Telc A1 Exam – Free Telc A1 Exam samples
The Telc A1 exam is offered by Telc in two formats: "Start Deutsch A1" and "Telc Deutsch A1". It assesses German language skills at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
- Can you understand and use simple everyday words and phrases at language level A1?
- Can you understand simple written and spoken texts and answer questions about them?
- Can you introduce yourself and others and ask and answer basic personal questions?
- Can you communicate in simple situations if the other person speaks slowly and clearly and helps you?
Telc A1 Certificate
If you take and pass the Telc A1 exam through Telc Deutsch A1 or Start Deutsch A1, you will receive the Telc A1 certificate. The Telc A1 certificate proves your German language skills at level A1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and entitles you to the right of family reunification (Familiennachzug) with your spouse or partner under Section 30 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), as well as to reside as an au pair.
Test structure and scoring
The Telc A1 exam assesses the four skills in a written module (listening, reading, and writing) and an oral module.
The written module lasts approximately 65 minutes, while the oral module lasts only 15 minutes.
Telc A1 Listening
The Telc A1 exam begins with the Telc A1 Listening section, which consists of three parts. In the first part, you must answer six multiple-choice questions based on six different dialogues. You will hear each dialogue twice. In the second part, you will hear four loudspeaker announcements in different public places only once and must answer a true/false sub-question for each announcement. In the third part, you will answer five multiple-choice questions based on five personal messages left on an answering machine. In the offical test, the multiple-choice questions in parts one and three are presented as photographs. There is a total of 15 sub-questions for this skill, and you can achieve a maximum of 25 points. The Telc A1 Listening section lasts a maximum of 20 minutes.
Telc A1 Reading
The Telc A1 Reading section consists of three parts. In the first part of the exam, you must read two emails and then complete five true/false questions. In the second part, you must identify the correct information source from two options for five questions. In the third part, you must answer five true/false questions using an everyday advertisement as a guide. You have a total of 15 sub-questions to answer and can earn a maximum of 25 points. You must complete the three parts of the exam in approximately 25 minutes.
Telc A1 Writing
Your writing skills will be tested in two parts. Part 1 contains a form with five blanks, which you fill in using information from the introductory text. You can earn up to 5 points in this part. In the second part, you must write a short email of approximately 30 words, covering three different content points. This second part is worth 10 points. You have 20 minutes for these two tasks. The 15 points for the writing section constitute 25% of the total exam score.
Telc A1 Speaking
The oral module takes place in a group of four and lasts approximately 15 minutes. In the first part of the exam, you must present yourself using provided bullet points. In the following two parts, you will participate in a round-robin format, where each candidate asks a question using a drawn card, and the other answers. Telc A1 Speaking accounts for 25% of the overall exam grade.
The Telc A1 exam does not include language modules (Sprachbausteine) like the Telc B1 and Telc B2 exams. Grammar and vocabulary are assessed in both the speaking and writing sections.
Important Information about the Telc A1 exam and Goethe A1 exam
1. The Telc A1 and Goethe A1 exams are identical because the A1 exam format was developed jointly by Telc GmbH and the Goethe Institute. This means that the Telc A1 certificate and the Goethe A1 certificate are equivalent, and the Telc A1 and Goethe A1 exams are the same. This is a crucial point for many German learners when registering for the exam.
2. Unlike all other telc exams, the Telc A1 exam is a comprehensive exam. Candidates must demonstrate all skills and achieve at least 60% overall. There is no minimum passing score for individual skills. This also applies to the Goethe A1 exam.
3. If you fail the Telc A1 or Goethe A1 exam, you must retake the entire exam. Retaking individual sections of the exam is not permitted.
4. According to Section 30 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), the Telc A1 certificate also grants you the right to family reunification, just like the Goethe A1 certificate. Exempt from the A1 certificate requirement for family reunification are spouses of Blue Card holders, EU citizens, nationals of certain countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, and those with a proven medical disability that prevents them from learning.
5. Unlike the Telc B1 and B2 exams, the Telc A1 exam does not include language modules (Sprachbausteine).
Digital, self-guided Telc A1 exam preparation course at www.deutschtests.com
If you want to take the Telc A1 exam, increase your chances of success, or improve your performance in all skills, we recommend completing the Telc A1 exam preparation course.
Our Telc A1 exam preparation course consists of:
- Telc A1 modelltests (identical to the original)
- A1 exercises in reading, listening, and grammar
- Valuable information and helpful exam tips for each exam section
- Frequently asked questions specifically about the Telc A1 exam
Why is it worthwhile to take at least one Telc A1 modelltest?
