DTZ Exam (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer): Format, Scoring and the New B1 Rule 2026

If you are taking an integration course in Germany, it will almost certainly end with the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, the “German test for immigrants”, or DTZ for short. It shows whether your German is at level A2 or B1 – and that result often decides later whether you can get permanent residence or German citizenship. Since 1 November 2026, a stricter rule applies to B1. Below you will find the complete exam format, the points for A2 and B1, a sample letter and tips for every part. The exam itself is entirely in German, so we give all phrases in German with an English translation.

Key facts at a glance

• What: the language test at the end of the integration course, commissioned by the BAMF and run by g.a.s.t. since 2023. Result: A2, B1 or “below A2”
• Written exam: 100 minutes – listening (about 25 min), reading (45 min), writing (30 min)
• Speaking exam: about 16 minutes in pairs, with no preparation time
• B1 from: 33 of 45 points in listening and reading, 15 of 20 in writing, 75 of 100 in speaking
• New since 1 November 2026: for B1 you need B1 in speaking, B1 in one written part and at least A2 in the other. A blank writing sheet means: no B1.

What is the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer?

The DTZ is a scaled language test: there is no simple pass or fail – the result is A2, B1 or “below A2”. It was designed for immigrants and is the final language test of the integration course (Integrationskurs). Together with the “Leben in Deutschland” test (life in Germany), it forms the course’s final exam. If you reach B1 in the DTZ and answer at least 15 of the 33 questions in “Leben in Deutschland” correctly, you receive the integration course certificate (Zertifikat Integrationskurs).

The key difference is between A2 and B1. For the permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) and for naturalisation (Einbürgerung), the law requires “sufficient” German, which means level B1. A DTZ result of A2 is not enough for these.

Who can take the DTZ?

Only people who are entitled or obliged to attend an integration course, or who have completed at least one course module first (then at their own cost), can take the DTZ. You also need to be at least 16 years old and able to read and write the Latin alphabet. If you are not in an integration course, take telc Deutsch B1 or the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 instead – see the comparison below.

“telc DTZ” or g.a.s.t.?

Many people search for “telc DTZ”. Until the end of 2022, the DTZ was indeed run by telc. Since 1 January 2023, it has been run on behalf of the BAMF by g.a.s.t. (Gesellschaft für Akademische Studienvorbereitung und Testentwicklung). The format has stayed the same, so telc practice material is still useful. What is new since 2023 includes personalised answer sheets and digital certificates.

German terms you will come across

DTZ exam format at a glance

The written exam takes 100 minutes in total, and the speaking exam follows on the same day. Unlike telc Deutsch B1, there is no preparation time before speaking.

How many points for A2 and B1?

Listening and reading are added together: each correct answer earns one point. Writing and speaking are marked by trained examiners against fixed criteria. Speaking is compulsory: if you score below A2 there, you get no certificate at all.

New since 1 November 2026: no letter, no B1

Until the end of October 2026, an overall B1 only required B1 in speaking and B1 in one of the two written parts (listening and reading, or writing). The third part did not count – even a blank writing sheet did not prevent B1.

Since 1 November 2026, an amended version of the integration course test regulation (Integrationskurstestverordnung) applies. For B1 you now need:

1. B1 in speaking (at least 75 of 100 points),
2. B1 in listening and reading or in writing,
3. at least A2 in the other written part – that is, 20 points in listening and reading or 7 points in writing.

The reason: according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, tasks and answers from the written exam were sold illegally online. Some candidates ticked purchased answers in listening and reading and handed in a blank writing sheet. For context: in 2025, 318,550 people took the DTZ. 55 % reached B1, 32 % A2, and almost 13 % stayed below A2.

What does this mean for you? Always write the letter, even if writing is your weak spot. For A2, 7 of 20 points are enough. A clear text that covers all four task points is a good basis for that. The new rule applies only to the DTZ: nothing changes for telc Deutsch B1, the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or ÖSD.

