DTZ Exam: Your Integration Course Final Test
Everything about the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ)—the final exam of your integration course—and what your result means for citizenship and residence permits.
Quick Summary
The DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) is the mandatory final exam of the German integration course. It tests at A2-B1 level, and your result determines your certificate. A B1 result satisfies language requirements for both Niederlassungserlaubnis and Einbürgerung. An A2 result may still qualify you for certain permits. You can retake the DTZ once for free through BAMF if you don't pass.
Legal Basis
Law
§17 Abs. 1 IntV
Requirement
Completion of integration course with DTZ exam
Effective Date
2005-01-01
Official Source
View law textAccepted Certificates
| Certificate | Provider | Accepted | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTZ with B1 result | telc GmbH / BAMF | Full B1 certificate. Valid for citizenship and permanent residence. | |
| DTZ with A2 result | telc GmbH / BAMF | A2 certificate. May satisfy some permit requirements. Not sufficient for citizenship. | |
| DTZ (mixed result) | telc GmbH / BAMF | e.g., A2 written + B1 oral. Certificate shows your actual levels. |
What Should You Do After Failing the B1 Exam?
Complete your integration course
The DTZ is taken at the end of the 600-hour general integration course (or specialized courses like literacy courses).
Tip: You cannot take DTZ independently—it is only for integration course participants.
Understand the exam structure
DTZ has written (Reading, Listening, Writing—100 minutes) and oral parts (Speaking—15 minutes in pairs). Results can range from "unter A2" to "B1."
Prepare in your course
Your integration course should include DTZ preparation. Practice with model exams available free from telc and BAMF.
Tip: Ask your teacher for official DTZ practice tests—they match the real format exactly.
Take the exam
Exam is usually held at your course provider. Bring valid ID. Results are available in 4-6 weeks.
Understand your result
B1 in both parts = B1 certificate. A2 in one or both = A2 certificate with detailed levels. Under A2 = no certificate but attendance confirmation.
Plan next steps based on result
B1: Use for citizenship/permit applications. A2: Consider retaking or taking TELC B1 separately. Under A2: Retake is free through BAMF (one time).
How Long Does It Take to Pass the B1 Exam After Failing?
Standard integration course
Preparation Time
600 hours (6-12 months)
Total Time
6-12 months + 6 weeks for results
Intensive integration course
Preparation Time
400 hours (4-6 months)
Total Time
4-6 months + 6 weeks for results
DTZ retake (after A2 result)
Preparation Time
2-3 months additional study
Total Time
Next available exam date + 6 weeks
How Much Does It Cost to Retake the B1 Exam?
| Item | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| DTZ exam (first attempt) | Included in course | Part of integration course fee or BAMF funding |
| DTZ retake (once free) | €0 | BAMF covers one free retake if you don't pass |
| Additional DTZ retakes | €150-180 | If you need more than two attempts |
| TELC B1 (alternative) | €190-240 | If you prefer to take a standalone B1 exam instead |
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Frequently Asked Questions
DTZ tests at A2-B1 level (your result can be either), while TELC B1 only tests at B1 level (pass/fail). DTZ is exclusive to integration course participants; TELC B1 is open to everyone. Both B1 certificates are equally accepted for immigration.
No, DTZ is exclusively the final exam of BAMF-funded integration courses. If you did not take an integration course, take TELC B1 or Goethe B1 instead.
An A2 result gives you an A2 certificate, which may satisfy some permit requirements but is NOT sufficient for citizenship. You can: (1) retake DTZ once for free, (2) take additional repeat course hours and retake, or (3) take a standalone TELC B1 exam.
Yes, BAMF covers one free retake of the DTZ if you do not achieve B1 on your first attempt. To qualify, you must have regularly attended your integration course. Additional retakes beyond the second are at your own cost.
The B1 portions of DTZ are equivalent in difficulty to TELC B1. The advantage of DTZ is that if you struggle, you still get an A2 certificate rather than failing completely. TELC B1 is pass/fail at B1 level only.
Generally no—DTZ written and oral are scheduled together by your course provider. However, if you pass one part and fail the other, you can retake only the failed part.
DTZ certificates do not expire for immigration purposes. A DTZ B1 certificate from years ago is still valid for citizenship or permanent residence applications.
You do not receive a language certificate, only a participation confirmation. You can retake DTZ once for free, or take additional repeat course hours (up to 300 hours funded by BAMF) and then retake.
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