# telc Deutsch B1 [Part 1]

> The telc B1 exam doesn't test everything. It tests a format, and the same grammar again and again. Know both, and you're halfway there.

- URL: https://hsalem.com/telc-deutsch-b1-part-1/
- Author: Hassan Salem (https://hsalem.com/about/)
- Published: 2026-02-13
- Updated: 2026-10-02
- Topics: Books, Language Learning, Germany, Learning

## 1. telc B1 Exam Overview

The telc Deutsch B1 exam tests your ability to handle everyday communication in German speaking countries. It covers four skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. You need 60% to pass, and you must pass the written section (Schriftliche Prüfung) and the oral section (Mündliche Prüfung) independently.

## Exam Structure

<table><tbody><tr><td><p><span>Section</span></p></td><td><p><span>Duration</span></p></td><td><p><span>Tasks</span></p></td><td><p><span>Points</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Lesen (Reading)</span></p></td><td><p><span>90 min together with Sprachbausteine</span></p></td><td><p><span>3 parts: global, detail, selective reading</span></p></td><td><p><span>75</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Sprachbausteine (Grammar and vocabulary)</span></p></td><td><p><span>included in the 90 min</span></p></td><td><p><span>2 parts: grammar (multiple choice), vocabulary (matching)</span></p></td><td><p><span>30</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Hören (Listening)</span></p></td><td><p><span>about 30 min</span></p></td><td><p><span>3 parts: global, detail, selective</span></p></td><td><p><span>75</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Schreiben (Writing)</span></p></td><td><p><span>30 min</span></p></td><td><p><span>1 letter or email, informal or semi formal, with 4 points</span></p></td><td><p><span>45</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Sprechen (Speaking)</span></p></td><td><p><span>about 15 min, plus 20 min preparation</span></p></td><td><p><span>3 parts: getting to know each other, talking about a topic, planning something together</span></p></td><td><p><span>75</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

**💡 Key Passing Rule**

You need 60% in BOTH the written exam (Lesen + Sprachbausteine + Hören + Schreiben) AND the oral exam (Sprechen) separately. Failing one means failing the whole exam, even if you did great on the other.

**🎯 Exam Strategy:** Time management is crucial. Lesen and Sprachbausteine share the same 90 minutes, and you decide how to split them. Don't spend too long on one question. Mark your best guess and move on. You can always come back.

## 2. Essential Grammar for B1

This section covers the grammar topics most frequently tested in the telc B1 exam. Mastering them will directly help you in Sprachbausteine and in the writing and speaking parts.

## 2.1 The Four Cases (die vier Fälle)

German has four grammatical cases that determine the form of articles, pronouns, and adjectives. Think of cases as showing the role a noun plays in a sentence.

**🔗 Arabic Speaker Tip:** Great news, Arabic also has cases (مرفوع، منصوب، مجرور), so this concept is already familiar to you. The difference is that German marks cases on articles and adjectives rather than on noun endings.

<table><tbody><tr><td><p><span>Case</span></p></td><td><p><span>Question</span></p></td><td><p><span>Example</span></p></td><td><p><span>Arabic Parallel</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Nominativ (Subject)</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wer/Was?</span></p></td><td><p><span>Der Mann liest.</span></p></td><td><p><span>الفاعل (مرفوع)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Akkusativ (Direct Object)</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wen/Was?</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich sehe den Mann.</span></p></td><td><p><span>المفعول به (منصوب)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Dativ (Indirect Object)</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wem?</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich gebe dem Mann ein Buch.</span></p></td><td><p><span>المجرور بـ لـ</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Genitiv (Possession)</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wessen?</span></p></td><td><p><span>Das Buch des Mannes.</span></p></td><td><p><span>المضاف إليه (مجرور)</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Definite Article Declension Table

<table><tbody><tr><td><p><span>Case</span></p></td><td><p><span>Maskulin</span></p></td><td><p><span>Feminin</span></p></td><td><p><span>Neutrum</span></p></td><td><p><span>Plural</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Nominativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>der</span></p></td><td><p><span>die</span></p></td><td><p><span>das</span></p></td><td><p><span>die</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Akkusativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>den</span></p></td><td><p><span>die</span></p></td><td><p><span>das</span></p></td><td><p><span>die</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Dativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>dem</span></p></td><td><p><span>der</span></p></td><td><p><span>dem</span></p></td><td><p><span>den (+n)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Genitiv</span></p></td><td><p><span>des (+s/es)</span></p></td><td><p><span>der</span></p></td><td><p><span>des (+s/es)</span></p></td><td><p><span>der</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