Listening (Hören): 4 parts, about 25 minutes

• Part 1: four short messages, for example on the phone – one multiple-choice question each.
• Part 2: five radio announcements – one multiple-choice question each.
• Part 3: four everyday conversations – two tasks each: true/false (richtig/falsch) and multiple choice.
• Part 4: several people giving their views on one topic – you match three statements to sentences a–f. You get one minute to read the sentences first.

Important: in the DTZ, every recording is played only once. In telc Deutsch B1, two of the three listening parts are played twice – so if you practise with telc material, deliberately listen only once.

Listening tips:

• Read the task before each recording and underline key words: time, place, price, day of the week.
• Watch out for corrections: „Wir treffen uns um acht – nein, Moment, um halb neun.“ (“We’ll meet at eight – no, wait, at half past eight.”)
• You only get points for correct answers, so never leave a question blank.
• Only the answer sheet (Antwortbogen) is marked. Transfer your answers straight away and carefully.

Practise listening with answers →

Reading (Lesen): 5 parts, 45 minutes

• Part 1: a directory or floor guide, for example in a town hall (Rathaus) – five multiple-choice questions.
• Part 2: five situations and eight adverts – you match them. One situation has no matching advert, so you mark X.
• Part 3: three short texts, such as notices or news items – two tasks each: true/false and multiple choice.
• Part 4: an information text, for example terms or rules of a provider – three true/false tasks.
• Part 5: a formal letter with six gaps – for each gap you choose the right option.

Reading tips:

• You have 45 minutes for 25 tasks – just under two minutes per task. Don’t get stuck on one question.
• In parts 1 and 2 you don’t need to read every word. Scan for the information you need.
• In part 2, read the situations first, then the adverts. Remember the X: one situation has no advert.
• Part 5 tests grammar and set phrases in letters: prepositions, connectors, verbs with prepositions, articles.

Writing (Schreiben): a letter or email in 30 minutes

You get two tasks (A and B) and choose one. Usually you write to a person or organisation you don’t know personally: a landlord, a property management company, your course teacher, a company or a public office. Each task has four points to cover (Leitpunkte). A greeting and a closing are required. You write directly on the answer sheet – only this text is marked.

There are 20 points in total: B1 from 15, A2 from 7. The g.a.s.t. guidance for teachers gives these rules:

• No minimum word count. But very short texts of under about 40 words can hardly reach B1 for accuracy and vocabulary.
• All four points. The order is up to you, and you can combine two points in one sentence. But full marks for task completion require all four.
• Subject line, date, address are not needed – they neither add nor cost points.
• „du“ or „Sie“: depends on the task, but stick to one form throughout.
• Only one task. Only one text is marked anyway, so spend your time on one good letter.
• German only. Whole sentences in another language lower your mark.

Sample task and model letter

A typical task in DTZ format (our own example):

Sie haben am Donnerstag um 10 Uhr einen Termin bei Ihrer Sachbearbeiterin im Jobcenter, Frau Krüger. An diesem Tag haben Sie aber ein Vorstellungsgespräch. Schreiben Sie Frau Krüger eine E-Mail. Schreiben Sie etwas zu folgenden Punkten:

• Grund für Ihr Schreiben
• warum Sie nicht kommen können
• neuer Termin
• Frage zu den Unterlagen

Translation: you have an appointment with your caseworker at the Jobcenter, Ms Krüger, on Thursday at 10 am. But on that day you have a job interview. Write Ms Krüger an email covering: the reason for writing; why you can’t come; a new appointment; a question about the documents.

Model answer (about 120 words):

Sehr geehrte Frau Krüger,

ich habe am Donnerstag um 10 Uhr einen Termin bei Ihnen. Leider kann ich an diesem Tag nicht kommen, deshalb schreibe ich Ihnen.

Ich habe nämlich eine gute Nachricht: Eine Firma hat mich zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch eingeladen, und das Gespräch ist genau am Donnerstagvormittag. Diese Chance möchte ich natürlich nicht verpassen.

Könnten wir bitte einen neuen Termin vereinbaren? Mir passt es am Montag oder Dienstag nächste Woche, am besten vormittags. Außerdem habe ich eine Frage: Welche Unterlagen soll ich zum neuen Termin mitbringen? Soll ich auch die Einladung der Firma zeigen?

