The TELC B1 is the most common German language exam taken for citizenship and residency purposes in Germany. Before you book, here's a clear picture of what it costs, where to find exam centres, and what the registration process actually looks like.
How Much Does the TELC B1 Exam Cost?
Exam fees are set by individual exam centres, not by TELC GmbH centrally. As a result, prices vary — but the typical range in Germany is €100–€180 for the full exam including the speaking component.
Prices vary because:
- Language schools charge a premium for integrated prep + exam packages
- Volkshochschulen (VHS / adult education centres) often have lower fees
- Location matters: Berlin and Munich tend to be higher than smaller cities
- Some centres include a prep course in the price; others charge for the exam alone
A few reference points from major cities:
- Berlin VHS: typically €120–€145
- Munich (language school): typically €140–€180
- Hamburg (VHS): typically €115–€140
If you're on Bürgergeld (formerly Hartz IV), you may be eligible to have the exam fee covered through your Jobcenter. Ask your case worker specifically about Eingliederungsleistungen for language certification.
What's Included in the Fee?
A standard TELC B1 exam registration covers:
- All four written sections (Lesen, Schreiben, Hören, Sprachbausteine)
- The speaking component (Sprechen) — either same day or a separate date
- The certificate, once results are processed
Some centres charge separately for the oral component or the certificate. Check before booking.
Not included:
- Preparation materials or mock exams
- Retake fees if you fail a section or the full exam
Where to Find Exam Centres
TELC GmbH maintains an official search tool for exam centres at telc.net/en/find-exam-centre. Enter your city and select "telc Deutsch B1" to see available centres with upcoming dates.
Beyond the TELC search, the places most likely to offer the exam near you:
- Volkshochschule (VHS): Most cities have one. Often the cheapest option. Check your local VHS website directly or vhs.de.
- Language schools: Berlitz, DeutschAkademie, Sprachschule etc. — more expensive but often more frequent exam dates.
- BAMF-certified Integrationskurs providers: If you're completing or have completed an Integrationskurs, many providers also offer TELC exams directly.
How to Register
Registration is done directly with the exam centre, not through TELC GmbH. The process typically looks like this:
- Find a centre and exam date using the TELC search or your local VHS website
- Contact the centre — online registration form, email, or by phone
- Submit required documents — usually a valid photo ID (Personalausweis, Reisepass, or Aufenthaltstitel)
- Pay the exam fee — usually required upfront at registration to secure your place
- Receive confirmation — with exam date, location, start time, and what to bring
How far in advance? Register at least 4–6 weeks before your target date. Popular exam centres in large cities fill up quickly — especially in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when many people are preparing for citizenship or residency applications. For a specific date, earlier is always better.
What Happens on Exam Day?
Written exam
- Typically 3 hours total covering Lesen (reading), Hören (listening), Schreiben (writing), and Sprachbausteine (language elements)
- Bring your registration confirmation and a valid photo ID
- No dictionaries or electronic devices permitted
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early — late admission is typically not allowed
Speaking exam (Sprechen)
- Usually scheduled separately from the written exam — either the same day (afternoon) or a different date
- Two or three candidates are grouped together
- Tasks include introducing yourself, discussing a topic with a partner, and making a suggestion or plan
- Lasts approximately 15 minutes per candidate group
Results and certificate
Results are typically available 4–8 weeks after the written exam. You'll receive your results in writing (pass/fail per section) and the physical certificate if you passed. The certificate is issued by TELC GmbH and has no expiry date.
What If You Fail?
You can retake the TELC B1 exam with no mandatory waiting period nationally. You pay the full exam fee again. Some centres let you retake individual failed sections (Schreiben only, for example) — ask your specific centre about their policy.
If you fail the writing section but pass the rest, or vice versa: results are section-by-section. Whether partial retakes are offered depends on the centre.
Is It Worth Getting Prepared Before You Book?
For most people: yes. The TELC B1 format is highly predictable, which means structured practice genuinely improves your score — not just your German in general, but your performance on this specific exam.
Before spending €100–€180 on the real exam, practicing with full-length timed mock exams gives you a reliable read of whether you're ready. An exam sitting where you're clearly underprepared wastes both money and time.