telc C1 University examination

Register for the telc C1 examination (university)

If you already have a very good to almost native speaker level of German and are able to communicate in an academic and professional environment, you can take the telc C1 exam with a university focus.

The telc C1 (university) certificate is a mandatory requirement for university admission in Germany.

If you are unsure of your language level, please take our free online test

Overview of the telc C1 (university) exam

  • Examination day for telc C1 (university) is usually on Wednesday&Thursday
  • Registration for the telc C1 (university) exam is possible until 1:00 p.m. on the Wednesday two weeks before the exam
  • The written part of the exam takes place on the first day and the oral exam on the following day
  • Correction period is approximately four to six weeks
  • Automatic result delivery via email
  • Price (complete): 239 EUR
  • Price for written subtest only: 219 EUR
  • Price for oral subtest only: 219 EUR

What does level C1 (university) mean in detail?

Level C1 (university) is an advanced level of German and indicates that a person has a very good to almost native level of German.  

Here are some of the features of level C1 in detail:

  • Listening and understanding: At this level you can follow conversations on complex and demanding topics in both formal and informal situations. You can understand both the main points and details, even when the speaker speaks fast or uses technical language.
  • Reading: You can read and understand a wide range of texts, including scientific articles, literary works, academic texts and complex reports. You will not only understand the main ideas but will also be able to recognise subtle nuances and arguments.
  • Speaking: You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously in oral discussions and explain complex subjects precisely and convincingly. You can express your opinions clearly, develop arguments and respond appropriately to complex questions or counter-arguments.
  • Writing: You can write complex and structured texts, such as scientific papers, essays, research reports or academic essays. You have a wide vocabulary and can express yourself in a precise and sophisticated way. Your texts are well organised and contain complex arguments and analyses.

Overall, level C1 University means that you have a very advanced level of English and are able to communicate in an academic and professional environment with ease. You can understand, process and communicate complex information and are able to carry out demanding tasks and projects in German.

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What is the structure of the telc C1 (university) examination?

The examination consists of a written and an oral part.

Written examination:

  • Reading comprehension and language modules (vocabulary and grammar) = 90 minutes
  • Listening comprehension = approx. 40 minutes
  • Written expression = 70 minutes

Oral Exam: 15-25 minutes (plus 20 minutes preparation time)

You will sit the written exam on the first day and the oral exam on the second day.

In the written exam, you will have a 20-minute break after the reading comprehension section.

To pass the overall examination, you must achieve at least 60 per cent of the maximum possible marks in both the written and the oral examination. If you pass one part of the exam and fail the other, you have the option to have the part you passed count to your next exam. In this case, you would only have to retake the failed part of the exam. For the best possible preparation, we recommend that you attend one of our German courses.

Do you have any questions? Our competent colleagues in the school office will be happy to help you further.

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