telc B1 exam (Zertifikat Deutsch): format, points, passing
Five parts, 300 points, and you pass only with 60 % in the written and in the oral part. Here is how the exam runs and how it is marked.
At a glance
Written: reading, language elements, listening and writing — 150 minutes in one sitting. Oral: a conversation with a partner, about 15 minutes, after 20 minutes to prepare. 300 points in all: 225 written, 75 oral.
The parts
| Part | Tasks | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 3 parts, 20 tasks | 90 min together | 75 |
| Language elements | 2 parts, 20 gaps | 30 | |
| Listening | 3 parts, 20 tasks | about 30 min | 75 |
| Writing | one e-mail, four points to cover | 30 min | 45 |
| Speaking | 3 parts, with a partner | about 15 min | 75 |
Reading (Leseverstehen, 3 parts): headings to texts, questions on a longer text, adverts to situations — sometimes no advert fits a situation, and then „x“ is the answer. Each heading and each advert is used once.
Language elements (Sprachbausteine, 2 parts): 10 gaps with three options each (grammar), 10 gaps filled from a box of words (vocabulary). 15 points per part.
Listening (Hörverstehen, 3 parts, true or false): short texts once, a conversation twice, then five more short texts, each twice.
Writing: an e-mail covering four points in 30 minutes. How to write the B1 letter
Speaking (points): Getting to know each other (Einander kennenlernen): 15 · Talking about a topic (Über ein Thema sprechen): 30 · Planning something together (Gemeinsam etwas planen): 30.
When is the exam passed?
With 60 % in each part, separately: 135 of 225 points written and 45 of 75 oral. A strong written part does not make up for a weak oral one. Only when both parts are enough are the points added up into the grade:
Grades
How is it marked?
- Reading, language elements and listening: automatically — the answer sheet is scanned and compared with the key.
- Writing: three criteria — task completion, communicative design, accuracy — each marked A to D.
- Speaking: two examiners, each on their own, mark range of expression, task completion, accuracy, and pronunciation and intonation.
What does the exam cost?
For example €185 at VHS Rhein-Sieg, with exam training. Our practice tests: one free, all of them €39 for 90 days.
You can sit a full B1 test free: against the clock, with your points against 60 %.
Take a B1 practice test free