DTZ Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer: Format, A2/B1 Rules & Practice

The DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) is the German exam at the end of the language part of the integration course in Germany. It is one test that shows two levels: depending on your score you get a certificate at A2 or B1. This guide explains every part of the exam (Hören, Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen), how your level is calculated, and how to prepare. It also has a full practice set with answers, model letters, a model speaking dialogue, phrase tables and a study plan, so you can start DTZ Prüfung üben today.

Want to practise under exam conditions? We are building two free DTZ-style practice tests at /german-mock-exams/dtz/. They follow the structure described on this page. Until they are live, you can train with our B1 mock exams and the exam simulator.

DTZ at a glance

What the DTZ is used for

The DTZ is closely tied to the integration course. That course has a language part and an orientation part (Orientierungskurs). The two parts end with two different tests:

• Language part → the DTZ (this guide).
• Orientation part → the test “Leben in Deutschland” (questions about society, history and politics in Germany). This is not part of the DTZ.

To get the final certificate of the integration course (Zertifikat Integrationskurs), you need B1 in the DTZ and a pass in “Leben in Deutschland“. A DTZ at A2 is still an official certificate and proves A2, but it does not complete the course.

In German residence and citizenship law, “sufficient knowledge of German” usually means B1. That is why a DTZ B1 is often used in applications for a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or for naturalisation (Einbürgerung). Some permits ask for a lower level. Rules change and every case is different, so ask your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) or naturalisation office which certificate they accept for your application.

Normally you take the DTZ through your integration course provider. If you are not in an integration course and only need a B1 certificate, other B1 exams (for example the Goethe or telc B1 exams) may be easier to book. See our mock exams overview for those formats.

How your result is calculated (A2 or B1)

This is the part many learners find confusing. The DTZ gives you three part results:

1. Hören + Lesen together (45 tasks, 1 point each).
2. Schreiben (one letter or e-mail).
3. Sprechen (oral exam).

Each part result is “B1”, “A2” or “below A2”. The thresholds published in the official practice material (g.a.s.t. practice sets) are:

Then the overall certificate is decided like this:

• B1 overall: Sprechen B1 and B1 in at least one of the two written results (Hören/Lesen or Schreiben).
• A2 overall: Sprechen at least A2 and at least A2 in Hören/Lesen or in Schreiben.
• No certificate: if Sprechen is below A2, you get no certificate, no matter how good the written parts are.

Three examples

Strategy takeaway: Sprechen is the key that opens B1. On the written side you have two chances: either 33+ points in listening and reading, or a strong letter. Train all parts, but never neglect speaking.

Schreiben is rated on four criteria (content, communicative design, correctness, vocabulary). Sprechen is rated by two examiners on task completion and on language (pronunciation/intonation, fluency, correctness, vocabulary); the final score is the average of both examiners.

Exam part 1: Hören (Listening)

About 25 minutes, 20 tasks, 4 parts. You write your answers on the answer sheet. The topics come from everyday life in Germany: phone messages, announcements, radio news, conversations at work, at the doctor’s, with neighbours, at the authorities.

Step-by-step strategy

1. Use the reading time. Before each recording, read the question and all options. Underline the key word: a time, a day, a place, a person.
2. Predict. Ask yourself: “What will I need – a number, a place, a reason?”
3. Listen for the final information. In announcements, details often change: “nicht um 9, sondern um 10 Uhr“.
4. Teil 3: decide true/false first, then the multiple-choice question. Both are about the same conversation.
5. Teil 4: read the six statements carefully. Three are not needed. Listen for each speaker’s opinion, not just the topic.
6. Never leave a blank. There are no minus points. Guess if you must.

Typical traps

• Same words, different meaning: an option uses a word you hear, but in the wrong context. The correct option often uses a synonym.
• Corrections: “Der Termin am Montag fällt aus. Kommen Sie bitte am Mittwoch.” – Monday is mentioned, but Wednesday is right.
• Negation: “Sie brauchen keinen Ausweis mitzubringen.” – “no ID needed”.
• Numbers: German says the units first: vierundzwanzig = 24, not 42. Phone numbers are often read in pairs.

