TELC B1 vs DTZ: Which German Exam Do You Need?
The DTZ is required to complete a German integration course, while TELC B1 is a standalone certificate. Both can prove B1 level, but they serve different purposes.
Quick Verdict
The DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) is specifically designed for integration course graduates and is required to complete the course. TELC B1 is a general German certificate that anyone can take. If you completed an integration course, take the DTZ. If you learned German independently or want a certificate without course attendance, choose TELC B1. Both prove B1 level and are accepted for residence permits.
Comparison Matrix
| Criteria | TELC B1 | DTZ |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | telc GmbH | g.a.s.t. (on behalf of BAMF; telc was the former provider)Tie |
| Purpose Different use cases | Standalone B1 certificate | Integration course completionTie |
| Cost DTZ is free (incl. one retake) for course participants; there is no true open standalone — only repeater/self-pay fees, which vary by center. | €155–210 | Free (integration course); repeat/self-pay ~€100–170Better |
| Who Can Take It | AnyoneBetter | Integration course participants (primarily) |
| Result Levels DTZ awards A2 if B1 not reached | Pass B1 or fail | A2, B1, or below A2Better |
| Exam Duration DTZ is shorter | ~2.5 hours (written) + 15 min (oral) | ~100 min (written) + 15 min (oral)Better |
| Difficulty DTZ tests both levels | Standard B1 level | Scaled A2–B1Tie |
| Recognition for Citizenship | Fully recognized | Fully recognized (B1 result)Tie |
| Recognition for Residence | Fully recognized | Fully recognized (B1 result)Tie |
| Availability | 7,000+ centersBetter | Integration course providers only |
TELC B1
telc GmbH
DTZ
g.a.s.t. (on behalf of BAMF; telc was the former provider)
Different use cases
TELC B1
Standalone B1 certificate
DTZ
Integration course completion
DTZ is free (incl. one retake) for course participants; there is no true open standalone — only repeater/self-pay fees, which vary by center.
TELC B1
€155–210
DTZ
Free (integration course); repeat/self-pay ~€100–170
TELC B1
Anyone
DTZ
Integration course participants (primarily)
DTZ awards A2 if B1 not reached
TELC B1
Pass B1 or fail
DTZ
A2, B1, or below A2
DTZ is shorter
TELC B1
~2.5 hours (written) + 15 min (oral)
DTZ
~100 min (written) + 15 min (oral)
DTZ tests both levels
TELC B1
Standard B1 level
DTZ
Scaled A2–B1
TELC B1
Fully recognized
DTZ
Fully recognized (B1 result)
TELC B1
Fully recognized
DTZ
Fully recognized (B1 result)
TELC B1
7,000+ centers
DTZ
Integration course providers only
Pros and Cons
TELC B1
Advantages
- Can be taken by anyone, no course required
- More exam centers and flexible scheduling
- Clear pass/fail result at B1 level
- Widely recognized standalone certificate
Disadvantages
- Not free — costs €155–210
- Does not complete an integration course
- No A2 fallback if you don't reach B1
DTZ
Advantages
- Free for integration course participants
- Required to complete the integration course
- Awards A2 certificate if B1 not reached
- Shorter exam duration
Disadvantages
- Only available through integration course providers
- Limited to course participants or those paying privately
- A2 result not sufficient for citizenship
Which Exam for Your Goal?
Choose based on your specific need
Complete Integration Course
DTZThe DTZ is required to officially complete your integration course. You must take it.
German Citizenship (Einbürgerung)
Either worksBoth exams (with B1 result) are accepted. If you did an integration course, your DTZ B1 is sufficient.
Permanent Residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
Either worksBoth B1 results are accepted. Use your DTZ if you have it, or take TELC B1 independently.
Learn German Independently (no course)
TELC B1TELC B1 is available to anyone. You don't need to attend an integration course.
Get a Certificate Quickly
TELC B1TELC B1 has more exam dates and centers. DTZ dates are tied to course schedules.
Unsure If You'll Reach B1
DTZThe DTZ awards an A2 certificate if you don't reach B1, so you won't leave empty-handed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) is the final exam for the German integration course. It tests both A2 and B1 levels, awarding a certificate based on your score. Since 2023 it is administered by g.a.s.t. on behalf of the BAMF (telc was the former provider and still publishes prep material).
Not really as an open exam — DTZ eligibility is tied to integration-course participation. In practice the only paid cases are repeaters/self-payers at a test center (~€100–170, varies by center). Most people take it as part of their integration course, where it (and one retake) is free.
The DTZ is designed to test both A2 and B1 levels, so it includes easier questions alongside harder ones. TELC B1 is a pure B1 exam. Many find the DTZ format less stressful because you can still get an A2 certificate.
If your score is below B1, you receive an A2 certificate. If it's below A2, you receive no certificate but can retake the exam. Integration course participants may be eligible for additional hours and a free retake.
Yes, a B1 result on the DTZ is fully recognized for German citizenship. An A2 result is not sufficient for citizenship.
If your goal is just to prove B1 level (not to complete an integration course), yes. But if you're in an integration course, you should take the DTZ to officially complete it and potentially get the course completion bonus.
Both are equally accepted. Use whichever you have or can get more easily. If you completed an integration course with B1, your DTZ certificate works fine.
The DTZ certificate is valid indefinitely, just like the TELC B1 certificate.
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