telc B1 Model Test: Official Practice Test and Online Simulation
Updated: · LexDeutsch editorial team
What is a model test for telc B1?
A model test (Modelltest) is a complete exam for practice: the same parts, the same task types and the same times as in the exam, but with answers to compare. telc itself calls its material for telc Deutsch B1 an „Übungstest“ (practice test). People who look for a „Modelltest telc B1“ in a course or online usually mean exactly this kind of test.
The official name of the exam is „Zertifikat Deutsch / telc Deutsch B1“. It is not the DTZ, the final exam of the integration course: the DTZ has different parts, different times and a result of A2 or B1. A DTZ model test therefore helps only a little with telc B1 – you will find the comparison in the table further down. The format, points and procedure of the exam itself are explained in the guide telc B1 exam.
Where can I get the official telc B1 practice test?
telc gGmbH offers the practice test for telc Deutsch B1 with the audio files as a download free of charge, without registration. You will find it on the exam page at telc.net; the direct link leads to a ZIP archive. It contains a PDF booklet and an MP3 file on which the whole listening section runs without a break (25 minutes).
The booklet contains:
- all tasks of the written exam: Leseverstehen (reading) Teil 1–3, Sprachbausteine (language elements) Teil 1–2, Hörverstehen (listening) Teil 1–3 and the Schriftlicher Ausdruck (one email);
- the task sheets of the oral exam for Teil 1–3;
- the answers and the listening texts to read;
- the assessment criteria for writing and speaking and the table with points and weighting.
The tasks in the booklet are original telc material. You will not find these tasks on LexDeutsch – our exercises are our own texts in the same format (more on this below).
How do I do the practice test under exam conditions?
The written exam takes 150 minutes. So do the practice test on a day when you have two and a half quiet hours, and keep the order of the exam:
- Reading and Sprachbausteine together: set an alarm for 90 minutes. There is no break in the exam, and no dictionary or phone either.
- Listening: play the MP3 file without pausing. You hear Teil 1 only once, the conversation in Teil 2 twice and every text in Teil 3 twice. Do not stop the recording, even if you have missed something.
- Writing (Schriftlicher Ausdruck): 30 minutes for one email on four Leitpunkte (guiding points). There is no choice between two tasks and no fixed word count.
- Compare the answers: check reading, Sprachbausteine and listening against the key in the booklet and work out your points with the table in the next section.
- Assess the email: with the three criteria yourself or – better – with a teacher. A guide with examples is Writing a letter at B1.
- Oral exam: with a partner, 20 minutes of preparation, then about 15 minutes of conversation. Make notes in key words only – you should not read from them in the exam.
When you practise, write your answers on a separate sheet, not in the booklet. In the exam only what is on the answer sheet counts, and transferring the answers takes time. If you have practised this once, it will not surprise you on the day of the exam.
How do I score the telc B1 model test?
Every part gives a fixed number of points, no matter how many tasks it has. That is why one task in Lesen Teil 1 is worth twice as much as one task in Lesen Teil 3. This is how you convert your correct answers into telc points:
| Part | Tasks | Points per task | Maximum points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lesen Teil 1 | 1–5 | 5 | 25 |
| Lesen Teil 2 | 6–10 | 5 | 25 |
| Lesen Teil 3 | 11–20 | 2.5 | 25 |
| Sprachbausteine Teil 1 | 21–30 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Sprachbausteine Teil 2 | 31–40 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Hören Teil 1 | 41–45 | 5 | 25 |
| Hören Teil 2 | 46–55 | 2.5 | 25 |
| Hören Teil 3 | 56–60 | 5 | 25 |
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck | 1 email | – | 45 |
| Oral exam | Teil 1–3 | – | 15 + 30 + 30 = 75 |
The email is assessed with three criteria: I Aufgabenbewältigung (task completion), II Kommunikative Gestaltung (communicative design), III Formale Richtigkeit (formal accuracy). In each criterion you get A, B, C or D, that is 5, 3, 1 or 0 points; the sum is multiplied by three. Reading and listening give 75 points each, the Sprachbausteine 30 and the Schriftlicher Ausdruck 45 – together 225 points for the written exam. The oral exam gives 75 points.