More listening help: B1 Hören guide and A2 Hören guide.

Exam part 2: Lesen (Reading)

45 minutes, 25 tasks, 5 parts. The texts are practical: signs and directories, small ads, letters from schools and offices, rules and conditions, formal letters.

Step-by-step strategy

1. Plan your time: about 6 minutes for Teil 1, 10 for Teil 2, 12 for Teil 3, 8 for Teil 4, 6 for Teil 5, and a few minutes to transfer answers.
2. Teil 1 and 2: scan, don’t read everything. Read the situation first, then look for the matching key information (floor, office, price, day, target group).
3. Teil 2: one situation has no answer. If two ads seem to fit, check the details (date, age, price, place). If none fits exactly, choose X.
4. Teil 3 and 4: read the statement, find the sentence in the text, and compare carefully. “True” needs the same meaning, not the same words.
5. Teil 5: this is grammar and set phrases in a formal letter. Read the whole sentence. Check articles, prepositions, connectors (weil, dass, obwohl, deshalb) and verb forms.

Typical traps

• In directories, the “obvious” word is not always right. A problem with your rent subsidy (Wohngeld) belongs to the housing office, not to the “Bürgerbüro“.
• Small words change everything: nur, noch, schon, erst, nicht mehr, spätestens, mindestens.
• Ads for “Kinder ab 6 Jahren” do not fit a 4-year-old.

More reading help: B1 Lesen guide.

Exam part 3: Schreiben (Writing)

30 minutes, 1 task. You choose one of two tasks (A or B). Usually one is more personal (e.g. an e-mail to an acquaintance or a course institution) and one is more formal (e.g. a letter to your landlord, an office or a school). Each task has four content points that you must cover. You write on the answer sheet and mark which task you chose.

What the examiners look for

• Content: all four points answered, clearly and with some detail.
• Communicative design: correct greeting and closing, right register (du or Sie), logical order, connectors.
• Correctness: grammar and spelling.
• Vocabulary: words that fit the situation, some variety.

Step-by-step strategy (30 minutes)

1. 2 minutes: read both tasks and choose the one where you know more words.
2. 3 minutes: write 2–4 keywords for each of the four points.
3. 20 minutes: write. One short paragraph (2–3 sentences) per point. Use connectors: weil, deshalb, außerdem, aber, dann.
4. 5 minutes: check: Did I answer all four points? Greeting and closing? Verb in second position? Verb at the end after weil/dass? Capital letters for nouns? Sie/Ihnen with capital letters in formal letters?

Typical traps

• Forgetting one point – this costs a lot in “content”.
• Mixing du and Sie in one letter.
• Writing a list instead of sentences.
• Learning one long memorised letter and using it for every task. Examiners notice text that does not fit the task.

More writing help: B1 Schreiben guide and A2 Schreiben guide.

Exam part 4: Sprechen (Speaking)

About 16 minutes, in pairs, with two examiners. You talk with the examiners and with your partner. The exam has three parts:

Strategy for each part

• Teil 1: prepare a 1-minute self-introduction, but practise it in different orders so it sounds natural. Prepare answers to typical follow-up questions: “Seit wann wohnen Sie in Deutschland? Was machen Sie in Ihrer Freizeit? Warum lernen Sie Deutsch?“
• Teil 2: describe the photo in a clear order: who – where – what – how they feel – what may happen next. Then connect it to your life: “Ich habe auch schon einmal …“, “In meinem Heimatland ist das anders: …“
• Teil 3: talk with your partner, not to the examiners. Make suggestions, ask for your partner’s opinion, react, and bring each prompt to a decision. At the end, summarise the plan.

Typical traps

• Answering in one word. Always add a reason or an example (weil …, zum Beispiel …).
• Talking too long in Teil 3 so your partner cannot speak. Both of you are rated – teamwork helps you both.
• Silence when you don’t understand. Ask: “Können Sie die Frage bitte wiederholen?” – that is good communication, not a mistake.

