Free Goethe and telc practice exams: choose your exam format and language level A1–C1.
EARLY BLACK FRIDAY · THROUGH 29 NOV
5 practice exams for your level
One exam format and one level (A1–C1), with audio and answer keys. Choose your exam and level directly online.
No official telc or Goethe examination materials.
German exam preparation A1–C1: targeted training for telc and Goethe.
Here you will find everything in one place: how telc and Goethe exams are structured, which sections to expect, how to prepare, free practice exams and the official pages for registration and dates.
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Goethe and telc practice tests A1–C1 – PDFs with answers
Choose Goethe or telc and your level. Each exam guide includes one free, independently developed mock exam (Simulation A), with a PDF exam booklet, answer key and listening scripts plus audio online. Exam structure and preparation tips are included; five additional simulations are available separately.
Goethe A1–C1
Official Goethe examinations →telc A1–C1
Find official telc exam centres →German intensive courses by level
Looking for a live German course instead of exam information?
Which German exam fits your goal better?
Both exam providers are based on the Common European Framework of Reference and assess German through listening, reading, writing and speaking. What matters are your level, the purpose for which you need the certificate and the exam format. Before booking, always check which certificate is accepted by the relevant authority, university or employer.
telc may be a good fit if …
- the organisation you need the certificate for explicitly accepts or requires telc.
- you prefer an exam format with written and oral sections.
- you want to train direct communication in the oral exam and – depending on the level – tasks such as language elements.
Goethe may be a good fit if …
- the organisation you need the certificate for accepts or prefers a Goethe certificate.
- from B1 onward, you want to take the four skills in modules, either individually or in combination.
- you want to train the individual skills separately and, if necessary, repeat them selectively.
Important: Structure, retake options, dates and fees differ by level and examination centre. You will find the exact structure on the relevant exam pages below.
What really matters in telc and Goethe exams?
Grammar alone is not decisive. Understanding tasks, listening and reading comprehension, free speaking and structured writing all need to work under time pressure.
How do I understand the instructions in a telc or Goethe exam correctly?
Understand the instructions, required points and keywords correctly.
Read the answerHow do I improve my listening comprehension for the telc or Goethe exam?
Listen selectively, filter relevant information and recognise synonyms.
Read the answerHow do I improve my reading comprehension for the telc or Goethe exam?
Understand questions first, scan texts faster and recognise distractors.
Read the answerHow can I speak freely and express my opinion in the oral German exam?
State your opinion, justify it, give examples and respond to your conversation partner.
Read the answerHow do I write a good email in the telc or Goethe exam?
Answer all task points, choose the right register and check your work under time pressure.
Read the answerKnowing grammar is not enough: where are the typical bottlenecks from A1 to C1?
The higher the level, the more free language production matters: formulating independently, arguing, responding, and writing and speaking in a structured way under time pressure.
What is the hardest part of the A1 exam?
At A1, the grammar is usually manageable. It becomes harder when you have to respond independently under time pressure: understand a question, form a suitable answer, write a...
View A1 difficultiesWhat is the hardest part of the A2 exam?
At A2, it is no longer enough to repeat familiar model sentences. You need to create your own answers from familiar language building blocks, talk about your life, plan someth...
View A2 difficultiesWhat is the hardest part of the B1 exam?
B1 makes one thing particularly clear: knowing grammar is not the same as using German. You need to express and justify your opinion, respond to others and write your own...
View B1 difficultiesWhat is the hardest part of the B2 exam?
At B2, correct German alone is no longer enough. You need to structure ideas, develop arguments, respond to opposing positions and maintain an appropriate style in writing and speaking...
View B2 difficultiesWhat is the hardest part of the C1 exam?
C1 does not simply mean more grammar. The real challenge is to understand complex content quickly and then formulate it precisely, clearly and appropriately...
View C1 difficultiesExam preparation is more than memorising tasks.
You should be able to retrieve what you have learned confidently under time pressure. That is why listening, reading, writing, speaking, understanding tasks, vocabulary and typical exam situations all belong together.
For telc or Goethe A1, A2, B1 and B2, there is a dedicated page focusing on fast, intensive preparation while also developing communication for everyday work. View exam preparation for employees →
Exam date coming up soon? Discuss it with me – or still send a request.
If your exam date is before the end of the planned course or module, we will briefly discuss what is realistic. You can still submit a course request. The official exam itself is booked and paid for through the respective exam provider.
Train language and exam preparation together
In the intensive course, you do not only learn for the exam. The goal is to use German directly in everyday life and work. All learning materials and suitable practice exams are included in the course price.