We consider SU(N) symmetric one-dimensional quantum chains at finite temperature. For such systems the correlation lengths, ground state energy and excited state energies are investigated in the framework of conformal field theory. The possibility of different types of excited states is discussed. Logarithmic corrections to the ground state energy and different types of excited states in the presence of a marginal operator are calculated. The known results for SU(2) and SU(4) symmetric systems follow from our general formula.