telc A1 Exam Guide — Everything You Need to Know

Updated April 2026 · 7 min read

The telc Deutsch A1 exam is the first step in proving your German language skills. It is commonly required for family reunion visas (Familiennachzug) and is the entry-level certificate for the German language. This guide explains the exam structure, what to expect, and how to prepare effectively.

Who Needs the telc A1?

• Spouses joining their partner in Germany (family reunion visa)
• People starting to learn German who want an official certificate
• Workers applying for basic German-required positions
• Anyone who wants proof of beginner German skills

Exam Structure

The telc A1 exam has two parts: written and oral.

Written Exam (65 minutes)

• Hören (Listening) — 20 minutes: You listen to short announcements and conversations. Questions are multiple choice. Some parts are played twice.
• Lesen (Reading) — 25 minutes: You read short texts like signs, notes, emails, and advertisements. Answer multiple choice and true/false questions.
• Schreiben (Writing) — 20 minutes: You fill in a form with personal information and write a short message (about 30 words).

Oral Exam (approximately 11 minutes)

• Teil 1 — Introduce yourself: Say your name, where you come from, where you live, what languages you speak, and your job or hobby.
• Teil 2 — Everyday situations: Ask for or give simple information in everyday situations like shopping, asking for directions, or ordering food.
• Teil 3 — Make requests: Ask someone to do something or respond to a request using simple phrases.

Scoring

You need at least 60% in the written part and 60% in the oral part to pass. The total maximum score is 60 points. The exam is pass or fail — there are no grade levels.

Preparation Tips

1. Learn Essential Vocabulary

At A1 level, you need approximately 500-700 words. Focus on everyday topics: greetings, numbers, family, food, shopping, directions, time, and weather. Flashcards and vocabulary apps help with memorization, but always practice words in context.

2. Practice Self-Introduction

The speaking section always starts with introducing yourself. Prepare sentences about your name, age, country, city, languages, job, and hobbies. Practice saying them out loud until they feel natural. For example: "Ich heiße Maria. Ich komme aus der Türkei. Ich wohne in Berlin."

3. Focus on Listening

The listening section can be challenging for beginners because native speakers talk fast. Start with slow German audio and gradually increase speed. Listen to the same audio multiple times. Pay attention to numbers, times, and place names — these are commonly tested.

4. Practice Form Filling

The writing section includes filling out a form. Practice writing your personal information clearly: full name, address, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email. Also practice writing short messages like "I cannot come to the course tomorrow. I am sick."

5. Take Practice Exams

The best preparation is practicing with real exam formats. This helps you understand the question types, manage your time, and reduce exam anxiety. Try to complete at least 2-3 full practice exams before your test date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not practicing the speaking section — many candidates only study grammar and vocabulary
• Memorizing sentences without understanding — examiners can tell the difference
• Ignoring the listening section during preparation — it requires specific practice
• Not reading instructions carefully — some questions ask for one answer, others for multiple
• Writing too little in the Schreiben section — even at A1, write complete sentences

How Long Does Preparation Take?

If you are starting from zero, plan for 2 to 3 months of regular study (at least 1 hour daily). If you already have some basic German knowledge, 4 to 6 weeks of focused preparation should be enough. The key is daily practice — even 30 minutes every day is more effective than studying for hours once a week.

What Happens After Passing A1?

After passing telc A1, you can apply for your family reunion visa at the German embassy. Many people then continue to A2 and B1 levels after arriving in Germany, often through integration courses. Your A1 certificate does not expire and is recognized across Europe.

The telc A1 exam tests basic German skills. With focused preparation on all four sections, especially speaking and listening, you will be well prepared. Start practicing early and build confidence through repetition.