More speaking help: B1 Sprechen guide and A2 Sprechen guide.

DTZ practice set (with answers)

These are original practice tasks written for this guide in DTZ style. They are shorter than the real exam. Try them under time pressure, then check the answer key.

Hören – practice (read the script aloud or ask a friend to read it)

Teil 1 style – a phone message. First read the question, then the script.

Teil 2 style – radio information.

Teil 3 style – a conversation.

Teil 4 style – opinions. Topic: „Sollten Kinder ein eigenes Handy haben?“ Match speakers 5–6 to statements a–d (two statements are not used).

Answer key

1 b – the Tuesday appointment is cancelled; the new one is Thursday, still at 8:30.
2 b – a book flea market (Bücherflohmarkt); opening hours do not change, and the library is closed on Monday, not Saturday.
3 Richtig – he asks to leave at 14:00.
4 c – he picks up his daughter; he works until 18:00 on Thursday, not Friday.
5 a – reachability for parents.
6 b – children should play outside.

Lesen – practice

Teil 1 style – a town hall directory. Where do you go? Choose a, b or c.

Teil 2 style – ads. Which ad fits? If no ad fits, write X.

Teil 3 style – a letter from a school. Richtig oder falsch?

Teil 5 style – a formal letter with gaps. Choose a, b or c.

Answer key

7 b – lost property (Fundbüro) is on the 1st floor.
8 c – Kita-Anmeldung.
9 a – registering your address (Anmeldung) is done at the Bürgerbüro.
10 C – maths tutoring for grades 5–10.
11 X – the swimming course starts at age 5.
12 D – computer course for beginners aged 50+.
13 Falsch – entry is free; only the tram ticket costs 3 euros.
14 Richtig.
15 Falsch – they go to class 3a.
16 b – weil sends the verb to the end (… arbeiten muss). Denn would need normal word order.
17 a – Wäre es möglich, dass …
18 c – sich interessieren für.

Schreiben – practice task and model answers

Model answer (B1):

Sehr geehrte Frau Hoffmann,

ich wohne in der Gartenstraße 14 im zweiten Stock und schreibe Ihnen, weil die Heizung in meiner Wohnung nicht funktioniert. Die Heizkörper im Wohnzimmer und im Kinderzimmer bleiben ganz kalt, nur im Bad wird es ein bisschen warm.

Das Problem gibt es seit letztem Montag, also schon seit einer Woche. Ich habe am Dienstag den Hausmeister angerufen, aber er hat leider noch nicht zurückgerufen.

Für meine Familie ist das ein großes Problem. Draußen ist es nachts schon unter null Grad, und in der Wohnung sind es nur noch 15 Grad. Mein kleiner Sohn ist erkältet, und wir müssen mit einem Elektroofen heizen. Das ist teuer.

Deshalb möchte ich Sie bitten, so schnell wie möglich einen Handwerker zu schicken. Ich bin jeden Tag ab 15 Uhr zu Hause. Am Samstag habe ich den ganzen Tag Zeit. Sie erreichen mich unter der Nummer 0176 1234567.

Vielen Dank im Voraus für Ihre Hilfe.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Daniel Mensah

Why it works: all four points in their own paragraph, formal register (Sie, Ihnen), connectors (weil, aber, und, deshalb), concrete details (dates, times, temperature), clear request and phone number, correct greeting and closing.

Model answer (B1, informal):

Lieber Marco,

danke für deine Nachricht! Natürlich kümmere ich mich gern um deine Katze. Ich mag Tiere sehr, und Mimi kennt mich ja schon.

Kannst du mir bitte noch sagen, was sie frisst? Bekommt sie Trockenfutter oder Dosen? Und wie oft muss ich sie füttern – morgens und abends?

Leider habe ich in der zweiten Woche ein kleines Problem: Von Montag bis Mittwoch mache ich eine Fortbildung in Köln und bin nicht zu Hause.