You pass if you reach at least 135 of 225 points in the written exam and at least 45 of 75 points in the oral exam, that is 60 % each. There is no separate minimum for reading, listening or writing. The grade depends on the total:
| Total points (of 300) | Grade |
|---|---|
| 270–300 | sehr gut (very good) |
| 240–269.5 | gut (good) |
| 210–239.5 | befriedigend (satisfactory) |
| 180–209.5 | ausreichend (sufficient) |
| 0–179.5 | nicht bestanden (failed) |
There is no A2 result at telc B1. If you do not pass, you get no certificate, only a results sheet (Ergebnisbogen) – an important difference from the DTZ.
How does the telc B1 simulation on LexDeutsch work?
The telc B1 exam simulation puts together a new written exam without writing every time you start it: one random version each of Lesen Teil 1–3, Sprachbausteine Teil 1–2 and Hören Teil 1–3, in the order of the exam. A clock shows the time for each block: 90 minutes for reading and Sprachbausteine, about 30 minutes for listening. The clock is a guide – when the time is up, you can carry on and see how far over you are.
At the end the simulation converts your answers into telc points:
- reading up to 75, Sprachbausteine up to 30, listening up to 75 points – 180 at most in total, with the same points per task as in the table above;
- how many points (of 45) you would still need in writing to reach 135 in the written exam;
- the telc grade table with the best grade you could still reach with your points.
The simulation does not show „passed“, because writing and the oral exam are not included. An example: with 120 points in the simulation you still need 15 of 45 points in writing for the written exam. With fewer than 90 points, even full marks in writing are no longer enough for 135.
After every task you see the correct answers; in listening every task has the audio and the transcript. The simulation is part of VIP.
What can I practise on LexDeutsch without VIP?
In the telc B1 section you practise every part of the written exam on its own. All tasks are LexDeutsch's own texts in the exam format, not original telc tasks. In every part the first three tasks are free and need no sign-up; the others are part of VIP.
| Exam part | Exercise on LexDeutsch | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Leseverstehen Teil 1–3 | Lesen | 10 versions per part |
| Sprachbausteine Teil 1–2 | Sprachbausteine | 10 versions per part |
| Hörverstehen Teil 1–3 | Hören | 10 versions per part, with audio and transcript |
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck | Schreiben | 10 emails with a model answer, no automatic correction |
| Oral exam | Sprechen | topics, model dialogues and useful phrases (Redemittel), no recording |
| Reading, Sprachbausteine, listening together | Simulation | VIP, telc points |
In writing you get a model email for every task and see which sentence covers which Leitpunkt. The site does not check your own text – for that you need a teacher or a study partner. The same goes for speaking: practise the model dialogues aloud and in pairs.
Sample tasks: what the tasks look like
Here you see the first task from three parts of the trainer: Leseverstehen Teil 1, Sprachbausteine Teil 1 and Hören Teil 1 (as text). You can solve them interactively via the link under each task, with audio for listening. The answers are at the very bottom in the expandable box.
Reading Part 1
Lesen Sie die Überschriften a–j und die Texte 1–5. Welche Überschrift passt zu welchem Text? Jede Überschrift passt höchstens einmal.
Headings
- a Bahn: Fahrkarten für Fernzüge werden billiger
- b Kinder schlafen heute weniger als früher
- c Neue Sprachkurse: Anmeldung nur noch online
- d Kaputt? Hier bekommen Sie Hilfe beim Reparieren
- e Mit dem Nachtzug in den Urlaub – wieder im Trend
- f Schlafprobleme bei Erwachsenen: Was wirklich hilft
- g Sprachen lernen: Viele üben abends mit dem Handy
- h Reparaturen werden immer teurer
- i Hitze: Freibäder bleiben länger geöffnet
- j Zu wenig Personal: Freibäder schließen früher
Texts
- 1 Wer eine Fremdsprache lernen will, braucht heute nicht unbedingt einen Kurs. Das zeigt eine Umfrage unter 2000 Erwachsenen. Fast jeder Dritte lernt mit einer App auf dem Smartphone, meistens am Abend nach der Arbeit. Die meisten üben nur zehn bis fünfzehn Minuten am Tag. Besonders beliebt sind Englisch und Spanisch. Viele sagen aber auch: Ohne Gespräche mit anderen Menschen lernt man nicht richtig sprechen.
