DTZ Exam: Your Integration Course Final Test
Everything about the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ), the final language test of your integration course, and what your result means for citizenship and residence permits.
What level do I need to pass the DTZ?
The DTZ is scored at A2 or B1, and B1 is the result that matters: it meets the language requirement for the settlement permit and for citizenship. You reach B1 overall with B1 in speaking plus B1 in either listening and reading or writing. The DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) is the final language test of the integration course and tests both levels in one sitting. With an A2 result you receive a DTZ certificate at A2, but the integration course only counts as successfully completed with B1 and a passed "Leben in Deutschland" test. BAMF pays for your first attempt.
Legal Basis
Law
§17 IntV
Requirement
Final tests of the integration course: DTZ and "Leben in Deutschland"
Official Source
View law textHow the DTZ Is Scored
The three parts are scored separately. Speaking decides: you need the level in speaking plus the same level in at least one of the other two parts.
| Part | B1 | A2 |
|---|---|---|
| Listening and reading | 33 to 45 points | 20 to 32 points |
| Writing | 15 to 20 points | 7 to 14 points |
| Speaking | 75 to 100 points | 35 to 74.5 points |
Source: g.a.s.t.: the DTZ at a glance · Checked 12 October 2026
Accepted Certificates
| Certificate | Provider | Accepted | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTZ with overall result B1 | g.a.s.t., for BAMF | Accepted | Meets the language requirement for citizenship and the settlement permit. |
| DTZ with overall result A2 | g.a.s.t., for BAMF | Not accepted | Not enough for citizenship or the standard settlement permit. A2 is enough for the settlement permit of recognised refugees. |
| DTZ result below A2 | g.a.s.t., for BAMF | Not accepted | You receive a result notice, not a certificate. |
From Course to DTZ Result
Complete your language course
The DTZ comes at the end of the language course. The general integration course has 700 lessons: 600 for the language course and 100 for the orientation course.
Tip: You cannot take the DTZ without a link to an integration course.
Understand the exam structure
The written part takes 100 minutes: listening, reading and writing. The oral part takes about 15 minutes and is normally taken in pairs. Results range from below A2 to B1.
Prepare in your course
Your integration course prepares you for the DTZ. Current practice sets are published on the g.a.s.t. website.
Tip: Ask your teacher for official DTZ practice sets. They match the real format.
Take the exam
The exam is organised by your course provider. g.a.s.t. normally sends the results to BAMF about two and a half weeks after the exam, and BAMF then validates them.
Understand your result
B1 overall means B1 in speaking plus B1 in listening and reading or in writing. The same rule applies for A2. Below A2 you receive a result notice and no certificate.
Plan next steps based on your result
With B1, use the certificate for citizenship or a settlement permit. With A2 or less, repeat the DTZ or take another recognised B1 exam such as telc Deutsch B1.
How Long Is the Integration Course?
General integration course
Preparation Time
600 lessons of language course
Total Time
700 lessons with the orientation course
Intensive course
Preparation Time
400 lessons of language course
Total Time
500 lessons with the orientation course
Repeat after an A2 result
Preparation Time
Your own preparation
Total Time
Next exam date at a test centre
What Does It Cost?
| Item | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| DTZ, first attempt | Paid by BAMF | §17 Abs. 3 IntV |
| DTZ, second attempt | Paid by BAMF in two cases | If you took the first attempt before your lessons were used up, or within an approved course repetition |
| Further DTZ attempts | At your own cost | The test centre sets the fee. No official price is published. |
| telc Deutsch B1 (alternative) | Set by the exam centre | Example: €160 at VHS Münster (December 2026) |
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Frequently Asked Questions
The DTZ is a scaled test: one exam, and your result is B1, A2 or below A2. telc Deutsch B1 tests B1 only. The DTZ is tied to the integration course, while telc B1 is open to everyone. A B1 result from either counts for citizenship.
No. BAMF says the DTZ is the final test of the integration course, and people with no link to an integration course must take a different language test. telc Deutsch B1 and the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 are recognised alternatives.
You receive a DTZ certificate at A2. It is not enough for citizenship, and your integration course does not count as successfully completed, which needs B1 and a passed "Leben in Deutschland" test. You can repeat the DTZ or take another recognised B1 exam.
Only in two cases. BAMF pays for a second attempt if you took the first one before your lesson hours were used up, or if you repeat within an approved course repetition (§17 Abs. 3 IntV). Otherwise you pay for further attempts yourself.
Since December 2024 BAMF only admits participants of literacy courses and courses for special language-teaching needs to a one-time repetition of up to 300 lessons (§13 IntV). Participants of the general course no longer have this option.
No. g.a.s.t. states that the complete exam, written and oral, must be repeated, and that partial results from earlier exams are not credited. You can repeat the DTZ as often as you like.
Neither BAMF nor g.a.s.t. states a validity period. The authority that receives your application assesses the proof, so ask it if your certificate is many years old.
g.a.s.t. has run the DTZ for BAMF since 1 January 2023. Before that it was telc.
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