telc Deutsch A1
telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1): format, pass mark and practice papers
telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1) has 60 points: 45 written and 15 oral. From 36 points you get the grade ausreichend, the lowest pass grade. You have 20 minutes for listening and 45 minutes for reading and writing together. Faust Academy has 24 practice papers in this format. One scored online paper per part is free, and every PDF is free.
Updated 7 October 2026, Faust Academy team
telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1) is a German exam by telc gGmbH with a written and an oral part. The official telc practice test uses both names: telc Deutsch A1 and Start Deutsch 1.
This page sets out the parts, the points, the timing and the pass rule. Every number comes from the official telc practice test (Übungstest) for this level, listed under sources.
telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1) at a glance
You have 20 minutes for listening and 45 minutes for reading and writing together.
| Section | Structure | Points | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (Lesen) | 3 parts, 15 tasks | 15 | 45 minutes, shared |
| Listening (Hören) | 3 parts, 15 tasks | 15 | 20 minutes |
| Writing (Schreiben) | 2 parts | 15 | 45 minutes, shared with reading |
| Speaking (Mündliche Prüfung) | 3 parts | 15 | Not stated separately |
How you pass, and the grades
telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1) has 60 points: 45 written and 15 oral. From 36 points you get the grade ausreichend, the lowest pass grade.
| Points | Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 54 to 60 | sehr gut | very good |
| 48 to 53.5 | gut | good |
| 42 to 47.5 | befriedigend | satisfactory |
| 36 to 41.5 | ausreichend | sufficient, a pass |
| 0 to 35.5 | teilgenommen | took part, no pass |
Parts and points in reading and listening
| Section | Part | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lesen | Part 1 | 5 | undefined |
| Lesen | Part 2 | 5 | undefined |
| Lesen | Part 3 | 5 | undefined |
| Hören | Part 1 | 6 | undefined |
| Hören | Part 2 | 4 | undefined |
| Hören | Part 3 | 5 | undefined |
The writing task
You fill in five details in a form. Then you write a short message that covers three content points. Reading and writing share 45 minutes.
The oral exam
You do the oral tasks with another candidate. React to what your partner says and keep the exchange going together.
- Teil 1: Sich vorstellen, buchstabieren und Zahlen nennen
- Teil 2: Informationen erfragen und geben
- Teil 3: Bitten äußern und reagieren
How to prepare for telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1)
- Count your points over the whole exam. 60 points are possible, 45 written and 15 oral.
- In listening, read the tasks before each recording and note how many times the task sheet says you hear it.
- Write under the real time limit: 45 minutes, shared with reading. Cover every point the task asks for, because the task points are part of the marking.
- Practise the oral parts out loud with a partner: Teil 1: Sich vorstellen, buchstabieren und Zahlen nennen, Teil 2: Informationen erfragen und geben, Teil 3: Bitten äußern und reagieren.
After each practice paper: score yourself
- Add up your reading and listening points with the parts table above, then compare your result with the pass rule for your level.
- For each wrong answer, find the place in the text or the recording that gives the right answer, and note why you missed it: an unknown word, a number you did not catch, or too little time.
- Check your writing against the task: every point covered, a fitting greeting and closing, and a tone that suits the reader.
- Write down your score with the date. After three papers you can see whether you are moving toward the pass mark in every section.
Practise with Faust Academy
Faust Academy has 24 practice papers in the telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1) format for reading, listening, writing and speaking, each with a PDF and answers or marking guidance. One scored online paper per part is free, and every PDF is free.
Faust Academy is independent practice. It is not a product of the Goethe-Institut and issues no certificates.
telc A1 practice papers
- telc A1 practice papers, page in German
- telc A1 reading papers, page in German
- telc A1 listening papers, page in German
- telc A1 writing tasks, page in German
- telc A1 speaking materials, page in German
Frequently asked questions
- How long is telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1)?
- You have 20 minutes for listening and 45 minutes for reading and writing together.
- How many points do I need to pass telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1)?
- telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1) has 60 points: 45 written and 15 oral. From 36 points you get the grade ausreichend, the lowest pass grade.
- Can a strong written result make up for a weak oral result?
- The grade comes from your total points across the written and the oral exam. The grade scale starts at 36 of 60 points with ausreichend.
- What grades are on the certificate?
- sehr gut (very good) from 54 to 60 points, gut (good) from 48 to 53.5 points, befriedigend (satisfactory) from 42 to 47.5 points, ausreichend (sufficient, a pass) from 36 to 41.5 points, teilgenommen (took part, no pass) from 0 to 35.5 points.
- Is telc Deutsch A1 the same as Start Deutsch 1?
- The official telc practice test uses both names: telc Deutsch A1 and Start Deutsch 1.
- Are the Faust papers official telc papers?
- No. Faust Academy is independent practice. It is not a product of the Goethe-Institut and issues no certificates.
- Which papers and PDFs are free?
- One scored online paper per part is free, and every PDF is free.
Ready? Start a practice paper now.