---
title: "telc C1 German guide: format, points & tips"
description: "telc C1 German guide: each part with time and points, the pass mark, preparation tips, FAQ and examples for every section."
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url: "https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1/guide.md"
locale: "en"
provider: "TELC"
level: "C1"
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---

# telc C1 German guide: format, points & tips

> telc C1 German guide: each part with time and points, the pass mark, preparation tips, FAQ and examples for every section.

## At a glance

- **Provider:** TELC
- **Level:** C1
- **Certified language:** German
- **Total time:** ~231 minutes
- **Sections:** 5
- **Total points:** 214

## Exam structure

### [Leseverstehen (Reading Comprehension)](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1/reading)

~70 minutes · 48 points

Reading comprehension (Leseverstehen) is the first part of the written telc C1 exam. Here you’ll find the structure, points, exercises and a clear strategy for each of the three parts.

- Part 1 – Matching · 12 points
- Part 2 – Matching opinions · 12 points
- Part 3 – T/F/not in text · 24 points

### [Sprachbausteine (Language Building Blocks)](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1/sprachbausteine)

~20 minutes · 22 points

The Sprachbausteine (“language elements”) test grammar and vocabulary in context. They belong to the same 90-minute block as reading – here are the structure, strategy and exercises.

- Gap-fill text (a/b/c/d) · 22 points

### [Hörverstehen (Listening Comprehension)](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1/listening)

~40 minutes · 48 points

Listening (Hörverstehen) tests whether you understand spoken German at a high level – in three parts with different listening styles. Here are the structure, strategy and exercises for each part.

- Part 1 – Gist · 8 points
- Part 2 – Detail (MC) · 20 points
- Part 3 – Selective listening · 20 points

### [Schriftlicher Ausdruck (Written Expression)](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1/writing)

~70 minutes · 48 points

In Written Expression you choose one of two topics and write a structured, argumentative text (around 250 words). Here are the structure, useful phrases, an example and all the assessment criteria.

- Write a structured text · 48 points

### [Mündlicher Ausdruck (Oral Expression)](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1/speaking)

~31 minutes · 48 points

In Oral Expression – the speaking exam – you speak in two parts, usually in pairs with a partner. Here are the structure, useful phrases, topics and examples for each part.

- Part 1 – Presentation · 24 points
- Part 2 – Discussion & consensus · 24 points

## Frequently asked questions

### How is the telc German C1 exam structured?

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.

### How long does the telc German C1 exam take?

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.

### How many points do I need to pass the telc German C1 exam?

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.

### What is the difference between telc German C1 and C1 Hochschule?

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.

### How can I prepare for the telc German C1 exam?

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.

### How much does the telc German C1 exam cost?

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.

### What is the difference between telc B2 and C1?

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.

## Start practicing

Take the free, full-length model test online: [telc C1 German Model Test & Practice Test with Answers & PDF](https://prepliq.com/en/practice-test/telc-german-c1)