A telc certificate is an official German qualification, and it comes at every level from A1 for beginners to C1 for advanced speakers. This guide explains what each level means, how the exam works, and what it costs, so you can see where you fit. The level you actually need is set by your employer, school, or the authority you are dealing with, so confirm the requirement with them.
What each level means
The levels follow the standard European framework.
A1 is the first level: you can use simple everyday phrases and introduce yourself. A2 is basic: you can handle short, routine tasks and simple everyday situations. B1 is the point where you can deal with most everyday situations, and describe experiences, plans, and opinions. B2 is upper level: you can talk fluently on a wide range of topics and follow more detailed language. C1 is advanced: you can use German with confidence for social, academic, and professional life.
How the exam works
Each telc German exam has four parts: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. You choose your exam date from Monday to Friday. There are also specialist telc exams for people who work in health: the telc Deutsch B1-B2 Pflege exam for care and nursing staff, and the telc Deutsch B2-C1 Medizin exam for doctors. There is no minimum age for telc, so anyone can sit the level they need.
How much does a telc exam cost?
The fee depends on the level. As a guide, A1 and A2 cost CHF 185, B1 costs CHF 265, B2 costs CHF 325, and C1 costs CHF 375. The healthcare exam (B1-B2 Pflege) and the medicine exam (B2-C1 Medizin) each cost CHF 435. Fees can change, so confirm the current price when you book.
How to prepare in Zürich
We are an official telc and fide exam centre in central Zürich, at Löwenstrasse 61, two minutes from the main station, so you can prepare and sit the exam in one place. One-to-one preparation is built around you and comes with a money-back guarantee: if you attend all the lessons we agree, complete your homework, and sit the exam on the agreed day, and you do not pass, we refund your preparation fees.
Common questions
How many levels does telc German have?
Five, from A1 to C1. There are also specialist exams for healthcare (B1-B2 Pflege) and medicine (B2-C1 Medizin).
How many parts are in a telc German exam?
Four: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
How much does a telc German exam cost?
It depends on the level. As a guide, A1 and A2 cost CHF 185, B1 costs CHF 265, B2 costs CHF 325, and C1 costs CHF 375. The healthcare and medicine exams each cost CHF 435.
How do I know which level I need?
The level you need is set by the employer, school, or authority asking for it. Confirm the requirement with them, and prepare for the level they accept.
When will I get my result?
We do not mark the exams ourselves, so we cannot promise a date. Your certificate is sent to you by email, from telc.
Ready to prepare? If you know your level, or want us to check it, get in touch. You can prepare for and sit your telc German exam with us at Löwenstrasse 61 in Zürich.