total possible score is 214 points (144 written + 70 oral).
You need 60% overall to pass: a minimum of 128 out of 214 points. Additionally, you must pass both the written and oral parts separately. Failing one part means repeating only that part.
Reading (90 minutes): You encounter academic texts — research articles, university documents, subject-specific essays. Tasks include matching, multiple choice, gap-filling, and identifying author positions.
Listening (40 minutes): Academic lectures, interviews, and discussions. You hear recordings twice in most tasks. Note-taking is essential.
Writing (70 minutes): You write a structured academic text. Typical tasks include summarizing data, taking a position on a topic, and supporting arguments with examples. Clear structure and cohesion are weighted heavily.
Oral exam (16 minutes, in pairs):
KS++ Essen is the only telc Kompetenzzentrum Hochschule among our partner schools. This means they are specially certified for the C1 Hochschule exam, with additional quality standards in exam administration and preparation courses.
telc Deutsch B1-B2 Pflege is a dual-level exam designed specifically for international nurses and healthcare workers seeking professional recognition (Berufsanerkennung) in Germany. “Dual-level” means the exam evaluates whether your German is at B1, B2, or below B1 — in a single sitting.
Germany has a severe nursing shortage. International nurses must prove their German skills before they can work in German hospitals and care facilities. The Deutsch B1-B2 Pflege exam tests healthcare-specific language — medical vocabulary, patient communication, shift handovers, and documentation.
Written exam (115 minutes):
| Section | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Lesen (Reading) | 45 min | Medical texts, patient information, ward schedules |
| Hören (Listening) | 30 min | Dialogues between nurses, doctors, and patients |
| Schreiben (Writing) | 40 min | Documentation, handover reports |
Oral exam (15 minutes, in pairs):
Simulated workplace conversations — handing over a patient, explaining a procedure, responding to a patient’s concerns.
The exam evaluates your performance on a dual scale. Each section receives either a B1 or B2 result. If all sections reach B2, your certificate confirms B2. If some sections reach B1 and others B2, the certificate shows mixed results. This dual-level system is unique to telc.
Cost: EUR 170—229, depending on the test center.
For a deeper look at German language requirements for nurses, see our German for Nursing guide.
Choosing the right exam depends on your goal. This table compares the four major German language certificates.
| Feature | telc | TestDaF | DSH | Goethe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | telc gGmbH (DVV) | g.a.s.t. / TestDaF-Institut | Individual universities | Goethe-Institut |
| Levels | A1—C2 | B2—C1 | B2—C2 (DSH 1—3) | A1—C2 |
| University admission | C1 Hochschule | TDN 4 in all sections | DSH-2 | C2 (some accept C1) |
| Modular retake | Yes (B1+) | No (full retake) | Varies by university | No |
| Test centers | 3,000+ in 20 countries | 500+ in 100+ countries | Only at German universities | 150+ in 98 countries |
| Exam frequency | Monthly at most centers | 10 dates/year (2026) | 2—4 dates/year per uni | 6—8 dates/year |
| Results turnaround | 4—6 weeks | 3—6 weeks | 1—4 weeks | 4—6 weeks |
| Certificate validity | Unlimited | Unlimited (2 yrs preferred) | Varies by university | Unlimited |
| Cost (Germany) | EUR 155—269 | EUR 210—215 | EUR 80—200 | EUR 260—395 |
| Best for | Residence, nursing, university | University admission | Single university application | Global recognition |
Choose telc if:
Choose TestDaF if:
Choose DSH if:
Choose Goethe if:
For a detailed guide on TestDaF specifically, see our TestDaF Complete Guide.
Exam fees vary by test center, city, and whether the center is a Volkshochschule or a private language school. The ranges below reflect what you can expect in Germany in 2026.
| Exam | Low end | High end | Typical mid-range |
|---|---|---|---|
| telc B1 | EUR 155 | EUR 239 | EUR 175 |
| telc B2 | EUR 175 | EUR 249 | EUR 199 |
| telc C1 Hochschule | EUR 205 | EUR 269 | EUR 239 |
| telc B1-B2 Pflege | EUR 170 | EUR 229 | EUR 189 |
| TestDaF (digital) | EUR 210 | EUR 210 | EUR 210 |
| DSH | EUR 80 | EUR 200 | EUR 130 |
| Goethe B2 | EUR 260 | EUR 295 | EUR 270 |
| Goethe C1 | EUR 310 | EUR 395 | EUR 350 |
What the fee covers: Registration, exam administration, and the official certificate. If you need a retake of one module (telc only), you pay a reduced fee — typically 50—70% of the full exam price.
Hidden costs to budget for: Preparation courses (EUR 400—1,200 for 4—8 weeks), study materials (EUR 25—50 for official practice books), and travel to the test center if none is nearby.
Most centers close registration 2—4 weeks before the exam date. Popular dates fill up fast, especially for C1 Hochschule. Register at least 6 weeks in advance to secure your spot.
Tip: If you are studying at one of our partner schools, ask your course coordinator to register you directly. Many schools handle the registration for their students, which simplifies the process. Find a telc center near you.
| Your current level | Target exam | Recommended preparation |
|---|---|---|
| A2 | telc B1 | 8—12 weeks intensive course |
| B1 | telc B2 | 8—12 weeks intensive course |
| B2 | telc C1 Hochschule | 12—16 weeks intensive course |
| B1 | telc B1-B2 Pflege | 4—8 weeks specialized course |
1. Take a mock exam early. telc publishes free practice tests (Übungstests) on their website. Take one under timed conditions in your first week of preparation. Your result shows exactly which sections need the most work.
