telc Deutsch C2
telc Deutsch C2: format, pass mark and practice papers
You pass telc Deutsch C2 with at least 72 of 120 points in the written exam and at least 24 of 40 points in the oral exam, which is 60 percent of each. The written exam takes 230 minutes. 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 C2 is a German exam by telc gGmbH with a written and an oral part. This page covers telc Deutsch C2, the general language exam for adults.
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 C2 at a glance
The written exam takes 230 minutes.
| Section | Structure | Points | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (Leseverstehen) | 3 parts, 25 tasks | 40 | 80 minutes |
| Listening and writing (Hörverstehen und Schreiben) | One combined task | 40 | 60 minutes |
| Writing (Schriftlicher Ausdruck) | 1 part | 40 | 90 minutes |
| Speaking (Mündliche Prüfung) | 2 parts | 40 | Not stated separately |
How you pass, and the grades
You pass telc Deutsch C2 with at least 72 of 120 points in the written exam and at least 24 of 40 points in the oral exam, which is 60 percent of each.
| Points | Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 144 to 160 | sehr gut | very good |
| 128 to 143 | gut | good |
| 112 to 127 | befriedigend | satisfactory |
| 96 to 111 | ausreichend | sufficient, a pass |
| 0 to 95 | nicht bestanden | fail |
Parts and points in reading and listening
| Section | Part | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leseverstehen | Part 1 | 5 | 10 |
| Leseverstehen | Part 2 | 10 | 10 |
| Leseverstehen | Part 3 | 10 | 20 |
| Hörverstehen und Schreiben | Part 1 | One summary | 40 |
The writing task
You choose one of three topic areas and use facts and arguments from at least three of the sources you read and heard. You may use the three reading texts and your own notes from the talk. Keep other people's statements apart from your own position. You have 90 minutes.
The oral exam
You choose one of two topics for a talk. A deeper conversation with the examiners follows your talk.
- Teil 1: Vortrag
- Teil 2: Vertiefendes Gespräch
How to prepare for telc Deutsch C2
- Plan for two pass marks: 72 of 120 written points and 24 of 40 oral points. Your weaker side decides the result.
- 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: 90 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 1: Vortrag, Teil 2: Vertiefendes Gespräch.
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 C2 or Goethe C2?
telc Deutsch C2 is one exam: you pass the written and the oral part together. The Goethe-Zertifikat C2 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 C2 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 C2 practice papers
- telc C2 practice papers, page in German
- telc C2 reading papers, page in German
- telc C2 listening papers, page in German
- telc C2 writing tasks, page in German
- telc C2 speaking materials, page in German
Frequently asked questions
- How long is telc Deutsch C2?
- The written exam takes 230 minutes.
- How many points do I need to pass telc Deutsch C2?
- You pass telc Deutsch C2 with at least 72 of 120 points in the written exam and at least 24 of 40 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 24 points.
- What grades are on the certificate?
- sehr gut (very good) from 144 to 160 points, gut (good) from 128 to 143 points, befriedigend (satisfactory) from 112 to 127 points, ausreichend (sufficient, a pass) from 96 to 111 points, nicht bestanden (fail) from 0 to 95 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.