telc Deutsch B1 vocabulary: everyday German for life in Germany
CEFR B1
telc Deutsch B1 is a common way to prove B1 German for work, permanent residence or citizenship. Here is the vocabulary that matters and where to start.
telc Deutsch B1 (Zertifikat Deutsch) is offered by telc gGmbH at language schools and adult education centres (Volkshochschulen) in Germany and abroad. It shows you can handle everyday life, work and travel in German and talk about your experiences and plans.
B1 German is often required for permanent residence and for German citizenship, and telc Deutsch B1 is one widely accepted certificate. The exam is built around real situations — letters to a landlord, job adverts, appointments, complaints — so practical everyday vocabulary pays off in every part.
How the exam works
- Reading and language elements
- Texts, adverts and emails, plus gap-fill tasks (Sprachbausteine) that test grammar and fixed phrases.
- Listening (Hörverstehen)
- Radio extracts, announcements and conversations about everyday topics.
- Writing (Schriftlicher Ausdruck)
- A semi-formal or personal letter or email, for example a reply to an invitation or a request.
- Speaking (Mündlicher Ausdruck)
- About 15 minutes in pairs after preparation time: get to know each other, talk about a topic and plan something together.
Topics that come up most
- Work and job applications
- Housing and neighbours
- Health and doctor's appointments
- Shopping, services and complaints
- Travel and transport
- Free time, media and education
Free word lists for this exam
Study these lists in order. Each has 25 words with meanings, example sentences and a short practice.
- 1German words for everyday lifeA1–A2 · 25 words
- 2Common German verbsA1–A2 · 25 words
- 3German words for work and studyA2–B1 · 25 words
- 4German phrases for travelA1–A2 · 25 words
- 5German linking words and connectorsB1 · 25 words
- 6German words for health and the doctorA2–B1 · 25 words
- 7German words for renting a flatB1 · 25 words
A four-week vocabulary plan
- Week 1
Review the everyday life and common verbs lists until every word comes back without the English meaning.
- Week 2
Learn the work and study list and write a short email about a job advert or an appointment.
- Week 3
Add travel words and practise planning something together aloud: Wollen wir…? Wie wäre es mit…?
- Week 4
Review everything due, write one practice letter a day and note the words you were missing.
Not sure where to start?
Take the free vocabulary level test. In about five minutes you get an estimated CEFR level and the lists to study next.
Questions about this exam
Is telc Deutsch B1 enough for German citizenship?
B1 German is generally required for naturalisation, and telc Deutsch B1 is a commonly accepted certificate. Requirements can change, so confirm with your local naturalisation office before you book.
Is telc Deutsch B1 the same as the DTZ?
No. The DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) is the A2–B1 test at the end of an integration course, while telc Deutsch B1 is a separate general certificate. The vocabulary they test is very similar.
Can WordNest prepare me for telc Deutsch B1?
WordNest helps with the vocabulary: you learn and review words with spaced repetition. It is not a full exam course, and WordNest is not affiliated with telc.
WordNest is not affiliated with the exam board. Formats, fees and dates change — always check the official website before you book.
Study exam vocabulary every day
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