The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer is the final German test of the integration course. You take one exam, and the result shows whether you reached A2 or B1.
A DTZ result at B1 counts as proof of German for naturalisation and for a permanent residence permit. The test was developed on behalf of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
Depending on the test centre, the oral exam takes place on the same day as the written exam or on a different day.
What each module asks you to do, in the order you take them.
Four parts with 20 tasks. Every recording is played only once.
Five parts with 25 tasks, from directories to a formal letter.
One letter or email. You choose task A or B and cover all four points, for example writing to a landlord, an office or a company.
A pair exam of about 16 minutes. Sprechen decides whether you can reach B1.
One test, two levels. You get B1 when Sprechen reaches B1 and either Hören + Lesen or Schreiben reaches B1 too. In Hören + Lesen, B1 starts at 33 of 45 points and A2 at 20.
| Module · Teil | Max. points | Pass from |
|---|---|---|
| Hören + Lesen | 45 | A2 20 · B1 33 |
| Hören | 20 | |
| Lesen | 25 | |
| Schreiben | 20 | A2 7 · B1 15 |
| Sprechen | — | must be B1 |
Based on the published exam regulations of telc, the Goethe-Institut and g.a.s.t., checked in September 2026.
Without B1 in the oral exam the certificate cannot say B1, however well you write. Practise all three parts out loud, ideally with a partner.
Every recording is played only once. Read the tasks before each text and practise with audio you let yourself hear one time only.
In Schreiben every point in the task needs an answer. Write one or two sentences per point and use a formal greeting and closing.
In Hören + Lesen you need 33 of 45 points for B1 and 20 for A2. Count your score in every mock exam so you know how far away you are.
The written exam takes 100 minutes: Hören 25 min, Lesen 45 min and Schreiben 30 min. The oral exam takes about 16 minutes.
One test, two levels. You get B1 when Sprechen reaches B1 and either Hören + Lesen or Schreiben reaches B1 too. In Hören + Lesen, B1 starts at 33 of 45 points and A2 at 20.
For naturalisation you need B1. In the DTZ that means B1 in Sprechen plus B1 in Hören + Lesen or in Schreiben.
Not easier, just different. The DTZ covers A2 and B1 in one test and places you at a level, while telc B1 is a pass-or-fail exam at B1 only.
German Exam Simulator has complete DTZ mock exams with the same parts and timings as the real exam, including Sprechen with an AI partner, and scores them the way the certificate does. Exam 1 is free and needs no account.
Timed mock exams with every part, including Sprechen with an AI partner, scored like the certificate. Exam 1 is free, no account needed.
Checked against the official exam format in September 2026.