The telc Exams at a Glance
Two exams, one book
telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1) shows that you can understand and use simple everyday German: introduce yourself, ask for and give basic information, understand short notices and messages, fill in a form and write a short note. It is often required for a spouse visa (Ehegattennachzug).
telc Deutsch A2 (Start Deutsch 2) shows that you can manage routine situations: talk about your life and the past, understand short articles and announcements, write a short personal letter and plan something together with another person.
Both exams have the same structure: a written exam (Hören, Lesen, Schreiben) and an oral exam (Sprechen). Dictionaries and phones are not allowed.
| telc Deutsch A1 | telc Deutsch A2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Hören | ca. 20 min, 3 parts, 15 items | ca. 20 min, 3 parts, 15 items |
| Lesen | 25 min, 3 parts, 15 items | 3 parts, 15 items |
| Schreiben | 20 min, form (5 gaps) + message of about 30 words | form (5 gaps) + letter of about 40 words |
| Lesen + Schreiben together | 45 min | 50 min |
| Sprechen | ca. 15 min, in a group | ca. 15 min, in pairs |
| Points | 15 per subtest, 60 in total | 15 per subtest, 60 in total |
| Pass mark | 36 points (60 %) | 36 points (60 %) |
| Punkte | Note |
|---|---|
| 54-60 | sehr gut |
| 48-53,5 | gut |
| 42-47,5 | befriedigend |
| 36-41,5 | ausreichend |
| 0-35,5 | nicht bestanden (teilgenommen) |
Each level has its own exam chapter with a detailed description of every part, strategies, typical traps and two complete model tests.
A study plan
| Phase | Lessons | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|
| A1, part 1 | Lektion 1-6 | 6 weeks |
| A1, part 2 | Lektion 7-12 | 6 weeks |
| A1 exam preparation | A1 exam chapter, Modelltest A1 Satz 1 and 2 | 2 weeks |
| A2, part 1 | Lektion 13-17 | 6 weeks |
| A2, part 2 | Lektion 18-22 | 6 weeks |
| A2 exam preparation | A2 exam chapter, Modelltest A2 Satz 1 and 2 | 2 weeks |
At 5-7 hours per week this is roughly a 7-month plan to A2. If you only need A1, stop after the A1 exam chapter. If you already have some German, start with the Selbstcheck of each lesson and do the lessons where you cannot tick everything.
Take the model tests under exam conditions: set a timer, no dictionary, listening texts played only as often as allowed. Score yourself with the Auswertung table in the key. If you reach 36 points or more in both model tests of a level, you are ready to register.
Teil A: Niveau A1 (Lektion 1-12)