Complete Guide to telc Deutsch A1 (Start Deutsch 1)

Yes — both are the same exam, Start Deutsch 1, developed jointly by telc and the Goethe-Institut. The sections, tasks, timing, and scoring are identical; only the logo on the certificate differs, depending on which organization runs your test center. Inside Germany the telc version is widely offered at Volkshochschulen and language schools, usually at a lower fee; abroad, the Goethe-Institut network is much larger.

At any licensed telc test center — most Volkshochschulen (VHS) and many private language schools run telc exams. Larger cities have monthly or even weekly dates; smaller centers schedule A1 exams less frequently or on demand, so ask your nearest VHS for its exam calendar. You register and pay directly with the center.

German law requires proof of basic German (A1) from a standardized, recognized test provider — telc qualifies, and telc Deutsch A1 certificates are recognized by German authorities. In practice, embassies abroad most commonly name the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 because Goethe-Instituts operate worldwide. If you are applying from outside Germany, check which certificates your embassy lists; if you are already in Germany, telc A1 is the easier certificate to obtain.

Two short tasks in about 20 minutes: first you fill in a simple form (for example a registration or order form) with five pieces of information taken from a short scenario — 5 points; then you write a short message of about 30 words, such as an email to a friend or a note, covering three given content points — 10 points, including marks for an appropriate greeting and closing.

You pass with 60 of 100 points. Your raw points from the four sections (15 each, 60 total) are scaled to a 100-point result. There is no minimum score per section, so a weaker section can be balanced by a stronger one. Grades: 90–100 sehr gut, 80–89 gut, 70–79 befriedigend, 60–69 ausreichend.

No. Unlike telc B1 and B2, the A1 exam has no separate Sprachbausteine section. Grammar is only assessed indirectly — through your reading and listening comprehension and the accuracy of your short written message and speaking. Your preparation should focus on vocabulary and the four skills, not on isolated grammar drills.

A1 requires roughly 650 words of core vocabulary and very simple grammar. Learners typically need about 80–200 hours of study depending on their language background and intensity — with consistent daily practice, many candidates prepare in 2–3 months from zero. If you are already attending an integration or VHS course, the A1 exam usually comes after the first one or two modules.

telc exams are marked centrally in Frankfurt, so results typically take about four to six weeks to reach your test center. Your center notifies you when the certificate is ready for collection or mails it to you. If you need the certificate by a deadline, plan the marking time in when choosing your exam date.