. Section Components Duration (Approx.) Written Reading (90 mins), Language Elements (Grammar/Vocab), Listening (30 mins), and Writing a Letter/Email (30 mins) ~2 hours 30 minutes Oral Usually taken in pairs; includes an introduction, discussing a topic, and planning something together ~15 minutes Reading: You must understand the main points of authentic texts about everyday topics. Listening: Tests your ability to follow conversations or announcements in public settings. Writing: You typically write a semi-formal or formal letter/email (e.g., a complaint or a request for information). Speaking: You and a partner will introduce yourselves, talk about a personal experience (e.g., a book or trip), and solve a task together, such as "Gemeinsam etwas planen" (planning something together). Passing Requirements To pass, you must achieve at least
| Take telc B1 if… | Don't take telc B1 if… | |------------------|------------------------| | You need a certificate for German citizenship or permanent residency (and your state accepts telc). | Your visa/application explicitly says "Goethe-Zertifikat B1 required." | | You struggle with one specific skill (e.g., writing) – because compensatory scoring helps. | You plan to study at a German university without a pathway program (you'll need B2/C1 anyway). | | You want a practical, everyday-life oriented exam. | You need an exam accepted in Switzerland (some cantons prefer Goethe/FIDE). | | You prefer speaking with a partner rather than alone. | You have no access to a telc test center (check telc.net for locations). | telc b1 zertifikat
People who need Goethe for specific university or visa requirements, or those who plan to apply for jobs that explicitly ask for "Goethe-Zertifikat." Writing: You typically write a semi-formal or formal