telc German Exams
telc (The European Language Certificates) offers CEFR-aligned German certificates from A1 to C2, widely accepted across Europe for immigration, work, and professional pathways. In Germany, telc is particularly common for residence permit and citizenship applications — making it one of the most practically useful certificates for people moving to or working in Germany.
Overview
- Levels: A1 to C2
- Purpose: Immigration, work, professional use, and university admission
- Recognition: Germany, Europe, and worldwide
- Official site: www.telc.net
Which level do I need?
Your required level depends on your specific goal. Here is a quick guide:
| Goal | Required level | Common exam |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse or family reunion visa | A1 | telc Deutsch A1 |
| Basic integration in Germany | A2 | telc Deutsch A2 |
| Permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis) | B1 | telc Deutsch B1 |
| German citizenship (Einbürgerung) | B1 | telc Deutsch B1 |
| Skilled worker visa (Fachkräfteeinwanderung) | B1–B2 | telc Deutsch B1 or B2 |
| Healthcare work in Germany (Pflege) | B2 | telc Deutsch B2·C1 Pflege |
| Medical profession in Germany | C1 | telc Deutsch B2·C1 Medizin |
| University admission in Germany | B2–C1 | telc Deutsch B2·C1 Hochschule |
Always confirm the exact requirement with the relevant authority — requirements can vary by federal state and employer.
All telc levels
Choose your level to see the full exam guide, format, study plan, and preparation materials.
telc Deutsch A1
First steps in German — everyday greetings, numbers, and basic introductions.
Who needs it: People applying for a family reunion or spouse visa to Germany.
Guide coming soon
telc Deutsch A2
Elementary German for everyday situations — shopping, travel, and simple conversations.
Who needs it: Early integration course completion and basic residence requirements.
Guide coming soon
telc Deutsch B1
Full guide availableIndependent use of German in familiar situations — work, travel, and civic life.
Who needs it: Permanent residency, German citizenship, and most immigration pathways.
Open B1 guide →
telc Deutsch B2
Confident German in professional and social contexts.
Who needs it: Skilled workers, some university programmes, professional licensing.
Guide coming soon
telc Deutsch B2·C1 Pflege
Specialist certificate for healthcare professionals working in Germany.
Who needs it: Nurses, care workers, and allied health professionals seeking German recognition.
Guide coming soon
telc Deutsch C1
Advanced German for academic and professional contexts.
Who needs it: Medical professionals, legal work, advanced academic programmes.
Guide coming soon
telc vs Goethe — which should you choose?
Both are widely accepted, but they suit different situations. Here is how they compare:
| Factor | telc | Goethe-Zertifikat |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Immigration and work in Germany | International recognition worldwide |
| Accepted by German immigration authorities | Yes | Yes |
| Exam format | Four skills: Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen | Four skills: Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen |
| Certificate validity | Does not expire (some authorities request recent cert) | Does not expire |
| Cost in Germany | ~€120–€180 depending on level and centre | ~€150–€200 depending on level and centre |
| Specialist variants | Pflege, Medizin, Beruf, Hochschule | No specialist variants |
| Available levels | A1–C2 | A1–C2 |
For German citizenship (Einbürgerung), both telc B1 and Goethe B1 are accepted. Choose based on availability of test centres near you and cost.
How to prepare
Grammar: B1 and above requires solid command of Perfekt, Präteritum, Konjunktiv II, Modalverben, and Relativsätze. Start with our B1 grammar hub and work through each topic systematically before attempting mock tests. Browse all topics in our grammar section.
Vocabulary: Each telc level tests specific vocabulary themes. At B1, focus on work, health, travel, daily life, and feelings. At B2, add formal language, opinions, and professional contexts. Practise with our B1 vocabulary and B2 vocabulary lists.
Mock practice: The most effective final preparation is timed mock tests under real exam conditions. Work through each section — Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen — separately before combining them into a full mock. Use our practice exercises and mock tests.