Are you aiming for a B1 certificate to enroll in a university program or to fulfill official requirements in Germany? One of the most popular and recognized options is Telc A2-B1—and the good news is that many people consider it one of the easiest B1 certifications among the officially accepted exams (see the table from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees for a complete list of recognized tests below).
Below, we’ll walk you through the key steps to get you from zero to passing the Telc A2–B1 exam, including where to register, what the exam format looks like, and why our course and eBook can help you prepare more effectively than any official description.
Finding an Institute and Registering
Before you can tackle the exam, you need to find a test center (an institute) that offers Telc A2–B1. There are many Volkshochschulen (VHS) and other institutes across Germany that administer Telc A2–B1 tests. Some examples include:
- VHS Erding
- VHS Esslingen
- VHS Rheinfelden
- VHS Lörrach
- VHS Villingen-Schwenningen
- VHS im Norden des Landkreises München e.V
- VHS Kamen-Bönen
- VHS Leipzig
- Münchner Volkshochschule GmbH
- Volkshochschule Oldenburg
- Volkshochschule Landkreis Goslar
- Bremer Volkshochschule
- Volkshochschule Region Kassel
- VHS Thüringen
- VHS Fichtelgebirge
- VHS Lünen
- VHS Euskirchen
- VHS Goslar
- VHS Bad Säckingen
- Sprachakademie, etc.
Once you’ve decided on a location, reach out to the institute to register for the exam.
Exam Costs and Policies
The cost of the Telc A2.B1 exam ranges between €100 and €200, depending on the exam center. Cancellation policies vary but commonly require a €30 cancellation fee. Cancellations are typically not allowed within four weeks of the exam date.
Telc A2–B1 Exam Structure
The next most important thing is to understand the exam structure and practise proper time management. There is some very important key information that we do share in our course to teach proper time management.
The Telc A2–B1 exam is divided into several skill areas: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Below is a brief overview of each section.
Schriftliche Prüfung
Lesenverstehen
| Teil | Beschreibung | Aufgabentyp | Zeit | Punkte |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kleinanzeigen analysieren und Situationen einordnen | 5 Zuordnungsaufgaben | 15 | |
| 2 | Informationen aus kurzen Texten entnehmen |
1 Aufgabe zu Richtig/Falsch, 3 Multiple-Choice-Aufgaben |
45 min | 12 |
| 3 | Inhalte von E-Mails erfassen | 4 Zuordnungsaufgaben | 12 | |
| 4 | Detailinformationen aus längeren Texten herausfiltern | 5 Multiple-Choice-Aufgaben | 15 |
Sprachbausteine für Lesen und Schreiben
| Teil | Beschreibung | Aufgabentyp | Zeit | Punkte |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Textstrukturen identifizieren | 10 Multiple-Choice-Aufgaben | ||
| 2 | Mail-Verständnis |
1 Aufgabe zu Richtig/Falsch, 1 Multiple-Choice-Aufgabe |
35 min | 5+1 (6) |
| 3 | Mail beantworten | Mail schreiben | 15 |
Hören, Hören und Schreiben
| Teil | Beschreibung | Aufgabentyp | Zeit | Punkte |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Informationen aus Alltagsgesprächen verstehen | 5 Zuordnungsaufgaben | 15 | |
| 2 | Verständnis von Gesprächen im Berufskontext | 5 Richtig/Falsch-Aufgaben | 15 | |
| 3 | Ansagen interpretieren | 5 Richtig/Falsch-Aufgaben | 35 min | 15 |
| 4 | Meinungen zu einem Thema verstehen | 5 Zuordnungsaufgaben | 15 | |
| 5 | Nachrichten auf dem Anrufbeantworter verstehen | Notiz schreiben | 5 |
Schreiben
| Teil | Beschreibung | Aufgabentyp | Zeit | Punkte |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auf eine Frage angemessen reagieren | Kurznachricht schreiben | 10 min | 5 |
Mündliche Prüfung
Sprechen
| Teil | Beschreibung | Aufgabentyp | Zeit | Punkte |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1A |
Sich vorstellen (Allgemeine Informationen bereitstellen) |
6 | ||
| 1B |
Anschlussfragen beantworten (Auf Nachfragen eingehen) |
15 min | ||
| 2 |
Gemeinsam etwas planen (Gemeinsame Aktivitäten planen oder Aufgaben lösen) |
12 | ||
| 3 |
Meinung begründen (Eigene Meinung argumentativ darlegen) |
12 |
Tips & Strategies
- Concentrate on Themed Vocabulary: Identify the topics that frequently appear in A2–B1 exams—such as work, daily life, travel, and family. Create simple word lists for each theme, then practice using these terms in sentences. For extra support, consider a GermanExcel important vocabulary list, which offers curated word sets tailored to Telc exam topics.
- Polish Your Linking Words and Sentence Connectors: Smooth transitions make both your speaking and writing more natural. Incorporate everyday connectors like und, aber, dann, trotzdem, deshalb. If you want structured exercises on these connectors, GermanExcel’s E book provides solved solutions that teach you how to answer questions, form sentences, and so on.
- Immerse Yourself in German Every Day: Dedicate about 15 to 20 minutes each day to watching short German videos or listening to podcasts. This will enhance your listening comprehension and train you to pick up spoken nuances. If you need guidance on where to start or how to track your progress, GermanExcel’s online courses include recommended media lists and listening activities geared toward A2–B1 learners.
- Focus on Core Grammar Patterns: Spend time learning the structures that often cause confusion at this level, such as separable verbs or proper use of the accusative and dative cases.
- Keep a Brief German Journal: Make it a habit to write a short paragraph each day, whether you’re summarizing your afternoon or describing plans for tomorrow. This frequent writing practice helps you become comfortable with common expressions and improves your ability to answer exam prompts quickly.
- Redo Sample Exams for Measurable Improvement: Attempt all 10 Modeltests from GermanExcel under timed conditions. Then, carefully analyze your mistakes. Reviewing where you went wrong will show you which areas need extra work.
- Speak Out Loud—Even on Your Own: Practicing spoken German, either with a study partner or by recording yourself, is essential for building fluency and confidence.
- Give yourself enough time: Start preparing at least a few weeks (or months) in advance, depending on your current level.
- Focus on your weak areas: If listening is your challenge, spend extra time on podcasts and conversation. If writing is tricky, do more short messages and emails in German.
- Stay confident: Remember that Telc A2–B1 is considered a user-friendly exam. With the right resources and consistent effort, you’ll be able to reach your goal.
By incorporating these strategies—along with GermanExcel resources designed for Telc A2–B1—you’ll equip yourself to tackle the exam effectively. Adjust these tips to match your own strengths and weaknesses, and remember to stay consistent in your preparation.
