Understanding the telc B1 exam parts and preparing for them effectively
Five exam parts, each with very different challenges. This page shows you exactly how much time and how many points each part has — and where most points are typically lost in the telc B1 exam.
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The telc B1 exam parts are important to understand in detail because they are weighted differently and require very different preparation strategies. If you understand the telc B1 exam parts well, you know exactly where it is worth focusing your preparation — and where it is not. This page gives you a complete overview of all telc B1 exam parts, including timing, points, and where candidates most commonly lose points in the telc B1 exam.
The 5 telc B1 Exam Parts at a Glance
Two exam sections, five exam parts, 300 points in total.
Passing requirement: at least 60% in both exam sections separately — 135 out of 225 points in the written exam and 45 out of 75 points in the oral exam. If you fall below the threshold in one section, the entire exam is considered not passed.
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.
Reading Comprehension
Three parts with newspaper articles, advertisements, and informational texts. Multiple-choice and matching tasks.
5 short texts (e.g. blurbs, advertisements, notices) and 10 headings. You match each text to the correct heading; 5 headings remain unused.
One longer text (e.g. a newspaper article) with 5 questions, each with 3 answer options. Detailed understanding of information and context is tested.
10 situations plus 12 small advertisements (e.g. housing, job, travel ads). You match each situation with the correct ad; 2 ads remain unused.
Language Elements
Two gap-fill texts: Part 1 multiple choice (grammar), Part 2 word bank (vocabulary). No free writing.
One gap-fill text (often a letter or email) with 10 gaps. For each gap, you choose the grammatically and contextually correct option from 3 choices.
A second gap-fill text with 10 gaps. From a list of 15 words, you select the 10 correct ones — 5 words remain unused.
Listening Comprehension
Three parts: global, detailed, and selective listening. Audio is usually played twice.
5 short listening texts (announcements, voicemail messages, traffic reports). One true/false statement per text. Played once only.
One longer conversation or interview (approx. 4–5 minutes). 10 true/false statements. Played twice.
5 short everyday dialogues (between two speakers). One true/false statement per dialogue. Played twice.
Writing
A semi-formal letter or email, approx. 80 words, covering four given key points.
Are all four key points addressed appropriately? The “zero rule” applies: missing one point = 0 points for the entire text.
Greeting, introduction, logical structure, closing formula, appropriate register (polite, semi-formal).
Grammar, spelling, vocabulary. B1 level is expected; minor mistakes are acceptable as long as understanding is not affected.
Speaking
Paired exam in three parts: getting to know each other, speaking about a topic, and planning something together.
You introduce yourself briefly and ask your partner questions about residence, job, hobbies, family, or travel. Duration approx. 3 minutes.
You receive a picture or situation description. You speak freely, describe, and give your opinion. Then your partner asks questions. Duration approx. 6 minutes total.
You and your partner plan something together (e.g. an excursion, party, gift). You make suggestions, react, and agree on a plan. Duration approx. 6 minutes.
Write a sample text. We assess it according to telc evaluation criteria.
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The Two Underestimated Sources of Point Loss
Most candidates who fail the telc B1 exam do not fail because of their language level — but because of these two pitfalls.
There are four key points in the task — you must address all four. If you miss even one, the entire text receives zero points, regardless of how good the rest is. Every year, this causes candidates to fail.
With only 30 points, it seems unimportant. But this is the section where the most points are systematically lost — and also the easiest to improve with targeted practice. Without preparation, you lose easy points here.
FAQ About the telc B1 Exam Parts
What parts does the telc B1 exam consist of?
The telc B1 exam consists of five parts across two sections. Written (150 minutes total): reading comprehension, language elements, listening comprehension, and writing. Oral (approx. 15 minutes exam + 20 minutes preparation): getting to know each other, speaking about a topic, and planning something together.
How long does the written telc B1 exam take?
Total duration: 150 minutes. Reading comprehension and Language Elements are completed in a combined 90-minute section (you manage the time yourself). This is followed by Listening Comprehension (approx. 30 minutes) and the Writing section (30 minutes).
How many points do I need to pass the telc B1 exam?
You need at least 60 percent in both exam sections separately: 135 out of 225 points in the written exam and 45 out of 75 points in the oral exam. A total of 300 points can be achieved. If you fall below 60 percent in either section, the entire exam is considered not passed.
What is the zero rule in the writing task?
In the Writing section, you must address four given key points in your text. If you completely omit even one key point, the entire text is graded with zero points — regardless of how well the other three are covered. This is the most common avoidable source of errors.
Which part of the telc B1 exam is the hardest?
Structurally, most learners lose points in the Language Elements section and in Writing. Language Elements are a small section (30 points), but are often poorly prepared. In Writing, the “zero rule” is the biggest trap. Reading, Listening, and the oral exam are usually not the main problem.
How does HeyFlinko prepare me for the exam parts?
You train all four written exam parts using real B1 tasks with instant feedback. For writing, an AI assessor corrects your work according to official telc evaluation criteria and explicitly warns you if a key point is missing. For the oral exam, we offer live training with certified instructors.
Can I practice individual parts separately?
Yes. In self-study mode, you can select a specific exam part (e.g. only Language Elements or only Writing) and practice sub-skill by sub-skill. The system identifies your weak patterns and automatically adapts the exercises.
Is HeyFlinko a telc examination center?
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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