telc German A1 is the easiest telc exam and is primarily used for Spouse reunification with a third-country national needed. Also for the visa to look for a job and the initial orientation in Germany A1 is a common requirement. The test is internationally recognized, cheaper than Goethe A1 and widely available.
Basics
The A1 exam is the lowest threshold. It is only required in a few, clearly defined situations. A1 is not sufficient for most residence permits.
Spouse reunification, job search visa, initial orientation
telc Deutsch A1 (or an equivalent certificate) is accepted for the following purposes:
For whom is A1 not sufficient?
Exam format
The format is simple and tailored for absolute beginners. The exam lasts a total of around 2.5 hours including breaks.
Reading, listening, writing, speaking – passing rules
| part | Duration | Content | Passing limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Language (combined) | 45 mins | Understand short texts (notices, forms, simple advertisements); Cloze text on simple grammar (e.g. articles, personal pronouns). | 60% in the overall written part |
| Listen | approx. 20 minutes | Very short everyday dialogues, announcements (train station, airport), telephone calls - usually played twice. | |
| Write (part of the written) | 20 mins | Fill out a simple form (e.g. hotel registration, order) or write a short note (approx. 20-30 words). | |
| Speaking (oral) | approx. 10 minutes per couple | Partner test: introduce yourself (name, origin, place of residence), ask simple questions (e.g. “Where do you live?”), respond to a question. | at least 60% of the oral points |
The written test (reading, listening, writing) and the oral test must be taken must be passed separately. This means: If you fail the written part, you have to repeat the entire written part. If you fail, you can repeat the oral part separately (within one year).
Costs & dates
telc exams are generally cheaper than Goethe exams and are offered by almost every adult education center (VHS).
Costs vary depending on the exam center
telc exams are offered all year round. The registration deadline is usually 4-6 weeks before the exam date. In popular months (e.g. before application deadlines for spouse reunification) places are scarce - register early.
Registration directly via the examination center (e.g. adult education center, language school) or online via the center's website. You need a valid ID (ID card or passport) and a passport photo (biometric).
Provider comparison
All three certificates are at A1 level and are recognized for spouse reunification. The differences lie in the exam structure, costs and regional availability.
| criterion | telc A1 | Goethe A1 | ÖSD A1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination fee (approx.) | 80–130 € | 130–180 € | 100–150 € |
| Availability worldwide | 3,000+ centers, particularly strong in Germany and Europe | around 500 centers, often present in non-European countries | approx. 300 centers, focus on Austria and Eastern Europe |
| Exam structure | Complete written part + oral partner examination; no modularity | Modular (reading, listening, writing, speaking separately), pass each module individually | Modular (reading, listening, writing, speaking), repetition of individual modules possible |
| Notoriety in German authorities | Very high – standard for integration courses (DTZ) | Very high – international gold standard | Rather small outside Austria, but generally recognized |
| Duration (estimated) | approx. 2.5 hours | approx. 3 hours | approx. 2 hours 45 minutes |
Preparation
The A1 exam is not a big hurdle, but without preparation many fail due to the exam situation or time pressure. With targeted training it is easy to pass.
Free model tests, textbooks, learning plans
According to A1
A1 is just the first, small step. For almost all longer stays in Germany, at least B1 is required. Plan your next levels well in advance.
A2, B1 – and when you should continue learning
Recommended schedule: After passing the A1, you should start the B1 course within 6-12 months if you are aiming for a settlement permit or naturalization. The integration course (aimed at B1) is open to you as soon as you have a residence permit.
Next steps
You now know whether telc A1 is the right exam for you.
Let's clarify together which language level you need for your individual path to Germany.
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As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.