- 2 Ein Toaster, der nicht mehr warm wird, oder eine Hose mit einem Loch – solche Dinge muss man nicht gleich wegwerfen. Jeden ersten Samstag im Monat öffnet in der Stadtbibliothek das Reparatur-Café. Dort helfen Freiwillige, die sich mit Technik und Nähen auskennen. Die Besucher bringen ihre kaputten Sachen mit und reparieren sie zusammen mit den Helfern. Das kostet nichts, über eine kleine Spende freut man sich aber.
- 3 Wegen der hohen Temperaturen in den letzten Tagen ändern die städtischen Freibäder ihre Öffnungszeiten. Ab Montag kann man bis 21 Uhr schwimmen, bisher schlossen die Bäder schon um 19 Uhr. Die Stadt hat dafür zusätzliche Rettungsschwimmer eingestellt. Die neuen Zeiten gelten zunächst bis Ende August. Wer abends kommt, zahlt außerdem nur den halben Eintrittspreis.
- 4 Kinder zwischen sechs und zwölf Jahren schlafen heute im Durchschnitt fast eine Stunde weniger als vor zwanzig Jahren. Zu diesem Ergebnis kommt eine Studie einer Krankenkasse. Ein Grund ist das Smartphone: Viele Kinder schauen noch im Bett Videos oder schreiben Nachrichten. Die Fachleute raten den Eltern, Handys und Tablets am Abend aus dem Kinderzimmer zu nehmen. Kinder in diesem Alter brauchen etwa zehn Stunden Schlaf.
- 5 Lange Zeit waren Nachtzüge in Europa fast verschwunden. Jetzt sind sie wieder gefragt: Immer mehr Urlauber steigen am Abend ein, schlafen im Zug und kommen am nächsten Morgen ausgeruht am Ziel an. Viele wollen so das Flugzeug vermeiden und der Umwelt helfen. Billig ist die Fahrt allerdings nicht: Ein Platz im Schlafwagen kostet oft mehr als ein Flug. Wer früh bucht, spart.
Language elements Part 1
- 21 a) Weil · b) Obwohl · c) Damit
- 22 a) eine · b) einer · c) einen
- 23 a) sehr · b) viel · c) mehr
- 24 a) habe · b) bin · c) wurde
- 25 a) deshalb · b) trotzdem · c) weil
- 26 a) von dem · b) von der · c) dem
- 27 a) In · b) Am · c) Um
- 28 a) dir · b) dich · c) du
- 29 a) denn · b) weil · c) deshalb
- 30 a) auf · b) für · c) an
Listening Part 1
Sie hören fünf kurze Texte. Dazu sollen Sie fünf Aufgaben lösen. Sie hören die Texte nur einmal. Entscheiden Sie beim Hören, ob die Aussagen 41–45 richtig oder falsch sind.
Wie kommen Sie zur Arbeit? Fünf Meinungen
Statements: true or false?
- 41 Die Sprecherin fährt bei jedem Wetter mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit.
- 42 Der Sprecher fährt zusammen mit Kollegen zur Arbeit.
- 43 Die Sprecherin fährt jede Woche ins Büro.
- 44 Der Sprecher hat die Wohnung wegen des kurzen Arbeitswegs gewählt.
- 45 Die Sprecherin findet die Zugfahrt unangenehm.