Sie erreichen mich unter 0176 1234567 oder per E-Mail.

Vielen Dank für Ihr Verständnis.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Olga Petrova

Translation: “Dear Ms Krüger, I have an appointment with you on Thursday at 10 am. Unfortunately I can’t come that day, so I am writing to you. The thing is, I have good news: a company has invited me to a job interview, and it is on Thursday morning. Of course I don’t want to miss this chance. Could we please arrange a new appointment? Monday or Tuesday next week would suit me, ideally in the morning. I also have a question: which documents should I bring to the new appointment? Should I show the company’s invitation as well? You can reach me at 0176 1234567 or by email. Thank you for your understanding. Kind regards, Olga Petrova”

How the task points are covered: the first paragraph gives the reason for writing, the second explains why you can’t come. „Könnten wir bitte einen neuen Termin vereinbaren?“ suggests a new appointment, and the question about the documents covers the fourth point. Words like deshalb (so), nämlich (the thing is) and außerdem (also) link the sentences – that counts towards communicative design.

Useful phrases for the DTZ letter

• Greeting: „Sehr geehrte Frau …,“ / „Sehr geehrter Herr …,“ – “Dear Ms … / Dear Mr …”; „Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,“ – if you don’t know the name; „Liebe Frau …,“ – if you know the person, e.g. your course teacher
• Reason for writing: „ich schreibe Ihnen, weil …“ – “I am writing because …”; „ich habe Ihre Anzeige gelesen und …“ – “I read your advert and …”; „leider muss ich Ihnen mitteilen, dass …“ – “unfortunately I have to tell you that …”
• Making a request: „Könnten Sie bitte …?“ – “Could you please …?”; „Ich möchte Sie bitten, …“ – “I would like to ask you to …”; „Wäre es möglich, dass …?“ – “Would it be possible …?”
• Appointments: „Am besten passt es mir am … um …“ – “… at … would suit me best”; „Leider kann ich am … nicht, weil …“ – “Unfortunately I can’t on … because …”
• Contact: „Sie erreichen mich unter …“ – “You can reach me at …”; „Bitte rufen Sie mich zurück.“ – “Please call me back.”
• Closing: „Vielen Dank im Voraus.“ – “Thank you in advance.”; „Ich freue mich auf Ihre Antwort.“ – “I look forward to your reply.”; „Mit freundlichen Grüßen“ (formal) / „Viele Grüße“ (semi-formal)

More examples: Writing letters and emails at B1.

Speaking (Sprechen): 3 parts, about 16 minutes in pairs

You usually take the speaking exam together with another candidate. Two examiners are present and mark you independently; your result is the average of both. There is no preparation time – only before part 3 do you get a moment to read the task.

Another 50 points are awarded for the quality of your German across the whole exam: pronunciation and intonation (10), fluency (10), accuracy (15) and vocabulary (15). That makes 100 points in total, with B1 from 75.

Part 1: talking about yourself

Your task sheet lists prompts: name, place of birth, place of residence, job or profession, family, languages. Say one or two full sentences for each. Then the examiners ask questions, for example about your work or your plans.

„Ich heiße Ahmad Karimi und bin in Herat in Afghanistan geboren. Seit drei Jahren wohne ich mit meiner Frau und unseren zwei Kindern in Leipzig. In meiner Heimat war ich Elektriker, jetzt mache ich ein Praktikum in einem Handwerksbetrieb. Ich spreche Dari, ein bisschen Englisch und natürlich Deutsch. Später möchte ich hier eine Ausbildung machen.“

Translation: “My name is Ahmad Karimi and I was born in Herat in Afghanistan. I have been living in Leipzig with my wife and our two children for three years. In my home country I was an electrician; now I am doing an internship at a trade business. I speak Dari, a little English and of course German. Later I would like to do vocational training here.”

Typical follow-up questions: „Was gefällt Ihnen an Ihrer Arbeit?“ (“What do you like about your job?”), „Wie lernen Sie Deutsch außerhalb des Kurses?“ (“How do you learn German outside the course?”), „Was möchten Sie in fünf Jahren machen?“ (“What would you like to be doing in five years?”). Part 1 is almost the same as in telc B1 – practise Part 1 with translations →

Part 2: talking about experiences

Each of you gets a different photo on an everyday topic: shopping, housing, work, free time or family. In part 2A you describe what you see and what kind of situation it is. In part 2B you talk about your own experience of the topic and answer questions. For B1, don’t just tell a story – compare, give reasons and say what you think.

