How is the telc A1 exam structured?
The general-language telc A1 exam consists of a written and an oral section. Basic listening, reading, writing and speaking for simple everyday situations are assessed. If you are searching for “telc A1 test”, “preparation for the telc A1 exam” or “telc A1 exam preparation”: here you will find the structure and training for the official telc exam.
Looking for a telc A1 practice test PDF with answers? Try our free independent mock exam (Simulation A) with online listening audio below.
At a glance
Here you will find a clear summary of the exam structure and can then practise with an exam-style mock test.
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. Available packages on request.
No official telc or Goethe examination materials.
The sections of the telc A1 exam
The following overview is based on the current information from telc for Start Deutsch 1 / telc Deutsch A1.
| Section | Number | Duration | What is required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 3 | approx. 20 min. | Understand short announcements, conversations and information. |
| Reading & writing | 3 reading sections + 2 writing sections | 45 min. | Understand simple texts and write short details or messages. |
| Speaking | 3 | approx. 15 min. | Introduce yourself, ask questions and respond in simple situations. |
Status: September 2026. Structure and timings according to the current information from telc. According to telc, the oral exam usually takes place with four participants and without preparation time.
You need to be able to retrieve your knowledge under exam conditions.
At A1, the challenge is not complicated grammar, but understanding very common words and simple sentence patterns confidently under exam conditions and using them yourself.
Understand
Vocabulary and structures need to be recognised quickly in reading and listening – without translating every detail separately.
Apply
In writing and speaking, what counts is whether you can actively use suitable words and sentence patterns.
Exam routine
Task types, time pressure and typical exam situations should already feel familiar before the real exam date.
A mock exam shows you where you really stand.
A complete simulation helps you see quickly whether your bottleneck is vocabulary, listening, reading, sentence structure, writing or spontaneous speaking.
telc A1 mock exam & practice test – PDF with answers
Free Simulation A: open or save the PDF exam booklet and answer key, get the listening scripts and play the audio online. Independently developed practice material.
Quick free registration – then you’re ready to go!
Listening practice
Play the recording and complete the tasks.
Audio coming soon
Check the answersOpen the answers and transcript when you are done.
Complete A1 mock-exam collection
If you want to continue training after the free test, you can access my complete collection of self-created A1 mock exams including solutions.
The Digistore24 order link will be added here as soon as the A1 product is set up.
Included for course participants
Participants in my A1 intensive course receive the learning materials and mock exams appropriate to the course at no additional cost.
No additional material costs: You do not need to buy additional textbooks, workbooks or test packages. Only the official telc or Goethe exam is paid separately at the relevant examination centre.
Where do I register for the telc exam?
You book and pay for the official exam directly at an authorised telc examination centre. They will also provide the available dates and the applicable exam fee.
Find an official telc examination centreWould you like to prepare systematically?
In the A1 intensive course, you train language and exam requirements together: Monday to Friday, 90 minutes daily, in a small group.
View A1 intensive courseQuestions about the telc A1 exam
Is the free mock exam an official telc exam?
No. It is created independently and follows the exam format. telc provides its own official practice materials.
Does the A1 test package cost an extra €12.90 on top of the course?
No. Participants in my A1 intensive course receive the appropriate learning materials and mock exams at no extra cost. The €12.90 price applies to external buyers of the A1 test package.
What additional costs do I have in the intensive course?
There are no additional costs for learning materials. Only the official exam is paid separately if you want to take a telc or Goethe exam.
Grammar alone is not decisive. Free speaking, free writing, understanding tasks, and listening and reading comprehension all need to work under time pressure. What is the hardest part of the A1 exam? →