telc Deutsch C1
telc Deutsch C1: format, pass mark and practice papers
You pass telc Deutsch C1 with at least 99 of 166 points in the written exam and at least 29 of 48 points in the oral exam, which is 60 percent of each. You have 70 minutes for writing, and there is a 20 minute break after the language elements. The oral exam is set at 16 minutes for a pair, after 20 minutes of preparation. 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 C1 is a German exam by telc gGmbH with a written and an oral part. This page covers telc Deutsch C1, the general language exam. telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule for university entry is a separate exam with its own format.
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 C1 at a glance
You have 70 minutes for writing, and there is a 20 minute break after the language elements. The oral exam is set at 16 minutes for a pair, after 20 minutes of preparation.
| Section | Structure | Points | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (Leseverstehen) | 3 parts, 24 tasks | 48 | Not stated separately |
| Language elements (Sprachbausteine) | 1 part, 22 tasks | 22 | Not stated separately |
| Listening (Hörverstehen) | 3 parts, 28 tasks | 48 | Not stated separately |
| Writing (Schriftlicher Ausdruck) | 1 part | 48 | 70 minutes |
| Speaking (Mündliche Prüfung) | 3 parts | 48 | 16 minutes for a pair, after 20 minutes of preparation |
How you pass, and the grades
You pass telc Deutsch C1 with at least 99 of 166 points in the written exam and at least 29 of 48 points in the oral exam, which is 60 percent of each.
| Points | Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 193 to 214 | sehr gut | very good |
| 172 to 192.5 | gut | good |
| 151 to 171.5 | befriedigend | satisfactory |
| 128 to 150.5 | ausreichend | sufficient, a pass |
| 0 to 127 | nicht bestanden | fail |
Parts and points in reading and listening
| Section | Part | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leseverstehen | Part 1 | 6 | 12 |
| Leseverstehen | Part 2 | 6 | 12 |
| Leseverstehen | Part 3 | 12 | 24 |
| Sprachbausteine | Part 1 | 22 | 22 |
| Hörverstehen | Part 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Hörverstehen | Part 2 | 10 | 20 |
| Hörverstehen | Part 3 | 10 | 20 |
The writing task
You choose one of two topics and develop a reasoned position of your own. You have 70 minutes.
The oral exam
You present a topic, summarise the other candidate's presentation and answer follow up questions. Then you discuss a question together.
- Teil 1A: Präsentation
- Teil 1B: Zusammenfassung und Anschlussfragen
- Teil 2: Diskussion
How to prepare for telc Deutsch C1
- Plan for two pass marks: 99 of 166 written points and 29 of 48 oral points. Your weaker side decides the result.
- Practise the language elements (Sprachbausteine). They give 22 of the 166 written points with 22 short gap tasks.
- 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: 70 minutes. 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 1A: Präsentation, Teil 1B: Zusammenfassung und Anschlussfragen, Teil 2: Diskussion.
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.
telc C1 or Goethe C1?
telc Deutsch C1 is one exam: you pass the written and the oral part together. The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is modular. Goethe B1, B2, C1 and C2: each module has 100 points. You pass a module with 60 points.
Which certificate an employer, a university or an authority accepts is their decision, so check before you register.
Practise with Faust Academy
Faust Academy has 24 practice papers in the telc Deutsch C1 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 C1 practice papers
- telc C1 practice papers, page in German
- telc C1 reading papers, page in German
- telc C1 listening papers, page in German
- telc C1 writing tasks, page in German
- telc C1 speaking materials, page in German
Frequently asked questions
- How long is telc Deutsch C1?
- You have 70 minutes for writing, and there is a 20 minute break after the language elements. The oral exam is set at 16 minutes for a pair, after 20 minutes of preparation.
- How many points do I need to pass telc Deutsch C1?
- You pass telc Deutsch C1 with at least 99 of 166 points in the written exam and at least 29 of 48 points in the oral exam, which is 60 percent of each.
- Can a strong written result make up for a weak oral result?
- No. The written and the oral exam each need 60 percent. A strong written result does not make up for an oral result below 29 points.
- What grades are on the certificate?
- sehr gut (very good) from 193 to 214 points, gut (good) from 172 to 192.5 points, befriedigend (satisfactory) from 151 to 171.5 points, ausreichend (sufficient, a pass) from 128 to 150.5 points, nicht bestanden (fail) from 0 to 127 points.
- 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.