Describing the photo:

• „Auf dem Foto sehe ich …“ – “In the photo I can see …”
• „Im Vordergrund / Im Hintergrund ist … / sind …“ – “In the foreground / background there is … / are …”
• „Links / Rechts / In der Mitte …“ – “On the left / on the right / in the middle …”
• „Ich glaube, die Person … / Vielleicht …“ – “I think the person … / Maybe …”
• „Das Foto zeigt eine typische Situation: …“ – “The photo shows a typical situation: …”

Talking about your experience:

• „Das kenne ich gut. Bei mir ist es so: …“ – “I know that well. For me it’s like this: …”
• „Früher habe ich …, heute …“ – “I used to …, now …”
• „In meinem Heimatland ist das anders: …“ – “In my home country it’s different: …”
• „Ich finde es wichtig, dass …, weil …“ – “I think it’s important that … because …”

„Auf dem Foto sehe ich eine Familie im Supermarkt. Die Mutter hat eine Einkaufsliste in der Hand, und das Kind legt Obst in den Wagen. Ich glaube, sie kaufen für das Wochenende ein. – Ich gehe meistens samstags einkaufen, weil ich unter der Woche arbeite. In meinem Heimatland kaufen wir Obst und Gemüse lieber auf dem Markt. Hier ist der Supermarkt praktischer, aber den Markt finde ich gemütlicher.“

Translation: “In the photo I can see a family in a supermarket. The mother has a shopping list in her hand, and the child is putting fruit in the trolley. I think they are shopping for the weekend. – I usually go shopping on Saturdays because I work during the week. In my home country we prefer to buy fruit and vegetables at the market. Here the supermarket is more practical, but I find the market cosier.”

Part 3: planning something together

You and your partner plan something together, for example an outing with your German course or a trip to a celebration. The task sheet lists points to agree on: date, meeting point, travel, food and costs. Make suggestions, respond to your partner’s ideas and agree on a plan at the end. This part is worth 20 points – the most important part for task completion.

• „Wann wollen wir fahren? Wie wäre es mit Samstag?“ – “When shall we go? How about Saturday?”
• „Ich schlage vor, dass wir mit dem Zug fahren. Das ist billiger.“ – “I suggest we take the train. It’s cheaper.”
• „Das ist eine gute Idee.“ / „Das passt mir leider nicht, weil … Wie wäre es stattdessen mit …?“ – “That’s a good idea.” / “Unfortunately that doesn’t suit me because … How about … instead?”
• „Wer kümmert sich um das Essen?“ – „Das kann ich machen.“ – “Who will take care of the food?” – “I can do that.”
• „Also, wir machen es so: …“ – “OK, so here’s the plan: …”

Part 3 is very similar in the DTZ and in telc B1 – practise Part 3 with sample dialogues →

Speaking tips: answer in full sentences and back up your opinion with weil (because) or deshalb (so). Talk to your partner, not just to the examiners, and avoid long monologues. If a word escapes you, paraphrase it – that is much better than a long silence.

DTZ or telc Deutsch B1? The differences

Both exams test German at level B1, but the tasks and rules differ considerably:

Which exam is right for you? If you attend an integration course, take the DTZ – it is part of the course and free with a certificate of entitlement. Without an integration course you cannot take the DTZ; then telc Deutsch B1 or the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is the way to go. If you only reached A2 in the DTZ, you can retake the DTZ or take another B1 exam as well – but you will have to pay for that one yourself.

