telc German B2 · The Exam Parts in Detail

Understanding the telc B2 Exam Parts and Preparing for them Effectively

Five exam parts, each with very different challenges. On this page, you can see exactly how each part is structured, how points are assigned, and where points are typically lost in the telc B2 exam.

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It’s important to understand the details of the telc B2 exam parts because they are weighted very differently and, in some cases, are more challenging than those in the B1 exam. If you have a good grasp of the telc B2 exam parts, you’ll know exactly where the jump to B2 really happens – and where it’s worth putting extra effort into your preparation. This page provides you with a complete overview of all telc B2 exam parts, including task formats, point distribution per sub-section, and information on where most points are lost in the telc B2 exam.

The 5 telc B2 Exam Parts at a Glance

Two sub-exams, five sections, 300 points total. The written exam lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes straight through, without a break.

Exam Parts	Time	Points	Task
Reading Comprehension	90-minute block	75 points	Three sections with longer, more challenging texts than in B1. Multiple-choice and matching tasks.
Language Elements	90-minute block	30 points	wo gap-fill exercises: Part 1 multiple choice (grammar), Part 2 word bank (vocabulary).B2 is significantly more challenging than B1.
Listening Comprehension	approx. 30 min	75 points	Three sections, all in true/false format. Part 1 and 3 are played ONLY ONCE, part 2 twice.
Writing	30 min	45 points	Semi-formal email: Complaint email or request for information - cover four key points.
Speaking	20 min preparation + approx. 15 min	75 points	Paired exam: Presentation, discussion (controversial topic), planning something.

Passing score: at least 60 % in both Partial exams seperatly - 135 out of 225 points for the written portion and 45 out of 75 points for the oral portion. If you score below the passing mark in either part, you will fail the entire exam.

Each Exam Part in Detail: Structure, Points, Typical Tasks

Here you can see how each part is structured internally, how points are distributed, and what you should expect in detail.

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Reading Comprehension

Points: 75 Punkte Recommended time: approx. 60 min

Three sections with longer, more challenging texts than in B1. Multiple-choice and matching exercises.

Part 1 Global understanding - Matching texts to headlinesn 25 points (5 items × 5 pt)

5 texts (100–150 words, e.g., book blurbs, newspaper clippings) and 10 headlines. Match each text with the appropriate headline; 5 headlines will remain unmatched.

💡 Tip: Key points are often found in the first and last sentences. Don’t read every word—compare the keywords in the text with those in the headline.

Part 2 Detailed understanding - multiple choice questions on a longer text 25 points (5 items × 5 pt)

A longer authentic text (approx. 450 words), 5 questions, each with 3 answer choices. The test assesses the accurate understanding of specific information.

💡 Tip: Read the questions first, then the text. Pay close attention to negatives and qualifying words (only, but, however) in the answer options - they often make the difference.

Part 3 Selective understanding - advertisement matchingg 25 points (10 items × 2,5 pt)

10 scenario descriptions and 12 short texts (e.g., advertisements, notices). For each scenario, you match the appropriate text; 2 texts remain.

💡 Tip: Highlight key words in the situations and then scan the ads specifically for those words or synonyms. No need to understand everything.

Some passages might be above B2 level - but the tasks remain at B2.

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Language Elements

Points: 30 points Recommended time: approx. 30 min

Two fill-in-the-blank exercises: Part 1 multiple-choice (grammar), Part 2 matching (vocabulary). B2 is significantly more challenging than B1.

Part 1 Grammar in context - multiple choice 15 points (10 items × 1,5 pt)

A text with 10 gaps. For each gap, choose the grammatically correct option from the three options provided. The test focuses on structures typical of the B2 level.

💡 Tip: Common B2 exam topics: Subjunctive I (indirect speech), Subjunctive II (irreal), passive variants, nominalizations, and two-part connectors (sowohl…als auch, weder…noch, je…desto).

part 2 Vocabulary in context - word bankg 15 points (10 items × 1,5 pt)

A second text with 10 gaps. Choose the correct words from a list of options - only a few remain.