Mein Vorschlag: Meine Schwester Lina wohnt in deiner Straße. Sie kann an diesen drei Tagen zu Mimi gehen. Ist das für dich in Ordnung? Dann gebe ich ihr den Schlüssel.

Ich wünsche dir einen schönen Urlaub!

Viele Grüße
Sara

A2 version of the same content (shorter, simpler):

Hallo Marco,

ja, ich kann deine Katze füttern. Kein Problem! Was frisst die Katze? Wie oft muss ich kommen? In der zweiten Woche bin ich von Montag bis Mittwoch nicht da. Ich habe einen Kurs in Köln. Meine Schwester kann dann kommen. Ist das okay?

Schönen Urlaub!
Sara

Compare the two versions: the B1 text has reasons (weil/denn), linking words, questions with details, and a polite suggestion. That is the difference examiners see between A2 and B1 writing.

Sprechen – practice with model answers

Teil 1A – model self-introduction:

Guten Tag! Mein Name ist Leyla Ahmadi. Ich komme aus Afghanistan, aus der Stadt Herat. Seit drei Jahren wohne ich in Deutschland, in Leipzig. In meinem Heimatland war ich Lehrerin, hier arbeite ich im Moment als Küchenhilfe in einem Krankenhaus. Ich bin verheiratet und habe zwei Kinder – meine Tochter ist acht und mein Sohn ist fünf Jahre alt. Ich spreche Dari, Persisch und ein bisschen Englisch. Deutsch lerne ich, weil ich später wieder mit Kindern arbeiten möchte, zum Beispiel in einer Kita.

Teil 1B – typical follow-up questions: Wie gefällt Ihnen Leipzig? Was machen Sie gern am Wochenende? Was war am Anfang in Deutschland schwierig?

Teil 2A – describing a photo (photo: a family moving into a new flat with boxes):

Auf dem Foto sehe ich eine Familie mit zwei Kindern. Sie stehen in einer leeren Wohnung, und überall sind Umzugskartons. Ich glaube, die Familie zieht gerade um. Der Vater trägt einen großen Karton, die Mutter zeigt den Kindern ein Zimmer. Die Kinder sehen glücklich aus – vielleicht bekommen sie jetzt ein eigenes Zimmer.

Teil 2B – own experience:

Ich bin in Deutschland schon zweimal umgezogen. Der erste Umzug war sehr schwer, weil ich niemanden kannte und kein Auto hatte. Freunde aus meinem Deutschkurs haben mir geholfen. Am schwierigsten war für mich die Wohnungssuche, denn viele Vermieter wollten viele Dokumente sehen. In meinem Heimatland hilft bei einem Umzug meistens die ganze Familie, hier macht man das oft mit einer Firma.

Teil 3 – plan something together. Task: Your course wants to organise a farewell party for your teacher. Plan together: When? Where? Food and drinks? Present?

A: Unser Kurs ist bald zu Ende. Wollen wir zusammen ein Abschiedsfest für Frau Weber planen?
B: Ja, gute Idee! Wann passt es dir? Ich schlage den letzten Kurstag vor, also den Freitag.
A: Freitag ist gut, aber nicht vormittags, da haben wir noch Unterricht. Was hältst du von 13 Uhr, direkt nach dem Kurs?
B: Einverstanden. Und wo machen wir das? Im Kursraum oder lieber im Park?
A: Im Park ist es schön, aber vielleicht regnet es. Ich finde den Kursraum besser. Wir müssen aber die Schule fragen.
B: Stimmt. Ich kann morgen im Sekretariat fragen. Was ist mit dem Essen?
A: Jeder bringt etwas aus seinem Heimatland mit. Dann haben wir ein internationales Buffet.
B: Super! Ich mache Börek. Und Getränke kaufen wir zusammen, zum Beispiel Saft und Wasser.
A: Gut. Und das Geschenk? Hast du eine Idee?
B: Vielleicht Blumen und eine Karte, und alle schreiben etwas hinein.
A: Das finde ich schön. Jeder gibt drei Euro, dann reicht das Geld.
B: Prima. Also: Freitag um 13 Uhr im Kursraum, ein Buffet, Getränke kaufen wir, und als Geschenk Blumen und eine Karte.
A: Genau. Ich sage es morgen allen im Kurs.