Registration, dates, costs and results

• Registration: through your language school or a DTZ test centre, not directly with g.a.s.t. The test centre must register you about three weeks before the exam. You can find test centres near you in BAMF-NAvI (in German).
• Dates: the DTZ takes place every two weeks, usually on Fridays or Saturdays. The written and speaking exams are on the same day.
• Costs: with a certificate of entitlement (Berechtigungsschein), the BAMF pays the exam fee, and under certain conditions a retake too. Ask your language school for details.
• What to bring: a valid passport or ID card and a ballpoint pen (black or blue, not erasable). Pencils are not allowed in the DTZ. If you marked the wrong answer, fill in the box completely and mark the correct answer again.
• Results: g.a.s.t. usually sends the results to the BAMF about two and a half weeks after the exam. After the BAMF has checked them, you collect your certificate from the test centre. The certificates are digital, and their authenticity can be verified online on the g.a.s.t. website.
• Retakes: as often as you like, but always the complete exam. Partial results are not carried over.

How to prepare for the DTZ

1. Start with a practice set under exam conditions. g.a.s.t. publishes free practice sets (see sources). Afterwards you will know which part is your weakest.
2. Write two letters a week on everyday topics: housing, work, children, public offices, the doctor. Have them corrected. Since November 2026 you need the letter for B1.
3. Practise listening without repeats: news, announcements, podcasts – listen once, then note down the key information.
4. Read against the clock: 45 minutes for 25 tasks. That shows you where you lose too much time.
5. Describe a photo every day: one minute about the picture, one minute about your own experience. Record yourself on your phone.
6. Learn connectors such as weil, deshalb, obwohl, trotzdem, wenn – they help in both the letter and the conversation. Overview: German conjunctions and connectors for B1.
7. Learn vocabulary by topic: housing, work, health, public offices, shopping, nursery and school, transport.

Matching exercises on GermanUp

Our exercises follow the telc Deutsch B1 format and, like the exam itself, are in German. They train the same skills as the DTZ – only the tasks look slightly different:

Frequently asked questions

How long does the DTZ exam take?

The written exam takes 100 minutes: listening about 25, reading 45 and writing 30 minutes. The speaking exam takes about 16 minutes for a pair of candidates and is held on the same day.

How many points do I need for B1 in the DTZ?

You reach B1 with 33 of 45 points in listening and reading, 15 of 20 in writing and 75 of 100 in speaking. For an overall B1 you need B1 in speaking, B1 in one written part and at least A2 in the other.

What changed in the DTZ on 1 November 2026?

The third part now counts: the written part in which you do not reach B1 must be at least A2. If you hand in a blank writing sheet, for example, you no longer get B1, even with B1 in speaking and in listening and reading.

Can I take the DTZ without an integration course?

No. You need an entitlement or obligation to attend the integration course, or you must have completed at least one course module first. Without an integration course, telc Deutsch B1 or the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 are the usual alternatives.

How much does the DTZ cost?

With a certificate of entitlement (Berechtigungsschein), the BAMF pays the exam fee, and under certain conditions a retake as well. If you paid for a course module yourself without entitlement, you pay the test centre's fee.

How often can I retake the DTZ?

As often as you like. But you always retake the complete exam, written and oral. Partial results are not carried over.

Is the DTZ accepted for German citizenship?

A DTZ with a B1 result proves the German skills required for naturalisation and for the permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). An A2 result is not enough for these.

Is there a DTZ practice test (Modelltest)?

Yes. g.a.s.t. publishes free DTZ practice sets, and telc has published a DTZ practice test. Do at least one complete set under timed conditions before your exam.

Sources

As of 9 November 2026. The sources are in German. Whether your certificate is accepted for a particular application is decided by the authority handling it.

• g.a.s.t.: Der DTZ auf einen Blick and FAQ zum DTZ
• g.a.s.t.: DTZ practice set 1 (PDF) and practice set 2 (PDF)
• telc: practice test Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (PDF)
• § 10 Integrationskurstestverordnung (B1 result) and § 17 Integrationskursverordnung (final test)
• Verordnung zur Änderung der Integrationskurstestverordnung, BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 306
• dpa-AFX: Strengere Regeln bei Deutschtests für Zuwanderer (participant numbers 2025)

Keep practising

• Writing letters and emails at B1: structure, examples and phrases
• telc B1 Speaking: all parts of the speaking exam explained in English
• telc B1 exam guide: format and tips if you are taking telc
• Overcoming exam anxiety