telc C1 Hochschule pass mark: the format and the two pass rules
Redaktion · 7 October 2026 · 4 min read
In short
telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule has 214 points: 166 in the written and 48 in the oral exam. You pass only if you meet two conditions at once: at least 128 points in total and 60 percent in each half, which means at least 99 written and 29 oral points. A very good written exam cannot make up for a weak oral one.
What is the telc C1 Hochschule exam format?
The exam is built for university entry: academic texts, a guest lecture in listening, an argumentative essay of at least 350 words. It is not the same as telc Deutsch C1; its structure, points and pass mark differ. Tasks are numbered from 1 to 74 throughout.
| Part | What you do | Tasks | Points | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leseverstehen 1 | rebuild a text: match paragraphs | 6 | 12 | 90 min together with Sprachbausteine |
| Leseverstehen 2 | selective reading: matching | 6 | 12 | |
| Leseverstehen 3 | detailed reading: true, false or not in the text | 11 | 22 | |
| Leseverstehen, global task | gist of the whole text | 1 | 2 | |
| Sprachbausteine | grammar and vocabulary, four options each | 22 | 22 | |
| Break | 20 min | |||
| Hörverstehen 1 | global listening: matching | 8 | 8 | about 40 min for all three parts |
| Hörverstehen 2 | detailed listening, three options | 10 | 20 | |
| Hörverstehen 3 | lecture, complete notes on a handout | 10 | 20 | |
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck | argumentative essay, one of two topics, at least 350 words | 1 text | 48 | 70 min |
| Preparation | alone, for the oral exam | 20 min | ||
| Mündlicher Ausdruck | presentation, follow-up questions and discussion in pairs | 48 | about 16 min |
You hear each listening part only once. The roughly 40 minutes include reading time and five minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet. The essay has no chart and no source text, only two quotations per topic for orientation.
The two pass rules
Many people only know the 60 percent. For C1 Hochschule both conditions must be met:
| Condition | At least | out of |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 128 | 214 |
| Written exam (reading, Sprachbausteine, listening, writing) | 99 | 166 |
| Oral exam | 29 | 48 |
Worked example 1: 140 written points, 26 oral. Together 166, well over 128. Still a fail, because 26 is below 29. Only the oral exam has to be retaken.
Worked example 2: 99 written points, 29 oral. Together exactly 128, both halves reached: a pass. If you reach the minimum in both halves, you automatically reach 128 too.
How many words and how much time for writing?
You have 70 minutes for an essay of at least 350 words on one of two topics. Writing brings 48 of the 166 written points, almost a third. Plan about 10 minutes for an outline, 50 for writing and 10 for checking.
Can I retake only one part?
Yes. You can retake the whole exam as often as you like. If you failed only the written or only the oral exam, the telc examination rules in force since 15 April 2025 let you retake just that part within twelve months of the date on your result sheet. Older practice tests still mention the end of the following calendar year; the rules are what count.
Is telc C1 Hochschule accepted for university?
Yes. The framework regulation of the German Rectors' Conference and the Standing Conference of education ministers on German tests for university study (RO-DT) lists telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule in § 8 as proof for university entry. Whether your programme asks for more is up to the university. For the comparison with DSH and TestDaF, see Which German test for university admission.
How to prepare
- Practise reading and Sprachbausteine as one block: 90 minutes for 46 tasks. Leave the Sprachbausteine for last if you read slowly.
- Practise listening without repeats, especially the lecture in part 3, where you take notes while listening.
- Write a 350-word essay in 70 minutes at least twice before the exam.
- Give the presentation out loud and have someone ask you questions.
You can practise the whole exam under real timing in the telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule practice set.
Frequently asked questions
What is the telc C1 Hochschule pass mark?
At least 128 of 214 points and at the same time 60 percent in both parts: 99 of 166 written points and 29 of 48 oral points.
Can a good written exam make up for a weak oral exam?
No. Even with a high total, you fail if one half is below 60 percent.
How many words do you write in telc C1 Hochschule?
At least 350 words for an argumentative essay, in 70 minutes, on one of two topics.
How often do you hear the recordings?
Each of the three listening parts only once. There is reading time before parts 2 and 3.
How long do I have to retake one part?
Under the telc examination rules in force since April 2025, twelve months from the date on your result sheet.
Sources
- telc: Übungstest 1 telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
- telc: telc German C1 University as university entrance, checked 7 October 2026
- telc gGmbH: examination rules, terms and annexes (in force from 15.04.2025, PDF), checked 7 October 2026
- HRK and KMK: framework regulation on German tests for university study (RO-DT), 2020 (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