**Memorization Trick**

Only maskulin changes from Nominativ to Akkusativ (der → den). In Dativ, maskulin and neutrum both take dem, feminin takes der, and plural takes den with an extra n on the noun (den Kindern). Learn these two rows well and the rest follows.

## 2.2 Prepositions with Cases

Prepositions are one of the most tested topics in Sprachbausteine. Each preposition requires a specific case. Here are the ones you must know:

### Always Akkusativ

**bis, durch, für, gegen, ohne, um.** Remember them as *DOGFUB: Durch, Ohne, Gegen, Für, Um, Bis.*

Beispiel: Ich arbeite für einen großen Betrieb. (für + Akkusativ)

### Always Dativ

**aus, bei, mit, nach, seit, von, zu, gegenüber, außer.** Remember: *"Aus, bei, mit, nach, seit, von, zu" (sing it like a song!)*

Beispiel: Ich fahre mit dem Bus zur Arbeit. (mit + Dativ)

### Wechselpräpositionen (Two Way Prepositions): Critical for the Exam

**an, auf, hinter, in, neben, über, unter, vor, zwischen**

These take Akkusativ for movement or direction (Wohin?) and Dativ for location or position (Wo?).

<table><tbody><tr><td><p><span>Situation</span></p></td><td><p><span>Case</span></p></td><td><p><span>Question</span></p></td><td><p><span>Example</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Movement → Akkusativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>Akkusativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wohin?</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich stelle das Buch auf den Tisch.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Location → Dativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>Dativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wo?</span></p></td><td><p><span>Das Buch steht auf dem Tisch.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Movement → Akkusativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>Akkusativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wohin?</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich hänge das Bild an die Wand.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Location → Dativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>Dativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wo?</span></p></td><td><p><span>Das Bild hängt an der Wand.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

**🔗 Arabic Speaker Tip:** In Arabic, prepositions always take مجرور (genitive). German is more complex: you need to learn which case each preposition requires. The two way prepositions are the trickiest part and appear in almost every exam.

**Exam Strategy:** Prepositions with their cases come up a lot in Sprachbausteine. If you only study one grammar topic, make it this one.

## 2.3 Verb Tenses You Need

For B1, you need to understand and use these tenses confidently:

### Präsens (Present)

Used for current actions, and for future plans with a time indicator.

Ich lerne jeden Tag Deutsch. / Morgen fahre ich nach Berlin.

### Perfekt (Conversational Past): Most Important!

This is the past tense you'll use most in speaking and informal writing. It is formed with haben/sein + Partizip II.

<table><tbody><tr><td><p><span>Type</span></p></td><td><p><span>Auxiliary</span></p></td><td><p><span>Example</span></p></td><td><p><span>Translation</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Most verbs</span></p></td><td><p><span>haben</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich habe Deutsch gelernt.</span></p></td><td><p><span>I learned German.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Movement verbs</span></p></td><td><p><span>sein</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich bin nach Berlin gefahren.</span></p></td><td><p><span>I went to Berlin.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>State change</span></p></td><td><p><span>sein</span></p></td><td><p><span>Er ist eingeschlafen.</span></p></td><td><p><span>He fell asleep.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sein/werden/bleiben</span></p></td><td><p><span>sein</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich bin zu Hause geblieben.</span></p></td><td><p><span>I stayed home.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

**Sein or Haben?**

Use 'sein' for: (1) movement from A to B (gehen, fahren, fliegen, kommen), (2) change of state (einschlafen, aufwachen, sterben), and (3) sein, werden, bleiben. Everything else uses 'haben'. When in doubt, 'haben' is usually right.

