Is telc B1 Deutsch accepted for German citizenship?

Yes. telc B1 Deutsch is accepted for citizenship (Einbürgerung) and permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Germany. It is recognised alongside Goethe B1, ÖSD B1, and the DTZ. Always confirm with your Ausländerbehörde which certificates they accept for your specific application.

What is the difference between telc B1 and Goethe B1?

Both exams test B1-level German and carry the same official weight. The main format differences are: telc B1 combines reading and language use (Sprachbausteine) into one module, while Goethe B1 tests them separately. The speaking test in telc B1 is a pair task focused on planning together; Goethe B1 speaking involves presenting and discussing a topic. Choose the format that suits your strengths.

How long does it take to prepare for telc B1?

If you already have solid A2 German, most people need 3–6 months of consistent study to reach B1. The exact time depends on how much time you study each day and how strong your A2 foundation is. Starting with a complete A1 and A2 course before B1 preparation makes the process much smoother.

What score do I need to pass telc B1?

You need 60% overall to pass, with a minimum score in each section. If you do not pass the written part (reading, listening, writing) or the speaking part separately, you may be able to retake that part within a certain period. Check the current rules with the telc examination centre where you register.

Where can I take the telc B1 Deutsch exam?

telc exams are offered at hundreds of examination centres across Germany, including adult education centres (Volkshochschulen), language schools, and official telc partners. You can find exam dates and centres on the official telc website (telc.net). Some centres also offer the exam abroad.

telc · CEFR B1

telc B1 Deutsch Exam Preparation

telc B1 runs on 300 points and you pass at 180, with two floors underneath that number: at least 135 from the written subtests and at least 45 from the oral. Nothing here is modular. Clear all three lines or sit the whole exam again.

The shape differs from Goethe B1 as well, which is the part people book the wrong exam over. telc has five subtests, not four: Leseverstehen worth 75 points, Sprachbausteine 30, Hörverstehen 75, Schriftlicher Ausdruck 45 and Mündlicher Ausdruck 75. Sprachbausteine is grammar and vocabulary in context, and the Goethe paper has no counterpart to it at all.

Both certificates are accepted for citizenship and permanent residence, so the choice is about which format suits you. Sitting one telc set tells you that faster than any comparison table.

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Free full-length mock

See Where Your 300 Points Land

Six complete telc B1 sets in the official booklet layout, weighted per Teil so every subtest hits its real maximum, and scored against 180 with the written and oral floors applied separately rather than averaged away.

180 of 300: the pass line for the whole exam
135 and 45: the written and oral minimums underneath it
5 subtests: Lesen 75, Sprachbausteine 30, Hören 75, Schreiben 45, Sprechen 75
165 min: Lesen 60, Sprachbausteine 30, Hören 30, Schreiben 30, Sprechen 15

Take the telc B1 mock Compare it with Goethe B1

Honestly: there is no signed-out version of this one. The mocks run inside the app, so they need a free account. The first set costs nothing and asks for no card; the other five come with Pro.

What the telc B1 Deutsch tests

The telc B1 exam consists of two main parts: a written part (reading, listening, and writing) and a speaking part. You need 60% overall to pass, with minimum scores in each main section.

Reading & Language Use

A combined module testing reading comprehension and language accuracy (Sprachbausteine). Understand articles, notices, and fill in missing words in longer texts.

Listening (Hören)

Understand radio broadcasts, conversations, and announcements at natural speed. Identify key information and speaker positions.

Writing (Schreiben)

Write a semi-formal letter or email responding to a prompt. Express opinions, make requests, and communicate clearly in B1-level German.

Speaking (Sprechen)

A pair task completed with another candidate. Plan a task together, make suggestions, agree and disagree politely, and express opinions.

How Ankommo helps with telc B1 preparation

Structured B1 grammar: Konjunktiv II, passive voice, relative clauses
B1 vocabulary for opinions, work, daily life, and society
Reading practice with longer articles and mixed-format tasks
Listening exercises at natural German speaking speed
Writing practice with letter and email formats
Expressing, justifying, and discussing opinions in German
Language use accuracy (Sprachbausteine-style grammar in context)
Free access to the first 5 B1 chapters

Build your A2 foundation before B1

If you are not yet at A2 level, start with Ankommo A1 and A2 first. B1 grammar and vocabulary build directly on A2. You cannot skip the intermediate stages and expect to be ready for an intermediate exam.

Ankommo covers A1 (25 chapters), A2 (26 chapters), and B1 (29 chapters). Start wherever you are and progress at your own pace.

German A2 Course

telc B1 or Goethe B1?

Both telc B1 Deutsch and Goethe B1 are accepted for citizenship and permanent residence. The language skills you need are the same; the format of the exam differs slightly. Ankommo builds the B1 German foundation that prepares you for either exam. Once you reach B1 level, choose the exam format that works best for you.

Goethe B1 Preparation telc A1 Preparation German B1 Course

Frequently asked questions

Is telc B1 Deutsch accepted for German citizenship?: Yes. telc B1 Deutsch is accepted for citizenship (Einbürgerung) and permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in Germany. It is recognised alongside Goethe B1, ÖSD B1, and the DTZ. Always confirm with your Ausländerbehörde which certificates they accept for your specific application.
What is the difference between telc B1 and Goethe B1?: Both exams test B1-level German and carry the same official weight. The main format differences are: telc B1 combines reading and language use (Sprachbausteine) into one module, while Goethe B1 tests them separately. The speaking test in telc B1 is a pair task focused on planning together; Goethe B1 speaking involves presenting and discussing a topic. Choose the format that suits your strengths.
How long does it take to prepare for telc B1?: If you already have solid A2 German, most people need 3–6 months of consistent study to reach B1. The exact time depends on how much time you study each day and how strong your A2 foundation is. Starting with a complete A1 and A2 course before B1 preparation makes the process much smoother.
What score do I need to pass telc B1?: You need 60% overall to pass, with a minimum score in each section. If you do not pass the written part (reading, listening, writing) or the speaking part separately, you may be able to retake that part within a certain period. Check the current rules with the telc examination centre where you register.
Where can I take the telc B1 Deutsch exam?: telc exams are offered at hundreds of examination centres across Germany, including adult education centres (Volkshochschulen), language schools, and official telc partners. You can find exam dates and centres on the official telc website (telc.net). Some centres also offer the exam abroad.

Start building your telc B1 foundation

Free to start. Practical German from A1 to B1, for exam preparation and life in Germany.

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