2. Focus on your weakest section. The modular retake option means you can pass three sections and fail one — but your goal should be to pass everything on the first try. Identify your weakest area and spend 40% of your study time on it.
3. Practice the oral exam with a partner. All telc oral exams are taken in pairs. Practice with another person, not alone. Simulate the exam format: prompt cards, timed presentations, and structured discussions.
4. Learn the exam format thoroughly. Each telc exam has specific task types. Knowing what to expect saves time and reduces stress. A B1 letter is different from a B2 letter — understand what the examiners look for at each level.
5. Join a preparation course. Structured courses with experienced teachers are the most efficient path. Most language schools in Germany offer dedicated telc preparation courses. In a typical 4-week intensive course, you take mock exams weekly and receive individual feedback.
Example: In Essen, a C1 Hochschule preparation course at a Kompetenzzentrum takes 12 weeks. Students take three full mock exams during the course. The pass rate for students who complete the full course is significantly higher than for self-study candidates.
The modular retake (Teilprüfungswiederholung) is one of the biggest advantages of telc exams. Here is how it works.
You take telc C1 Hochschule in March 2026. You pass the written exam with 135/144 points but score only 28/70 on the oral exam (below the passing threshold). Your written result is saved. You register for the oral retake in June 2026 and pass with 45/70 points. You receive your full C1 Hochschule certificate.
If you had not passed the oral retake by December 31, 2026, your written result would expire. You would need to take the full exam again in 2027.
| Feature | telc | TestDaF | DSH | Goethe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modular retake | Yes (within calendar year) | No | Varies by university | No |
| What you retake | Failed part only | Full exam (4 sections) | Full exam or parts (varies) | Full exam |
This retake flexibility makes telc especially attractive if you are strong in written tasks but nervous about oral exams, or vice versa.
Results are typically available 4—6 weeks after the exam date. Your test center will notify you when they arrive. Some centers post results online; others send them by mail.
Your telc certificate displays:
All telc certificates are valid indefinitely. There is no expiration date. However, some institutions (especially universities) may prefer certificates issued within the past 2 years. If your certificate is older than 2 years, check with the institution whether they still accept it.
If you fail one part, use the modular retake option within the calendar year. If you fail both parts, you must retake the full exam. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts — you can register for the next available date.
Yes. telc Deutsch B1 is one of the recognized certificates for German naturalization (Einbürgerung). The Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz requires proof of B1-level German, and telc B1 fulfills this requirement. Other accepted certificates include the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) at B1 level and Goethe-Zertifikat B1.
Yes. telc C1 Hochschule is accepted by virtually all German universities as proof of language proficiency. The German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) has recognized this exam alongside TestDaF and DSH. Check your target university’s admission requirements — some programs may have additional conditions.
Both are reputable German language certificates aligned with the CEFR. telc is more commonly used within Germany for residence, citizenship, and nursing certification. Goethe is better known internationally and is the premium brand for global recognition. telc offers modular retakes; Goethe does not. telc exams are generally cheaper (EUR 155—269 vs. EUR 260—395 for Goethe).
Yes, but options are more limited than for TestDaF or Goethe. telc has 3,000+ test centers in 20 countries. Most are in Europe (especially Germany, Austria, and Turkey). If you are outside Europe, check the telc website for centers in your country. TestDaF (100+ countries) and Goethe (98 countries) have broader international coverage.
You must retake the full exam. There is no waiting period — register for the next available date at your test center. Your previous results do not carry over if both parts are failed. The full exam fee applies again.
With a solid B2 level, plan 12—16 weeks of intensive preparation (at least 20 hours per week). If you are at a strong B2 and comfortable with academic German, 8—12 weeks may be enough. Take a mock exam early to assess your starting point. Self-study is possible but significantly less effective than a structured preparation course with mock exams and feedback.
The exam is designed for healthcare workers, primarily nurses and elderly care workers (Altenpfleger). The vocabulary and scenarios focus on hospital and care facility contexts. While anyone can register for the exam, it only makes practical sense if you work in or are entering the healthcare sector.
Yes, starting from B1 level. If you passed the written part but failed the oral, you retake only the oral within the same calendar year. You pay a reduced fee (typically 50—70% of the full price). This applies to all telc exams from B1 upward, including C1 Hochschule.
There is no limit on the number of attempts. Most test centers offer monthly exam dates for B1 and B2. C1 Hochschule dates are less frequent but still available every 4—8 weeks at major centers. You can register for the next available date immediately after receiving your results.
No. There is no formal prerequisite. You can register for C1 Hochschule directly, regardless of which certificates you already hold. However, you should be at a solid B2 level before starting C1 preparation. Taking C1 Hochschule at a B1 level will almost certainly result in failure.
The telc system is flexible, widely recognized, and available at test centers across Germany. The modular retake option gives you a safety net that TestDaF and Goethe do not offer. Whether you need B1 for citizenship, B2 for work, or C1 Hochschule for university, telc has an exam built for your goal.
Ready to take a telc exam? Find accredited language schools and certified telc exam centers across Germany. Eight of our ten partner schools are telc-licensed — prepare and take the exam in one place. Find your school now.
careerComplete Ausbildung guide: B1 minimum for visa, B2 recommended. Earn €724-1,490/month during training. 213,000 foreign apprentices. Step-by-step from zero German.
lifeComplete guide to German language requirements for nurses: B2 for recognition, B1 to start working, €3,510-4,489/month salary, Triple Win program, and 18-30 month timeline.
universityEverything about TestDaF: digital vs. paper format, TDN scoring (3-5), 10 exam dates in 2026, €210-215 fee, preparation tips, and how it compares to DSH and telc.
Compare by level, format, price and city – and start your search now.