Telc German exams – Certify your language skills
with ILS Zurich!

Would you like to prove your German language skills with an internationally recognized certificate? Then the telc German certificate is just right for you! telc German certificates are recognized throughout Europe by employers, immigration authorities, universities, and schools, and thus represent a professionally sound proof of your language skills.

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Experiences of our participants

Read how our participants achieve their language goals and get off to a successful start!

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Ines Macic's profile picture
Ines Macic
October 20, 2025
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Thanks to ILS Basel, I can now write my review in German! I first took the A2 course here, then the B1 and B2 courses. 🎉 I’d especially like to mention my teacher, Chris Stettler, who taught me in both the B1 and B2 courses. 🌺 She always encouraged me to speak up, improve my German, and not be afraid to try new things. Chris is a wonderful teacher—friendly, patient, positive, very competent, and extremely dedicated. She answers every question thoroughly, explains everything in great depth, and takes plenty of time for each student. Her motivation and enthusiasm for learning German are contagious, and you can immediately tell how much she cares about her students. Anyone who has the chance to learn from her can truly consider themselves lucky! 🪷🌸🌺 I also often attended the conversation classes on Fridays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Chris is always exceptionally well-prepared, brings up interesting topics, and makes sure the classes are fun. 🌞🌻🗣️ You meet nice people, make new international friends, and learn a lot in the process. 🌎 ILS Basel is very well organized. The classrooms are clean and nice, and the staff in the office are very friendly. 🤗🇨🇭 I plan to take the TELC B2 exam here as well. Many thanks to the entire ILS team, my first teacher Nathalie (A2—my review in English), and my other teacher, Chris Stettler! ♥️
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Osama Murad
October 18, 2025
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Dear Sir or Madam, I did well on the exam, and the testing location was very quiet. Thank you very much for your support.
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Tetiana
October 10, 2025
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Dear Sir or Madam, Today I took the telc B2 exam at your school. I was very satisfied—everyone was very friendly. The woman who administered the exam was very kind, pleasant, and approachable. The atmosphere in the classroom was calm and comfortable. Thank you very much. If I did not pass the exam, I would be happy to return to your school. Sincerely, T. Hrynishak
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Xeqawe
September 27, 2025
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I was particularly impressed by the friendly welcome at the front desk and the attentive assistance I received during the exam.
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László Udvardi
August 14, 2025
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The TELC exam was an exciting and positive experience for me. Everything was very well organized, precise, and ran smoothly. The exam proctors and the entire staff were extremely friendly and helpful. I felt comfortable throughout the entire process and can wholeheartedly recommend the test center.
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Edina März
August 10, 2025
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The FIDE exam was not only well-organized but also truly enriching. The questions were challenging, yet designed in such a way that it was actually enjoyable to think them through. It felt like a place where expertise and fairness truly came together.
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Vitalina Kantseliarenko
June 23, 2025
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I had a positive experience with the exam at the ILS School. Everything went very well. The examiners were friendly, the rooms were spacious, and the atmosphere was calm. I would definitely recommend the school.
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Prices, exam dates & registration

Here you will find all the important information about the individual TELC exam levels, including exam dates, duration, and fees.

WICHTIG:

The evaluation of your Telc exam takes approximately 6-8 weeks. We will then send you the certificate by mail.

More about our Telc exams in Zurich

Learn more about our Telc exams in Zurich!

A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 & C1 University

The number of places available for the exams is limited. Please register early using the registration form or directly at our office.
You can find the respective registration deadlines in the table "Exam dates & registration deadlines."
You can register up to 16 days before the exam. However, this will incur a late registration fee of CHF 30.

Please note that the examination fees must be paid in full by the day of the examination at the latest. Otherwise, the participant will be excluded from the examination.

If you withdraw before the registration and withdrawal deadline, the exam fee will be waived or refunded, subject to a processing fee of CHF 30. Withdrawals can only be made by email. If you withdraw from the exam after this deadline, the exam fees will be charged in full.

Prepare for the telc exam at ILS: attend a telc preparation course in private or group lessons at ILS Zurich!

The Telc certificate is equivalent to the renowned Goethe certificate. Both Telc and the prestigious Goethe-Institut administer German language exams and issue high-quality certificates. The Telc certificate is awarded by the renowned Telc GmbH, while the Goethe certificate is issued directly by the Goethe-Institut.

Both certificates attest to the language level of the candidates and are recognized worldwide. Regardless of whether you obtain the Telc or Goethe certificate, you will receive an important certificate of your German language skills.

Personal consultation at ILS

Do you have further questions about exams or courses, or would you like to get to know us?
Come and visit us—we will be happy to advise you:

>>> Hagenholzstrasse 81a, 8050 Zurich

Language levels for Telc exams in Zurich

Learn more about Telc exams at all language levels!

At level A1, you learn to communicate in a very simple way about concrete needs, such as housing, shopping, introducing yourself, eating, and drinking. You use some very simple grammatical structures.

telc exam A1, written: 65 min. consists of listening (20 min.) / reading and writing (45 min.)

telc exam A1, oral: approx. 11 min.

At level A2, you learn how to communicate in a simple way in typical everyday situations, hold short conversations, and use simple grammatical structures correctly.

telc exam A2, written: 70 min. Consists of listening (20 min.) / reading and writing (50 min.)

telc exam A2, oral: 15 min.

At level B1, you learn to communicate in a simple and coherent manner in everyday situations, when traveling, and in your own area of interest, to report on experiences, describe goals, and justify opinions.

telc exam B1, written: 2 hours and 30 minutes (reading comprehension 90 minutes, listening comprehension 30 minutes, written expression 30 minutes)

telc exam B1, oral: 15 min.

At level B2, you can express yourself clearly and in detail, as well as argue and negotiate successfully. You have a large vocabulary in your own field of expertise and on most general topics. You have a good command of grammar.

telc exam B2, written: 2 hours and 35 minutes (reading comprehension 90 minutes, listening comprehension 20 minutes, written expression 30 minutes)

telc exam B2, oral: 15 min.

At level C1, you can express yourself spontaneously and fluently. You are familiar with colloquial expressions.

telc exam C1, written: 3 hours and 40 minutes (reading comprehension 90 minutes, break 20 minutes, listening comprehension 40 minutes, written expression 70 minutes)

telc exam C1, oral: 16 to 24 minutes

At level C1 University, you can express yourself clearly, coherently, and precisely, especially in an academic environment. You understand demanding texts relevant to your studies and can confidently present complex content in writing and orally.

telc examination C1 Hochschule, written: 3 hours and 40 minutes (reading comprehension and language components 90 minutes, listening comprehension 40 minutes, written expression 70 minutes)

telc examination C1 University, oral: 16 to 24 minutes

Alternatives to Telc: fide test & ÖSD exams

In addition to Telc, there are other recognized ways to prove your German language skills. The fide test is officially accepted in Switzerland for residence permits and naturalization. The ÖSD exams are internationally recognized language certificates, especially in Austria and many other countries.

fide test at ILS

ÖSD exams at ILS

ILS Telc examination centers

Our Telc exams take place at several locations. Select the center nearest you and secure your exam date!