TELC Deutsch C1
Advanced German for professional and academic mastery.
About this exam
TELC Deutsch C1 certifies near-native proficiency in German. It's required for admission to German universities without further language testing and for many senior professional positions in Germany. The exam places heavy emphasis on academic and professional text types.
Exam sections
Lesen & Sprachbausteine
70 minComplex academic and professional reading tasks plus advanced grammar gap-fill.
Hören
40 min3 listening tasks including a long academic lecture with note-taking.
Schreiben
80 minTwo writing tasks: an email/letter response and an argumentative text.
Sprechen
15 minIndividual presentation and discussion on a complex topic.
Preparation tips
- →Academic German at C1 requires Konjunktiv I for reported speech — master this form before the exam.
- →The writing argumentative text must show nuanced position with explicit counter-argument acknowledgement.
- →Listening at C1 includes complex academic content — expose yourself to German podcasts and lectures daily.
Scoring
Each section 45 points, 180 total. Pass: 60% overall with no section below 50%.
Validity
Lifetime (no expiry)
Approximate cost
~€175–€230 depending on centre
Accepted by
- ✓German universities (most waive language requirement)
- ✓German professional associations
- ✓German public sector employers
- ✓Swiss and Austrian employers
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