telc Deutsch A1 – exam in Giessen
Beginner
First German skills: simple sentences and familiar everyday situations.
Upcoming dates
View all dates- Thu24SeptThursday, 24 September 202609:00 · Liebigstraße 14–16, 35390 Gießen12 of 12 seats free
The telc Deutsch A1 exam certifies your first basic knowledge of German. It shows that you can communicate in simple, familiar everyday situations – introducing yourself and others, asking and answering simple questions.
A1 is often the first step in learning German and is required, among other things, for spouse and family reunification.
How your exam works
100% digital on the computer – a modern exam environment, good readability and faster marking.
- 1
Arrival & check-in
Bring a valid photo ID. After check-in and a short introduction (about 10 minutes), the exam begins.
- 2
Written exam
You complete the written parts on the computer: reading, listening and writing – for B1 to C1 also language elements.
- 3
Oral exam
You speak on your own or in a pair with an examiner. Depending on the level, there is a short preparation time beforehand.
- 4
Result & certificate
After grading, if you pass you receive your official telc certificate. You can find the exact scoring below.
The exam parts in detail
Written part · approx. 75 min
Read short everyday texts and answer questions about them (true/false, matching, multiple choice).
Listen to and understand short announcements and conversations (multiple choice, true/false, matching).
Fill in a simple form and write a short message.
Oral part
In a group (usually 4 people, no preparation time): introduce yourself, ask for and give information, make and respond to requests.
You pass with at least 60 % of the points. Partial credit is not possible – a failed exam is repeated in full.
Partial or full exam?
Full exam
200 €You take both the written and the oral part. If you pass, you receive the complete telc certificate. This is the standard case.
Partial exam (single part)
from 150 €You take only one part – either written only or oral only. This is useful if you want to retake or catch up on one part. For the complete certificate, both parts must be passed.
Seats are booked and paid for online; your reservation is binding.
Frequently asked questions about the telc A1 exam
What do I need the telc Deutsch A1 certificate for?
The telc Deutsch A1 certificate proves basic German and is frequently required for spouse and family reunification visas. The level required in your case is always determined by the relevant authority or embassy – please check with them in advance.
How long does the telc A1 exam take?
The written part takes about 75 minutes, the oral part around 15 minutes. Plan for a good 1.5 hours on site, including registration and briefing.
How many points do I need to pass?
You pass with at least 60 % of the points. Partial credit is not possible at this level – a failed exam has to be repeated in full.
What do I need to bring to the exam?
Please bring a valid official photo ID (identity card, passport or residence permit). Without ID you cannot take part. Writing materials and dictionaries are neither permitted nor necessary – we provide everything else.
When will I get my result and certificate?
Marking is done centrally by telc. The result is usually available after about four to six weeks; we will then notify you by email. You will receive the certificate from us afterwards.
Can I book only the oral or only the written part?
Yes. Besides the full exam you can book a single part – this is mainly useful if you have already passed one part and only need to repeat the other. Please note the pass requirements for telc Deutsch A1: You pass with at least 60 % of the points. Partial credit is not possible at this level – a failed exam has to be repeated in full.
How can I prepare for the exam?
telc provides free practice tests with audio material for every exam, matching the real exam format – working through at least one of them under timed conditions is the best preparation. We do not offer preparation courses ourselves; we run the exam.
Is the exam digital or on paper?
We run our exams digitally on screen. The written part takes place on a PC in the exam room, the oral part as a group exam in person with the examiners. The certificate is identical to the paper exam and equally recognised.
Where does the exam take place?
All exams take place at our examination centre at Liebigstraße 14–16, 35390 Gießen – centrally located and easy to reach by bus and train. We will tell you the exact room in the confirmation email; please arrive about 15 minutes before the start.
How do I register and pay?
Choose a date on this page, enter your contact details and pay directly online by card. You will receive a confirmation by email immediately – your place is then firmly reserved. There is no need to register on site or by phone.
Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Up to 14 days before the exam you can reschedule or cancel free of charge yourself, using the link in your confirmation email. After that, changes are only possible through us and against a processing fee of € 50. The exact terms are set out in our terms and conditions.
Can I retake the exam if I do not pass?
Yes, you can retake the telc A1 exam as often as you like – there is no waiting period. Simply book a new date. Whether you have to repeat the whole exam or only one part depends on the pass requirements for this level.
Other exam levels
Not sure which level is right for you? Compare the other telc exams.