The DTZ: one test that awards A2 or B1, and B1 needs your speaking to get there
The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) is the German test at the end of the integration course (Integrationskurs). It is one exam with no level to choose: your result comes out as B1, as A2, or below A2.
Since 1 January 2023 the test has been run for the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) by g.a.s.t., and it is held every two weeks at authorised integration course providers. Everything below was read on 20 October 2026 on g.a.s.t.'s DTZ pages ("Der DTZ auf einen Blick" and the DTZ FAQ) and in the Residence Act and the Nationality Act on gesetze-im-internet.de.
Four parts, a little under two hours
Listening (Hören): 4 parts, 20 items, about 25 minutes, one point each. Reading (Lesen): 5 parts, 25 items, 45 minutes, one point each. Writing (Schreiben): one semi-formal or formal letter or email, chosen from two prompts, 30 minutes. g.a.s.t.'s FAQ puts the written paper at 100 minutes in total.
Speaking (Sprechen): 3 tasks, about 16 minutes, usually in pairs, sometimes alone, with no preparation time. Two examiners score you independently.
The points that decide A2 or B1
Listening and reading are added together, out of 45: 33 to 45 is B1, 20 to 32 is A2, 0 to 19 is below A2. Writing is out of 20: 15 to 20 is B1, 7 to 14 A2, 0 to 6 below A2. Speaking is out of 100: 75 to 100 is B1, 35 to 74.5 A2, 0 to 34.5 below A2.
The overall result follows one rule. B1 overall needs B1 in speaking, plus B1 in at least one of the two written parts (listening and reading together, or writing). Speaking must always reach the level on the certificate; the other two may not both fall short. Below A2 overall you get a results sheet (Ergebnisbogen), not a certificate.
Who can sit it, and what it costs
You need to read the Latin alphabet and be at least 16, and you need either an entitlement to attend an integration course or to have attended at least one course section. People outside the integration course system cannot take the DTZ: if that is you, a telc or Goethe B1 is the route.
With an integration course entitlement, the BAMF pays the first attempt and one repeat. You can resit as often as you like, but always the whole test, written and oral: part results are never carried over. Registration closes 21 days before the date, and results go to the BAMF about two and a half weeks after the exam, then to your test centre as a digital certificate.
Why B1 is the result to aim for
German law defines its own words. Section 2 of the Residence Act sets "hinreichende" German at A2 and "ausreichende" German at B1. The permanent settlement permit (section 9) asks for ausreichende Kenntnisse, which is B1, and counts it as proved when an integration course has been completed successfully.
Naturalisation asks for the same: section 10(4) of the Nationality Act says the condition is met when you meet the requirements of a B1 language exam. The integration course's final exam also includes the separate Leben in Deutschland test; the naturalisation version is in our Einbürgerungstest guide, and every country's rule is in the citizenship requirements table.
If you need German for work
The DTZ closes the integration course. The state-funded job-related courses end with a different exam, the [Deutsch-Test für den Beruf](/learn/german/dtb-deutsch-test-fuer-den-beruf-explained), and doctors trained abroad need the [Fachsprachprüfung](/learn/german/fachsprachpruefung-doctors-explained).
Mistakes worth avoiding
Preparing for reading and writing and treating speaking as the easy part.
Practising the three speaking tasks with a partner, without preparation time, until B1 is safe there.
B1 overall is impossible without B1 in speaking. A strong written paper cannot lift it.
Planning to resit only the part you failed.
Preparing to sit the whole test again.
g.a.s.t.'s FAQ says part results from earlier attempts are never credited.
Booking the DTZ without an integration course entitlement or any course attendance.
Choosing an open B1 exam such as telc or Goethe instead.
The DTZ is only open to people inside the integration course system.
Questions
Is the DTZ an A2 or a B1 exam?
Both. It is a single scaled test, and the certificate shows B1 or A2 depending on your points. Below A2 you receive a results sheet instead of a certificate.
How many points do you need for B1 in the DTZ?
B1 is 33 of 45 in listening and reading combined, 15 of 20 in writing, and 75 of 100 in speaking. B1 overall needs B1 in speaking plus B1 in at least one written part.
Does the DTZ count for German citizenship?
Naturalisation asks you to meet the requirements of a B1 language exam (section 10(4) of the Nationality Act), so a DTZ at B1 meets the language condition. A DTZ at A2 does not.
Can you retake the DTZ?
Yes, as often as you like, but always the whole test. With an integration course entitlement the BAMF covers the first attempt and one repeat.
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