telc Deutsch C1 – Guide: format, scoring & tips

It has a written and an oral part. In writing you do reading, Sprachbausteine, listening and the written part; in the oral exam you give a presentation and have a discussion, usually in pairs with a partner.

The written part takes around 3 hours 40 minutes in total: 90 minutes for reading and Sprachbausteine together, 40 minutes of listening and 70 minutes for the written part. The oral exam takes about 16 minutes, with around 20 minutes of preparation beforehand.

At least 99 of 166 points in the written exam and, separately, at least 29 of 48 points in the oral exam – each part has to be passed on its own. Within the written exam the parts offset each other: strong reading can make up for weaker writing. But no written result makes up for an oral exam below 29 points.

Both certify the C1 level. “telc Deutsch C1” is general; “telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule” is aimed at university entrance in Germany and is recognized by many universities. Check which version you need.

Practice each exam part separately, do full model tests under real time conditions and get feedback above all for writing and speaking. At Prepliq you do realistic mock exams with instant scoring – writing is graded automatically on criteria of Prepliq’s own, speaking with reference to the published assessment criteria.

Each exam center sets the fee itself – it is not cheap, and anyone who fails pays the full fee again for the next attempt. Ask your telc center directly for the current price and the next dates. A Prepliq model test gives you feedback on every part, so you see where you stand.

C1 is one level higher: the texts and listening passages are longer and more abstract, and in writing and speaking you have to argue in a differentiated way and deliver a structured text or presentation. C1 certifies advanced, almost effortless command of the language.