### Präteritum (Simple Past)

Mainly used in writing. In speaking you use it mostly with sein, haben, and the modal verbs. You don't need all the forms, focus on these high frequency ones:

<table><tbody><tr><td><p><span>Verb</span></p></td><td><p><span>Präteritum</span></p></td><td><p><span>Example</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sein</span></p></td><td><p><span>war</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich war gestern krank.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>haben</span></p></td><td><p><span>hatte</span></p></td><td><p><span>Er hatte keine Zeit.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>können</span></p></td><td><p><span>konnte</span></p></td><td><p><span>Sie konnte nicht kommen.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>müssen</span></p></td><td><p><span>musste</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wir mussten warten.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>wollen</span></p></td><td><p><span>wollte</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich wollte das nicht.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sollen</span></p></td><td><p><span>sollte</span></p></td><td><p><span>Du solltest mehr lernen.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>dürfen</span></p></td><td><p><span>durfte</span></p></td><td><p><span>Man durfte nicht rauchen.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>werden</span></p></td><td><p><span>wurde</span></p></td><td><p><span>Es wurde kalt.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>geben</span></p></td><td><p><span>gab</span></p></td><td><p><span>Es gab ein Problem.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>kommen</span></p></td><td><p><span>kam</span></p></td><td><p><span>Er kam zu spät.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Konjunktiv II (Subjunctive, for Politeness & Wishes)

Extremely important for the speaking exam and for letters. You need these forms:

<table><tbody><tr><td><p><span>Form</span></p></td><td><p><span>Meaning</span></p></td><td><p><span>Example</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>ich würde + Infinitiv</span></p></td><td><p><span>I would ...</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich würde gern mitkommen.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>ich hätte</span></p></td><td><p><span>I would have / I would like</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich hätte gern einen Kaffee.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>ich wäre</span></p></td><td><p><span>I would be</span></p></td><td><p><span>Das wäre sehr nett.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>ich könnte</span></p></td><td><p><span>I could</span></p></td><td><p><span>Könnten Sie mir helfen?</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>ich sollte</span></p></td><td><p><span>I should</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich sollte mehr lernen.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>ich müsste</span></p></td><td><p><span>I would have to</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich müsste früher gehen.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

**Exam Strategy:** In speaking Part 3 (planning something together), using Konjunktiv II naturally will impress the examiners: 'Könnten wir vielleicht...', 'Das wäre eine gute Idee', 'Ich würde vorschlagen, dass...'

## 2.4 Subordinate Clauses (Nebensätze): the Verb Goes to the End!

In German subordinate clauses, the conjugated verb moves to the END of the clause. This is one of the biggest structural differences from both English and Arabic, and it's tested everywhere in the B1 exam.

### Essential Conjunctions (Konjunktionen)

<table><tbody><tr><td><p><span>Conjunction</span></p></td><td><p><span>Meaning</span></p></td><td><p><span>Example</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>weil</span></p></td><td><p><span>because</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil ich krank bin.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>dass</span></p></td><td><p><span>that</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich hoffe, dass du kommst.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>wenn</span></p></td><td><p><span>if / when(ever)</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wenn ich Zeit habe, lese ich.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>als</span></p></td><td><p><span>when (one time in the past)</span></p></td><td><p><span>Als ich ein Kind war, lebte ich in Beirut.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>ob</span></p></td><td><p><span>whether</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich weiß nicht, ob er kommt.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>obwohl</span></p></td><td><p><span>although</span></p></td><td><p><span>Obwohl es regnet, gehe ich spazieren.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>damit</span></p></td><td><p><span>so that (purpose)</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich lerne, damit ich die Prüfung bestehe.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>bevor</span></p></td><td><p><span>before</span></p></td><td><p><span>Bevor ich gehe, räume ich auf.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>nachdem</span></p></td><td><p><span>after</span></p></td><td><p><span>Nachdem ich gegessen hatte, ging ich.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>während</span></p></td><td><p><span>while</span></p></td><td><p><span>Während ich koche, hört er Musik.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>seit/seitdem</span></p></td><td><p><span>since (time)</span></p></td><td><p><span>Seitdem ich in Deutschland bin, lerne ich Deutsch.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

**Arabic Speaker Tip:** In Arabic, the word order doesn't change in subordinate clauses (لأنّ, أنّ, إذا all keep the normal order). German is different: the verb MUST go to the end after these conjunctions. Practice this pattern until it feels automatic: 'Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich in Deutschland lebe.'

