The DTZ Exam for Immigrants: A Complete Guide
The DTZ (German Test for Immigrants) is the final exam of Germany's integration course, developed jointly by telc and the Goethe-Institut. It measures your skills between A2 and B1 in listening, reading, writing and speaking, scored per skill. A B1 result is the usual requirement for permanent residence and applying for citizenship.
What is the DTZ exam?
DTZ stands for Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer — the 'German Test for Immigrants'. It is the official exam that concludes the integration course (Integrationskurs) run by the BAMF migration office, and it was developed jointly by telc and the Goethe-Institut.
It is a 'scaled' exam between A2 and B1: you do not simply pass or fail, but receive a result for each skill at either A2 or B1. The result needed for most residence purposes is B1 in both the oral and written parts.
The parts of the exam
The DTZ has a written part and an oral part. The written part covers listening (Hören), reading (Lesen) and writing (Schreiben) and takes about 100 minutes; for writing you usually compose a short letter about an everyday situation.
The oral part (Sprechen) is usually done in pairs with another candidate and takes about 15 minutes: you introduce yourself, talk about a picture or topic, and then plan something together such as organising a trip or a party.
The result and what A2 vs B1 means
After the exam you receive a certificate showing your level in each skill. Permanent residence and applying for citizenship usually require B1; A2 may be enough in some cases or for limited purposes depending on your legal situation.
If you do not reach B1 the first time, you can usually retake the exam once with BAMF funding after attending additional teaching hours. It is therefore worth knowing exactly which level your specific case requires before you register.
How to prepare with Deutsch30
Deutsch30 takes you step by step to B1 with an Arabic interface and an AI partner that practises the oral part with you — the part candidates worry about most — alongside exam-style listening, reading and writing exercises.
Start with the placement quiz to see where you stand relative to B1, then follow a clear path with short daily practice until you are ready for the DTZ with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an A2 and a B1 result in the DTZ?
The DTZ is a scaled exam measuring each skill at A2 or B1. Most permanent-residence and citizenship purposes require B1, while A2 may suffice in certain cases. Writing and speaking together determine the written/oral result.
Is the DTZ exam free?
Taken as part of the BAMF-funded integration course, the DTZ is usually free or low-cost, and you are entitled to one funded retake if you do not reach B1. Outside the course you may pay the full telc fee.
What if I fail the DTZ exam?
If you do not reach the required level, you can usually repeat the exam once with BAMF funding after attending additional teaching hours. Regular exam-style preparation considerably improves your chances.