💡 Tip: Pay attention to set phrases (functional verb phrases such as “come into effect” and “make available”) and verb-preposition pairs. These are relevant for the B2 exam..

The MOST COMMON hurdle in B2. Nominal style, passives, Subjunctive, complex conjunctions - structures that are rarely used in everyday life.

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Listening Comprehension

Points: 75 Punkte Recommended time: approx. 20 min

Three parts, all in true/false format. The speaking pace is true to the original; a slight accent is possible—unlike in B1.

Part 1 Global Understanding - short audio clips (listened to just once!) 25 points (5 items × 5 pt)

5 short audio passages (announcements, news reports, commercials). One true/false statement per passage. Played ONLY ONCE — unlike in B1.

💡 Tip: Before listening, quickly skim through the statements and highlight key words. Make your decision while listening - you won't get a second chance.

Part 2 Detailed understanding - longer conversation or intervieww 25 points (10 items × 2,5 pt)

A longer conversation or interview (approx. 5–7 minutes), 10 true/false statements. It is played TWICE.

💡 Tip: On the first listen, note the obvious statements; on the second, focus specifically on the unclear ones. The order of the statements usually follows the flow of the conversation.

Part 3 Selective understanding - short segments (only heard once!) 25 points (5 items × 5 pt)

5 short clips or statements (e.g., radio clips, brief comments). One true/false statement per clip. Each clip is played ONLY ONCE.

💡 Tip: Focus on the main point of each contribution - the details aren't important here. Pay special attention during the first 10 seconds.

Big jump from B1: Parts 1 and 3 are played only ONCE. The texts are longer and the pace is realistic.

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Writing

Points: 45 Punkte Recommended Time: 30 min (5 planning / 20 writing / 5 checking)

Writing a semi-formal email: a complaint or a request for information (e.g., an email about a multi-day bike tour). Cover the four key points.

ow the 45 points are distributed - four criteria

Content (task completion)

Are all four key points covered appropriately? Just like in B1, if you skip a key point entirely, you’ll lose a significant number of points. Stick to the appropriate register (polite, semi-formal).

Communicative structure

Greeting, introduction, logical structure, closing formula. B2 level: nuanced transitions, explicit references to the occasion.

Formal correctness

Grammar, spelling, word choice. B2-typical structures should be used correctly - the subjunctive for polite requests, the passive for factual statements.

Vocabulary & structure

Variety and precision. Those who write at the B1 level are missing out on points. More complex sentence structures and a wider vocabulary are expected.

💡 Strategy Tip: B2 writing is different from B1: Instead of a free-form “letter to a friend,” it involves a specific communication task (a complaint or inquiry). Set aside 5 minutes to write down key points for the 4 main topics, then write consistently in a semi-formal style.

The jump to B2: Formulating more complex issues in a nuanced way, rather than simply checking off simple guidelines.

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Speaking

Points: 75 Punkte Time: 20 Min preparation + approx. 15 min exam

Paired exam in three parts: presentation, discussion (controversial topic), problem-solving. Structured differently from the B1 oral exam.

Part 1A Brief introduction (not graded) 0 points - not graded

Briefly introduce yourself and ask your exam partner one or two questions. This should take about 1 minute. The purpose is simply to get the conversation started.

💡 Tip: Even if it says “not graded” - start off with confidence. First impressions have a psychological impact on the entire exam.

Part 1B Presentation + questions 25 points

You will give a short presentation (about 90 seconds to 1.5 minutes) on one of the five topics you selected during the preparation period. Afterward, you will answer any questions your partner might have.

💡 Tip: Organize your presentation clearly: Introduction (“I’d like to talk about…”) → three main points → conclusion. The topics are familiar (travel, family, career, etc.) - it’s worth preparing.

Part 2 Discussion on a controversial topic 25 points

Both participants read a short text presenting the pros and cons. Then you discuss the topic together for about 5 minutes: each person states their position, responds to the other, and defends their opinion.

💡 Tip: Don't just repeat your own opinion—actively address the counterarguments (“I see it differently because...”, “You're right about that, but...”). This is taken into account..