- You can get to know your language profile at the beginning of your German language journey.
- You can address your weaknesses in your language profile early on.
- You will gain in-depth knowledge of the A1 exam format.
- You will reduce your exam stress and anxiety and develop self-confidence instead.
- You will determine whether you are ready for the Telc A1 exam.
What makes our Telc A1 exam preparation unbeatable?
- You have access to Telc A1 modeltests and exercises developed by experts, closely resembling the original exam.
- You have access to relevant and comprehensive exam tips, information, and solution strategies.
- You can practice for the exam independently of location and time.
- You receive your results immediately.
- You can easily compare your answers with the answer key.
Click on a Telc model test A1 and start for free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the A1 exam difficult?
No, the Telc A1 exam is quite easy compared to other Telc exams. A good German course followed by exam preparation will increase your chances of passing on your first attempt.
Is telc A1 the same as Goethe A1?
Yes, the Goethe-Institut and Telc GmbH jointly develop the German A1 test. This means that the telc A1 exam is identical to the Goethe A1 exam in all sections and formalities.
How many parts does the telc A1 exam consist of?
Four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
How long does the entire exam take?
The written modules (listening, reading, and writing) last approximately 65 minutes. The oral module lasts a maximum of 15 minutes in a group of four people. This means you do not have to speak continuously for 15 minutes.
How many points do I need to pass?
60% of all points are sufficient to pass both the telc A1 and Goethe A1 exams. You do not have to reach a minimum score in each skill.
Do I have to achieve 60% in each section separately?
No, you must achieve at least 60% in the entire exam, provided you take all four skills.
What is the Telc A1 certificate used for?
Primarily, the Telc A1 certificate serves as proof of German language skills at level 1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The Telc A1 certificate thus fulfills the language requirement for family reunification and spousal reunification.
Are there exceptions to the A1 requirement for spousal reunification?
Yes, spouses of Blue Card holders, EU citizens, nationals of certain countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, and individuals with medically necessary learning disabilities.
What is the difference between Telc A1 and Goethe A1?
There is no difference between the Telc A1 exam and the Goethe A1 exam. The exam format, duration, and regulations are the same. The difference lies in whether you receive the certificate from Telc or the Goethe Institute. Both certificates are equivalent.
Does the Telc A1 certificate have an expiration date?
The Telc A1 certificate does not have an expiration date and remains valid for life; however, its relevance diminishes over time.
What is the best way to prepare with practice tests?
The best approach is to complete our independent exam training and prepare on your own. Our digital Telc practice tests, combined with our exercises and exam tips, will tell you whether you are ready for the Telc A1 exam and what to expect.
How long should I prepare?
Exam preparation depends on many factors: your current knowledge, any gaps in your language skills, the time available, and the exam date. The more time you invest, the more successful you will be in the Telc A1 exam.
Can I take the exam without a course?
Officially, a German course is not a requirement for registering for the Telc A1 exam. However, without a German course, your chances of success are very low. A1 exam preparation courses are no substitute for an A1 German course.
What happens if I fail?
If you fail the Telc A1 exam, you need to analyze the reasons for your failure in order to prepare better later and retake the exam. Thorough exam preparation will therefore save you unnecessary costs, wasted time, and the disappointment of failure.
How much does the Telc A1 exam cost?
The exam fees depend on the test center. There is no fixed price for the Telc A1 exam. It is best to contact the test center directly to inquire about exam fees and dates.
How do I register for the exam?
The Telc A1 exam is administered in cooperation with language schools as test centers. Find a nearby test center with a suitable exam date, inquire about the exam fees and dates, and register. Each telc test center has its own registration process. It's important that the test center registers you with telc 14 days before the exam date.
How do I receive my result?
You will receive your exam result from your test center, and it will be available after four to six weeks.
Can I retake the telc A1 exam?
Yes, you can retake the entire telc A1 exam as many times as you like. Retaking only parts of the telc A1 exam is not permitted.
Can I appeal my test result?
Yes. Although the telc assessment process, which involves multiple assessors, is quite rigorous and allows no room for error, you can appeal your test result.
If you have any doubts about your result, you can contact telc using the contact form. Describe your doubts and include your name, the exam you took, the exam center, and the exam date.
Is there a break during the Telc A1 exam?
There is no break during the written exam. You can rest between the written and oral exams.
Is there preparation required for the oral exam?
No, the Telc A1 exam is designed without preparation.
Click on a Telc model test A1 and start for free!
