Planning to take the TELC B1 exam in Frankfurt? Lingocare is your officially licensed TELC examination centre in Frankfurt am Main. We support you from registration through to results — professionally, reliably, and in a central location. In this article you will find everything you need to know about the TELC B1 exam: the exam structure, costs, registration process, and the best tips to prepare effectively.
What is the TELC B1 Exam?
The TELC B1 exam is an officially recognised German language test at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). “TELC” stands for “The European Language Certificates” — an organisation that provides standardised language examinations across Europe, with certificates that are internationally recognised.
At B1 level, you can understand the main points of clear standard language on familiar topics — such as work, school, leisure, and travel. You can deal with most situations likely to arise when travelling in a German-speaking country. You can also produce simple connected texts on familiar topics and personal interests, and describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions.
The TELC B1 certificate is one of the most sought-after German language certificates in Germany — it opens doors for naturalisation, residence, employment, and study.
Who needs the B1 Certificate?
The B1 certificate is required in Germany for a wide range of official procedures and professional purposes. Here are the most common reasons people take the TELC B1 exam:
Naturalisation: Anyone applying for German citizenship is generally required to provide proof of German language skills at a minimum of B1 level. The TELC B1 certificate is recognised by naturalisation authorities across Germany and is often the certificate of choice.
Permanent residence and residence permits: Many residence permits — including the Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent settlement permit) — require German language skills at B1 level. The TELC B1 certificate is a recognised proof at immigration authorities.
Professional recognition: Many professions in Germany require a minimum of B1-level German. Particularly in the service sector, social professions, and skilled trades, the certificate is an important step towards entering the German job market.
Access to further training: Many further education programmes, retraining courses, and qualification measures in Germany require a B1 certificate as a prerequisite for admission.
Personal and professional development: Even when no official proof is required, the B1 certificate is a valuable addition to your CV and a clear signal to employers that you are actively investing in the German language and integration.
Exam Structure: Written Part
The TELC B1 exam consists of a written part and an oral part. The written part takes place in the morning and covers four sections:
Reading: You read a variety of texts — such as newspaper articles, notices, short reports, or advertisements — and answer questions about them. At B1 level, the texts are longer and more varied in topic than at A level. The goal is to show that you can understand the main points and important details in everyday texts.
Listening: You listen to conversations, interviews, news items, or announcements and complete tasks based on what you hear. Recordings are played twice. At B1 level, the content is more realistic and requires a solid understanding of naturally spoken German.
Language elements: In this section you complete gaps in short texts by choosing the correct words or expressions. Grammar knowledge and vocabulary are tested at B1 level. Reading the context carefully is essential to choosing the right answers.
Writing: You write a coherent text on a given topic — for example a letter, an email, or a short report. At B1 level you are expected to structure your ideas clearly, use simple linking words, and apply basic grammar rules correctly.
The written part lasts approximately 95 minutes in total. Time management is crucial — plan your time carefully across each section.
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 together with a second candidate.
Task 1 — Planning something together: You and your exam partner discuss a task and work towards a joint solution. For example, you might plan an event together, discuss options, and agree on a decision. Communication skills and the ability to respond to your partner are particularly important here.
Task 2 — Presenting a topic: You give a short presentation on a given everyday topic — such as your profession, your city, or a hobby. The goal is to show that you can speak coherently and comprehensibly.
Task 3 — Responding to a presentation: You listen to your exam partner’s presentation and respond — asking questions, sharing your opinion, or adding information. Listening comprehension and spontaneous responsiveness are assessed here.
There is no preparation time before the oral exam. The examiner guides you through the tasks clearly. Naturalness and willingness to communicate are valued more highly than grammatical perfection.
Where does the exam take place?
At Lingocare, we conduct the TELC B1 exam at our centre located at Gerbermühlstraße 9, 60594 Frankfurt am Main. Our examination centre is excellently accessible — by U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus, or car. The location is in the heart of Frankfurt and easy to reach from all districts.
The exam begins punctually at 09:15 AM. We ask all participants to arrive no later than 08:50 AM. Registration and briefing take place on the 5th floor. Please note that late arrivals cannot be admitted — plan sufficient travel time to be safe.
What do you need to bring?
For a smooth exam day, please bring the following:
- Valid ID card or passport — mandatory. Participation 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 Lingocare.
- Drinks may be brought, 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 stored in your bag for the entire duration of the exam. Smartwatches are also not permitted.
Arrive well rested, on time, and without unnecessary stress. A calm mind is the best foundation for a successful exam.
How to register?
Registration for the TELC B1 exam at Lingocare is simple and fully online at lingo.care. Here is how it works:
- Choose your exam date: Visit lingo.care and select your preferred date on our booking calendar. You can see immediately whether seats are still available — green means available, orange means filling up fast, red means sold out.
- Complete the form: Enter your personal details — full name, date of birth, email address, and phone number.
- Make the payment: The exam fee is €199. Payment is made securely online.
- Receive your confirmation: After a successful booking you will immediately receive a confirmation email with all exam details. You will also receive a reminder email 7 days before the exam with all the important information for your exam day.
Places are limited and tend to fill up quickly. We strongly recommend registering early to secure your preferred date.
👉 Book your spot — TELC B1 Exam Frankfurt
Preparation tips
Structured preparation makes the difference between passing and not passing. Here are our most important recommendations:
Start preparing early. Plan at least four to six weeks of intensive preparation — more depending on your current language level. Starting just before the exam puts you under unnecessary pressure.
Use official TELC B1 practice materials. On the TELC website (telc.net) you will find official model tests and practice booklets. These show you exactly which task types to expect and how marking works. Complete at least two full model tests under real exam conditions.
Work specifically on your weak areas. After each practice test, analyse where you made mistakes. Invest more time in the areas where you are weaker — whether grammar, vocabulary, listening comprehension, or writing.
Read and listen to German every day. Read German-language news, blogs, or simple books. Listen to German podcasts, radio programmes, or watch German TV series. The more authentic German you consume, the more confident you will become.
Practise the oral part actively. Many candidates underestimate the oral exam. Find a practice partner and simulate the exam tasks. Speak loudly, clearly, and in full sentences — even if it feels unusual at first.
Pay attention to time limits. Many candidates lose valuable marks because they spend too long on individual tasks and run out of time for others. Practise time management consistently in every mock test.
Consider joining a preparation course. If you feel unsure, we recommend one of our German courses at Lingocare. Our qualified trainers prepare you specifically for the exam requirements and provide you with valuable feedback.
Register now: lingo.care
The TELC B1 exam at Lingocare in Frankfurt is your key to naturalisation, residence, employment, and more. With our professional examination centre, an experienced team, and a central location in Frankfurt am Main, we offer you the ideal conditions for exam success.
Exam fee: €199 Location: Gerbermühlstraße 9, 60594 Frankfurt am Main Start: 09:15 AM (entry until 08:50 AM) Registration: Online at lingo.care