Part 3 Planning something 25 Punkte

You and your partner work together to solve a specific task (e.g., organizing a party, choosing a gift). You make suggestions, respond to each other, and come to an agreement in the end.

💡 Tip: Take an active role in shaping the discussion: make suggestions (“How about…?”), respond to your partner (“Good idea, but…”), explicitly agree, or offer alternatives. An agreement is expected at the end.

The key difference from B1: taking and defending a position in a discussion, not just “talking about a topic.”

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The Two Underestimated Sources of Point Loss

Those who fail the telc B2 exam usually don’t fail because of their language skills – but because of these two pitfalls.

The Language Elements Case

With 30 points this section may seem unimportant, but it is the area where the most points are lost in B2. The structures (subjunctive I/II, passive voice forms, functional verb constructions, two-part conjunctions) are rarely used in everyday speech - so anyone who goes into this section unprepared is throwing away easy points.

The Listening Comprehension Jump

Unlike in B1, two of the three listening sections (Section 1 and Section 3) are played only ONCE. The speaking pace is true to the original, sometimes with a slight accent. Anyone going into it with B1 expectations (“it’ll be played twice”) will immediately lose.

FAQ About the B2 Exam Parts

What parts does the telc B1 exam consist of?

The telc B2 exam consists of five sections, divided into two parts. Written (total of 2 hours and 20 minutes in one sitting, without a break): Reading comprehension and language elements in a 90-minute block, listening comprehension approx. 30 minutes, writing 30 minutes. Oral (approx. 15-minute exam plus 20 minutes of preparation): Presentation, discussion, and planning something together.

How many points do I need to pass the telc B2 exam?

You must score at least 60 percent on each part of the exam: 135 out of 225 points on the written portion and 45 out of 75 points on the oral portion. A total of 300 points is possible. If you score less than 60 percent on either part, you will fail the entire exam.

Why is B2 much more difficult than B1?

B2 is not simply “B1 with more vocabulary.” The exam requires independent language use: actively mastering more complex structures (subjunctive, passive voice, nominal style), writing in a nuanced manner, and expressing and defending a position orally. In addition, two out of three listening sections are played only once – in B1, almost everything is heard twice.

What skills do I need for the B2 writing exam?

You will write a semi-formal email, either a complaint or a request for information – for example, an inquiry about a multi-day bike tour. Four key points are provided, all of which you must address. Your work will be evaluated based on four criteria: task completion, communicative style, formal accuracy, and vocabulary/structures. Unlike with B1, a basic level is not sufficient – structures typical of B2 are expected.

Which part of the telc B2 exam is the hardest?

Structurally speaking, most students lose points on the grammar sections and the listening comprehension section. The grammar sections may seem minor (30 points), but they test B2-level structures that are rarely practiced in everyday life. The listening section comes as a shock: two out of three parts are played only once. With targeted preparation, the writing and speaking sections are well within reach.

How does HeyFlinko help me prepare for the exam parts?

You’ll practice all four written parts with real B2-level tasks and immediate feedback. As you write, an AI evaluator will correct your work according to telc grading guidelines – you’ll see right away whether you’ve covered all the key points and which B2-level structures need improvement. For the oral exam, which includes a presentation and discussion, we offer live training with certified trainers.

How is the B2 oral exam structured?

Three parts in a pair exam with a total duration of approximately 15 minutes, plus 20 minutes of preparation time. Part 1B Presentation: a short presentation (90 seconds to 1.5 minutes) on one of five topics, followed by a Q&A session – 25 points. Part 2 Discussion: a controversial topic with pros and cons, approximately 5 minutes of discussion – 25 points. Part 3 Planning something: work together to solve a specific task and reach an agreement at the end – 25 points. The brief introductory meeting beforehand is not graded.

Is HeyFlinko a telc examination centre?

No. HeyFlinko is the digital preparation platform of Lernwerkstatt Pflege. You take the telc B1 exam through our affiliated examination center.

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Self-study for all four written parts with immediate feedback. AI-based correction of the B2 email according to telc grading guidelines.

telc B2 Exam Components