Planning to take the TELC A1 exam in Frankfurt? At Lingocare, we are an officially licensed TELC examination centre in Frankfurt am Main, offering a smooth and professional examination experience — from registration to results. In this article you will find everything you need to know about the TELC A1 exam: the exam structure, registration process, costs, and the best tips to help you prepare effectively.
What is the TELC A1 Exam?
The TELC A1 exam is an officially recognised German language test at the lowest level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). “TELC” stands for “The European Language Certificates” — an organisation that offers standardised language examinations across Europe, with certificates that are internationally recognised.
At A1 level, the goal is to demonstrate basic language skills. Candidates at this level can understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very simple sentences. They can introduce themselves and others, and ask and answer simple questions about personal details — such as where they live, people they know, and things they own. A1 level assumes that the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.
The TELC A1 certificate is the first formal language certificate on the path to German proficiency and forms the foundation for all subsequent levels: A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.
Who needs the A1 Certificate?
The A1 certificate is relevant in a variety of life situations and is recognised by numerous authorities, companies, and institutions throughout Germany. Here are the most common reasons people take the TELC A1 exam:
Family reunification and visa applications: Anyone wishing to bring their spouse or partner from a non-EU country to Germany is often required to present an A1 language certificate. The German embassy in the country of origin typically requires this proof as part of the visa application for family reunification.
Documenting language learning progress: Many people take the A1 exam to officially document their progress — whether for their CV, a future employer, or personal motivation. An official certificate provides confidence and marks an important milestone.
Access to integration courses: In some cases, the A1 certificate is required as a prerequisite for certain integration or qualification programmes in Germany.
Professional orientation: Those who want to work in Germany and are at the beginning of their German language journey can use the A1 certificate to provide official proof of their foundational skills — a great first step towards entering the German job market.
Exam Structure: Written Part
The TELC A1 exam consists of two parts: a written part and an oral part. The written part takes place in the morning and covers the following sections:
Reading: In this section you read short, simple texts — such as signs, notices, short messages, or simple forms — and answer questions about them. The goal is to demonstrate that you can understand written everyday language at a basic level.
Listening: You listen to short conversations or statements — such as announcements, simple dialogues, or brief messages — and complete tasks based on what you hear. The recordings are played twice to give you the best chance of understanding.
Writing: In the writing section you fill in simple forms or write short texts at A1 level — for example a brief note or a simple email. The goal is to communicate basic information clearly in writing.
The written part of the TELC A1 exam lasts approximately 65 minutes in total. It is important to manage your time carefully, as each section is strictly timed.
Exam Structure: Oral Part
The oral part of the exam takes place after a short break on the same day. It lasts approximately 15 minutes and is typically conducted with another candidate — meaning you communicate not only with the examiner but also with another person.
Task 1 — Introducing yourself: You introduce yourself and share information about yourself. For example: What is your name? Where are you from? Where do you live? What do you do for work?
Task 2 — Making requests and responding to requests: You hold a simple conversation with your exam partner, asking for information or answering questions. For example: How much does that cost? When does the course start? Do you have…?
There is no preparation time before the oral exam begins. The examiner guides you through the tasks and gives clear instructions. Relaxation and naturalness are key — perfection is not expected at A1 level.
Where does the exam take place?
At Lingocare, we conduct the TELC A1 exam at our centre located at Gerbermühlstraße 9, 60594 Frankfurt am Main. Our examination centre is easily accessible — both by public transport and by car. The nearest U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations are within a short walking distance.
The exam begins at 09:15 AM. We ask all participants to arrive no later than 08:50 AM, as doors will be closed after that time. Registration and briefing take place on the 5th floor. Late arrivals unfortunately cannot be accommodated — please plan sufficient travel time.
What do you need to bring?
To ensure your exam day runs smoothly, please bring the following:
- Valid ID card or passport — this is mandatory. Participation in the exam is not possible without a valid identification document.
- No need for your own pens or paper — all writing materials and exam documents are provided by us.
- Drinks: You may bring water or other beverages, but only with the label removed from the bottle. This is a standard exam security measure.
- Mobile phones and electronic devices must be switched off and put away for the entire duration of the exam. Smartwatches and similar devices are not permitted.
Arrive well rested and on time — this reduces nerves and gives you a moment to settle before the exam begins.
How to register?
Registration for the TELC A1 exam at Lingocare is simple and fully online at lingo.care. The process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes:
- Choose your exam date: Visit our booking page at lingo.care and select your preferred exam date. The booking calendar shows you at a glance whether seats are available.
- Complete the form: Enter your personal details — name, date of birth, contact information, and language level.
- Make the payment: The exam fee is €169. Payment is made securely online.
- Receive your confirmation: After a successful booking you will receive a confirmation email with all further details. We will also send you a reminder email 7 days before the exam with all the important information for your exam day.
Places are limited — we strongly recommend registering early to secure your preferred date.
👉 Book your spot — TELC A1 Exam Frankfurt
Preparation tips
Good preparation is the key to success. Here are our most important recommendations for preparing for the TELC A1 exam:
Practise all skills regularly. Learning German is not just about memorising vocabulary — practise reading, listening, writing, and speaking equally. Even 20 to 30 minutes of focused practice every day can make a significant difference.
Use official TELC practice materials. On the TELC website (telc.net) you will find official practice booklets and model tests for A1 level. These show you exactly which types of tasks appear in the exam and how the marking works.
Take practice tests under real exam conditions. Sit down, set a timer, and work through a model test as if it were the real exam. This gets you used to working under time pressure and avoids surprises on exam day.
Speak German as often as possible. Find a language partner, join a German course, or simply speak out loud to yourself — it may sound unusual, but it is extremely effective for building speaking confidence.
Learn exam-relevant vocabulary. Focus on everyday topics such as family, housing, shopping, work, and leisure — these are the areas most commonly tested at A1 level.
Arrive relaxed on exam day. Get a good night’s sleep before the exam, eat something beforehand, and arrive on time. Nerves are normal, but solid preparation gives you the confidence you need.
Register now: lingo.care
The TELC A1 exam at Lingocare in Frankfurt is your first official step on the path to German language proficiency. With professional exam organisation, an experienced team, and a central location in Frankfurt am Main, we offer you the ideal conditions for a successful exam.
Exam fee: €169 Location: Gerbermühlstraße 9, 60594 Frankfurt am Main Start: 09:15 AM (entry until 08:50 AM) Registration: Online at lingo.care