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telc Deutsch C1: writing and speaking
telc Deutsch C1 (general): Writing, Points, Pass Mark
The general telc C1 exam, not the university variant: topics from everyday life and society, no academic language. Here you see what the writing task looks like, how it is scored and how many points you need. Then you write your own text and get an honest assessment against the telc criteria. We also assess your speaking.
Not sure where you stand? Placement test: free, about 25 minutes
Quick answer
The general telc Deutsch C1 tests German at C1 in five parts: reading, language elements, listening, written expression and oral expression. You pass with at least 60% in the written exam (99 of 166 points) and at least 60% in the oral exam (29 of 48) – the two parts are counted separately. Topics come from everyday life and society. For admission to a German university, the university variant (Hochschule) is the one intended.
M
Margarita Votteler
Experienced TestDaF / DSH / Goethe / telc C1 examiner since 2009
How GermanExamPro works
70 min
Exam duration
about 350
Words
Good (172–192,5)
Target level
written at least 99 of 166, oral at least 29 of 48, overall at least 128 of 214 points
To pass
The two parts you can't grade yourself
Whether your text and your speaking are enough, you otherwise only learn on exam day.
AI imageAI imageSpeaking
You get a task and speak your answer into the microphone. With time like in the exam.
In the general telc C1 you first present on your own, then talk with the other candidate. We assess your presentation, not yet the conversation.
Exam format: telc Deutsch C1 writing
In the writing section you get a short everyday situation, for example the question of the week in a local newspaper or a debate at your children's school, plus two opposing opinions as first ideas. You choose one of two topics and have 70 minutes. There is no reading text and no graph.
1
One task (choice of 2 topics): an argumentative text on an everyday topic – you work out your own position and present it (about 350 words)
telc Points scoring levels
How your performance in telc Deutsch C1 is graded
Very Good (193–214)
of 214 points (overall)Outstanding, almost all points reached
Good (172–192,5)
of 214 points (overall)Clearly above the pass mark
Our advice: practise a little above the limit
Satisfactory (151–171,5)
of 214 points (overall)Passed with some margin
Sufficient (128–150,5)
of 214 points (overall)Passed – minimum score reached
Not Passed (0–127)
of 214 points (overall)Below 128 points, or one part below 60%
Evaluation criteria
This is how examiners grade your text
1
Task Achievement
12 ptsThe task is fully covered, you engage critically with the topic, the text has a clear line of thought and fits the situation (e.g. a letter to the editor)
2
Accuracy
12 ptsGrammar, sentence structure and spelling – errors at most occasionally in complex sentences
3
Variety of words and sentences (Repertoire)
12 ptsBroad, fitting vocabulary; more complex sentences where they fit
4
Structure and logical flow (Kommunikative Gestaltung)
12 ptsWell-organised paragraphs, ideas are clearly linked
Practice topics for telc Deutsch C1
Our own practice tasks, built like the real exam. Nobody knows in advance which topic comes up on exam day.
Bargeld abschaffen?
Ein eigenes Smartphone schon in der Grundschule?
Ein Pflichtjahr für junge Menschen?
Homeoffice für alle?
Ein vegetarischer Tag in Kantinen?
Lange bei den Eltern wohnen?
Click a topic to practice with your Agent →
AI imageHow GermanExamPro helps you
Honest like the exam. And practice until it is enough.
Every criterion on its own
Content, structure, vocabulary and grammar: you see where you stand.
telc Points scoring
You see roughly which telc Points level your text reaches.
Practice with your Agent
Your agent practises exactly your weak spots with you. Until you pass.
Jump right in
Write a text. Your agent shows you honestly whether it is enough.
Avoid common mistakes
These mistakes cost you points
Risk no. 1: off topic = 0 points
The AI checks whether your text fits the task. You see it right away.
Task
No position of your own at the endOnly one side shown, no pros and consTopic missed: then all four criteria get band D
The two statements on the task sheet are only first ideas. Weigh pros and cons and give reasons for your own position at the end.
Structure & Logical Flow
No paragraphsArguments placed side by side without linksWell under 350 words
Introduction, arguments, conclusion – and linking words like „deshalb“, „hingegen“ or „zudem“ between your ideas.
Tone & Vocabulary
Colloquial throughout, although it should be a letter to the editorThe same words again and againAlmost only simple main clauses
Write factually, in a way that fits the situation. Academic language is not required, varied expression is.
Frequently asked questions about telc Deutsch C1 writing
How does telc Deutsch C1 differ from telc C1 Hochschule?
Structure, timing, assessment criteria and points are almost the same. The topics differ: the general telc C1 is about everyday life and society, for example whether you should donate money; the university variant is about studying and science. The general telc C1 does not require academic language.
Can I study at a German university with telc Deutsch C1?
Usually not as the language certificate for admission: the framework regulation for German exams for university study (RO-DT) lists only telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule from telc. Whether a university accepts other certificates as well is up to that university – check the admission rules of your target university. If you want to study, the university variant is the safe choice.
How many points do I need to pass?
At least 99 of 166 points in the written exam and at least 29 of 48 in the oral exam, i.e. 60 percent each. One part cannot make up for the other. There is no minimum for writing alone: it counts with up to 48 points towards the written total, together with reading, language elements and listening.
What happens if I fail only one part?
Then you can retake only that part, written or oral, within twelve months of the first exam. The result of the other part is carried over; you say so when you register (telc examination rules, valid from 15 April 2025).
How long is the certificate valid?
The telc certificate does not state a period of validity. Whether an older certificate is enough is decided by whoever asks for it, for example an employer or an authority.
Can I take the exam on a computer?
Yes. telc offers telc Deutsch C1 in digital, hybrid and paper-based form. Ask your exam centre which form it offers.
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