Show solutions
Reading Part 1: 1 g · 2 d · 3 i · 4 b · 5 e
Language elements Part 1: 21 Weil · 22 eine · 23 sehr · 24 bin · 25 trotzdem · 26 von dem · 27 In · 28 dir · 29 denn · 30 auf
Listening Part 1: 41 false · 42 true · 43 false · 44 true · 45 false
telc B1 or DTZ: which model test is right for me?
Both are B1 exams for everyday life, but their model tests are not interchangeable. Check on your registration which exam you are taking:
| telc Deutsch B1 | DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) | |
|---|---|---|
| Official practice material | practice test from telc with audio file (ZIP) | Übungssatz 1 and 2 from g.a.s.t. (PDF, listening texts to read, no audio) |
| Parts | reading 3, Sprachbausteine 2, listening 3, writing 1, oral 3 | listening 4, reading 5, writing 1, speaking 3 |
| Written exam time | 150 min.: reading + Sprachbausteine 90, listening about 30, writing 30 | 100 min.: listening about 25, reading 45, writing 30 |
| Writing | one email, informal or semi-formal, no choice | one message, semi-formal or formal, task A or B |
| Oral exam | about 15 min. in pairs, 20 min. preparation | about 16 min. in pairs, no preparation time stated |
| Result | passed with a grade or failed, no A2 | certificate A2 or B1 |
| Practise online | telc B1, simulation | DTZ exercises B1 |
| Guide | telc B1 exam | DTZ B1 exam |
Some task types are similar: situations and adverts with „x“ appear in telc Lesen Teil 3 and in DTZ Lesen Teil 2, a letter with gaps and a/b/c in telc Sprachbausteine Teil 1 and in DTZ Lesen Teil 5 – in the DTZ always with fewer tasks. Which B1 exam suits your situation is compared in the guide Which B1 exam?, which also covers the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.
How do I combine the practice test, training and simulation?
- At the start: do the official telc practice test once in full. The result shows which part costs you the most points.
- Then: practise 20–30 minutes a day in your weakest part, for example Hören or Sprachbausteine.
- Every week: write one email in 30 minutes and compare it with the model answer, and practise one conversation topic from Sprechen aloud.
- Two to three weeks before the exam: do the simulation (VIP) several times under time pressure and compare the points.
- In the last week: no new topics, only revise your mistakes and get enough sleep.
Frequently asked questions
Is the telc B1 model test free?
Yes. telc gGmbH offers the practice test for telc Deutsch B1 with audio files free of charge on telc.net, without registration. On LexDeutsch, in the telc B1 section the first three tasks of every part are free and need no sign-up; the simulation is part of VIP.
Is a practice test the same as a model test?
In everyday use, yes: both words mean a practice exam in the format of the real exam. telc calls its official material for telc Deutsch B1 an „Übungstest“ (practice test).
How many points do I need to pass the telc B1 model test?
The same as in the exam: at least 135 of 225 points in the written exam and 45 of 75 points in the oral exam. Reading, Sprachbausteine and listening give 180 points together, writing 45.
Are the tasks on LexDeutsch original telc tasks?
No. All tasks are LexDeutsch's own texts in the exam format. The official practice test is published by telc gGmbH itself.
Does the online simulation show whether I pass?
No. It contains reading, Sprachbausteine and listening, but neither writing nor the oral exam. It shows your telc points (up to 180), how many points you would still need in writing for 135, and the best grade you can still reach.
How long does the telc B1 model test take?
The written exam takes 150 minutes: reading and Sprachbausteine 90 minutes, listening about 30 minutes, writing 30 minutes. The oral exam takes about 15 minutes in pairs, with 20 minutes of preparation before it.
Can I use a DTZ model test to practise for telc B1?
Only for some task types. The DTZ has different parts, no separate Sprachbausteine part and a result of A2 or B1. For telc B1 it is better to practise with the telc practice test and in the telc B1 section on LexDeutsch.
telc is a registered trademark of telc gGmbH, Goethe-Zertifikat a trademark of the Goethe-Institut. LexDeutsch is an independent learning portal with no connection to these organisations. Exam facts on this page come from the official practice tests and exam regulations; see the date above.