Notice the pattern in Teil 3: suggest → react (agree/disagree with a reason) → decide → next point → summary. Both partners speak about the same amount.

Useful phrases for the DTZ

Writing: letters and e-mails

Speaking: describing, discussing, planning

Everyday vocabulary that often appears

Build this vocabulary systematically with our A2 vocabulary list and B1 vocabulary list.

8-week DTZ study plan

This plan is for learners who are around A2 and want B1 in the DTZ. About 45–60 minutes a day is enough. If your exam is sooner, do two weeks in one.

Printable material for offline practice is available on our downloads page.

Exam day checklist

• Bring a valid photo ID (the test centre tells you which documents are accepted) and your exam invitation.
• Arrive early. Late candidates may not be admitted.
• Phones and dictionaries are not allowed in the exam.
• Transfer all answers to the answer sheet – only the answer sheet counts.
• In Sprechen, talk to your partner, ask if you don’t understand, and keep going if you make a mistake.

FAQ

Is the DTZ an A2 or a B1 exam?

Both. The DTZ is a scaled test from A2 to B1. Everyone takes the same exam, and your results decide whether you get an A2 or a B1 certificate. If your speaking result is below A2, you get no certificate.

How many points do I need for B1 in the DTZ?

In listening and reading together you need at least 33 of 45 points for B1 (20 for A2). For a B1 certificate overall you need B1 in speaking and B1 in at least one written result – either listening/reading or writing.

Can I get B1 if my writing is only A2?

Yes. If you have B1 in speaking and at least 33 points in listening and reading, writing at A2 does not stop a B1 certificate. The same works the other way round: B1 in writing and speaking with A2 in listening/reading also gives B1.

Is the DTZ the same as the “Leben in Deutschland” test?

No. The DTZ tests German language skills. “Leben in Deutschland” is a separate test at the end of the orientation course about law, history and society in Germany. For the integration course certificate you need both: DTZ B1 and a pass in “Leben in Deutschland”.

Does the DTZ B1 count for the Niederlassungserlaubnis or Einbürgerung?

A B1 certificate is the German level usually required for permanent residence and naturalisation, and the DTZ B1 is commonly used for this. However, the rules depend on your residence status and can change, so confirm with your immigration or naturalisation office before you apply.

Can I take the DTZ without an integration course?

The DTZ is mainly organised as the final exam of integration courses, so you normally take it through your course provider. If you are not in a course and simply need a B1 certificate, a general B1 exam from another provider may be easier to book. Ask a local test centre about your options.

How long is the DTZ?

The written exam takes about 100 minutes without a break (listening about 25, reading 45, writing 30 minutes). The paired speaking exam takes about 16 minutes and may take place on the same day or on a different day – your test centre tells you.

Sources

• g.a.s.t. – DTZ Übungssatz 1 (structure, scoring tables, certificate rules): https://www.gast.de/fileadmin/gast.de/GAST/5_DTZ/PDF/gast_DTZ_UEbungssatz_1.pdf
• g.a.s.t. – DTZ Übungssatz 2 (June 2024; task types and speaking parts): https://www.gast.de/fileadmin/gast.de/GAST/5_DTZ/PDF/gast_DTZ_UEbungssatz_2.pdf
• Goethe-Institut / telc – Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, Prüfungsziele und Testbeschreibung (handbook): https://www.goethe.de/resources/files/pdf209/dtz_pruefungshandbuch.pdf
• Goethe-Institut – Integrationskurse und Abschlussprüfungen (DTZ and “Leben in Deutschland”): https://www.goethe.de/de/spr/mig/ers.html

Formats can change – always check the official website before you register.