### weil vs. denn

Both mean 'because', but they work differently. **weil** is a subordinating conjunction (verb at the end): 'Ich bin müde, weil ich schlecht geschlafen habe.' **denn** is a coordinating conjunction (normal word order): 'Ich bin müde, denn ich habe schlecht geschlafen.'

### wenn vs. als vs. wann

<table><tbody><tr><td><p><span>Word</span></p></td><td><p><span>Use</span></p></td><td><p><span>Example</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>wenn</span></p></td><td><p><span>repeated events (past or present), or conditions (if)</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wenn ich nach Hause komme, koche ich.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>als</span></p></td><td><p><span>ONE specific event in the PAST</span></p></td><td><p><span>Als ich 18 war, bin ich nach Deutschland gekommen.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>wann</span></p></td><td><p><span>question word (direct or indirect)</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich weiß nicht, wann er kommt.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

**The Golden Rule**

After weil, dass, wenn, als, ob, obwohl, damit, bevor, nachdem, während, seitdem → the conjugated verb goes to the END. 'Ich weiß, dass du Deutsch lernst.' NOT 'Ich weiß, dass du lernst Deutsch.'

## 2.5 Relative Clauses (Relativsätze)

Relative clauses describe a noun more precisely. They use relative pronouns (der, die, das, etc.) and the verb goes to the end, just like in other Nebensätze.

<table><tbody><tr><td><p><span>Case</span></p></td><td><p><span>Maskulin</span></p></td><td><p><span>Feminin</span></p></td><td><p><span>Neutrum</span></p></td><td><p><span>Plural</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Nominativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>der</span></p></td><td><p><span>die</span></p></td><td><p><span>das</span></p></td><td><p><span>die</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Akkusativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>den</span></p></td><td><p><span>die</span></p></td><td><p><span>das</span></p></td><td><p><span>die</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>Dativ</span></p></td><td><p><span>dem</span></p></td><td><p><span>der</span></p></td><td><p><span>dem</span></p></td><td><p><span>denen</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

Der Mann, der dort steht, ist mein Lehrer. (Nom. → der Mann = subject of the relative clause)

Die Frau, die ich gestern getroffen habe, ist Ärztin. (Akk. → die Frau = object)

Das Kind, dem ich geholfen habe, war sehr dankbar. (Dat. → dem Kind = indirect object)

## 2.6 Important Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs use 'sich' and are very common at B1. Many of them are tested in Sprachbausteine.

<table><tbody><tr><td><p><span>Verb</span></p></td><td><p><span>Meaning</span></p></td><td><p><span>Example</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sich freuen auf (Akk.)</span></p></td><td><p><span>to look forward to</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich freue mich auf den Urlaub.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sich freuen über (Akk.)</span></p></td><td><p><span>to be happy about</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich freue mich über das Geschenk.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sich interessieren für</span></p></td><td><p><span>to be interested in</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich interessiere mich für Technik.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sich bewerben um</span></p></td><td><p><span>to apply for</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich bewerbe mich um die Stelle.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sich entscheiden für</span></p></td><td><p><span>to decide on</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich habe mich für das Studium entschieden.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sich beschweren über</span></p></td><td><p><span>to complain about</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich möchte mich über den Service beschweren.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sich erinnern an (Akk.)</span></p></td><td><p><span>to remember</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich erinnere mich an den Tag.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sich kümmern um</span></p></td><td><p><span>to take care of</span></p></td><td><p><span>Wer kümmert sich um die Kinder?</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sich anmelden für</span></p></td><td><p><span>to register for</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich möchte mich für den Kurs anmelden.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><span>sich verabreden mit</span></p></td><td><p><span>to make plans with</span></p></td><td><p><span>Ich verabrede mich mit meiner Freundin.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

**Exam Strategy:** Learn the preposition that goes WITH each reflexive verb. The exam loves testing whether you know 'sich freuen AUF' vs. 'sich freuen ÜBER'. The preposition changes the meaning entirely.

Continue with [telc Deutsch B1, Part 2](https://hsalem.com/telc-deutsch-b1-part-2/).