Both exams certify German at B2 level, but they differ in subject matter, tasks, registration and retake rules. This comparison will help you choose the format that best matches your goals and strengths.
A B2 certificate may be required for employment, vocational training, university admission, recognition of professional qualifications or communication with public authorities. When looking for the right exam, candidates often encounter two names: Deutsch-Test für den Beruf B2 (DTB B2) and telc Deutsch B2, which is also informally known as telc B2 Allgemein.
Both exams certify German proficiency at B2 level, but their formats are not interchangeable. DTB B2 focuses on communication in professional settings and is linked to the Berufssprachkurs. telc Deutsch B2 assesses general language skills and is available for independent registration. The two exams also differ in their writing tasks, speaking topics, scoring systems and retake rules.
There is another important distinction: DTB B2 and telc Deutsch B2 Beruf are not the same exam. DTB was developed by telc gGmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs under the leadership of BAMF. telc Deutsch B2 Beruf is a separate exam format for which candidates can register independently. Before booking an exam, always check its full name rather than relying only on the words B2 and Beruf.
DTB B2 is intended primarily for participants in a vocational language course. Its tasks reflect common workplace situations, such as communicating with colleagues, handling customer enquiries, resolving organisational issues and writing business correspondence.
telc Deutsch B2 is a general German examination. Its topics come from everyday life and society, with some tasks occasionally touching on work. Candidates choose the exam centre and date themselves and normally pay the examination fee.
CriterionDTB B2telc Deutsch B2Main contextProfessional communicationGeneral and everyday GermanRegistrationThrough the Berufssprachkurs providerIndependently at a licensed exam centreSpeaking sectionPresentation and workplace situationsPersonal experience, discussion and joint planningWriting tasksSeveral professionally oriented tasksOne semi-formal emailMaximum score240 points300 pointsRetaking one partNot possibleThe written or oral section may be retaken within the applicable deadlineNumber of attemptsSpecial BAMF rules apply within the course programmeThe full exam can be taken again
DTB B2 is usually the final examination of a B2 vocational language course. Candidates do not simply choose any exam centre or register as private individuals for a commercial test. Registration is normally handled by the organisation providing their Berufssprachkurs. Admission requires the relevant authorisation and participation in the course.
If a participant does not pass on the first attempt, one free retake is generally available. Under certain conditions, it may also be possible to apply to repeat the vocational language course itself. The exact procedure should be confirmed with the course provider and checked against the current BAMF regulations.
Candidates register for telc Deutsch B2 directly with a licensed examination centre. Each centre sets its own dates, registration deadlines and fees, so prices and availability may vary between cities and providers.
The complete exam can be taken again. This makes the format suitable for people who want to organise their preparation and exam date independently of a Berufssprachkurs.
The speaking exam covers three communicative situations:
talking about personal experience or a prepared topic;
discussing a given issue and exchanging arguments;
planning something together with an exam partner.
For the first task, candidates can prepare one topic from a predefined list, such as a book, film, journey or important personal experience. This makes the beginning of the speaking test relatively predictable. However, memorising a presentation is not enough. Candidates must understand follow-up questions, develop their ideas, express agreement or disagreement and make concrete suggestions during the planning task.
The DTB B2 speaking exam also contains three tasks, but all of them are set in a professional context:
presenting a workplace-related topic;
having a conversation with a colleague;
discussing a problem at work and finding a suitable solution.
The official model materials contain several possible presentation topics. During the actual exam, candidates receive two topics and choose one. Examiners ask additional questions after the presentation, so learning a single text by heart is not sufficient. It is more effective to prepare the main topic areas, build a broad professional vocabulary and practise flexible phrases for spontaneous answers.
The level of difficulty cannot be judged by the required word count alone. The exams assess different abilities.
Candidates write one semi-formal email of at least 150 words. There are normally two options:
a request for additional information (Bitte um Informationen);
a complaint (Beschwerde).
Each task contains four content points. Candidates must cover either three of them or two of the given points plus one relevant point of their own. Grammar is not the only assessment criterion. The message must suit the situation, have a clear structure, use appropriate linking devices and respond properly to the selected content points.
A reliable email structure and useful standard phrases can be prepared in advance. Nevertheless, a universal template cannot replace careful reading of the actual task.
DTB B2 assesses the ability to work with written information through several task types:
Lesen und Schreiben: read a business message and write a reply based on a manager’s instructions;
Hören und Schreiben: listen to a telephone message and prepare a written note;
Sprachbausteine: complete gaps in professional emails and correspondence;
Schreiben: write a post for an internal employee forum.
For the Forumsbeitrag, candidates choose between two topics. They must state their position clearly, support it with arguments and relevant examples and, depending on the topic, consider advantages and disadvantages. A logical structure and an appropriate workplace style are particularly important.
Candidates who mainly write private or semi-formal emails may find the DTB writing section more varied and demanding. Someone who regularly reads business correspondence, coordinates tasks and discusses processes with colleagues may find this context more familiar.
DTB B2 does not test highly specialised terminology for doctors, engineers or accountants. The emphasis is on general German for professional communication. Candidates should be able to speak and write confidently about situations such as:
assigning tasks and changing work schedules;
communicating with managers and colleagues;
handling orders, customer enquiries and complaints;
looking for work and taking further training;
following company rules and organising workflows;
describing workplace problems and suggesting solutions.
telc Deutsch B2 covers a broader range of topics similar to those found in a general German course. Texts and tasks may focus on education, travel, media, the environment, culture, relationships, leisure activities and personal experience. Work-related themes may also appear, but they do not define the entire exam.
Which vocabulary feels easier therefore depends on personal experience. Someone who has recently completed a Berufssprachkurs or regularly uses German at work may feel more comfortable with DTB. Those who have mainly used German in everyday life often find the topics in telc Deutsch B2 more familiar.
The maximum result is 300 points:
up to 225 points for the written examination;
up to 75 points for the oral examination.
To pass, candidates must achieve at least 60% in each of the two sections. This means a minimum of 135 points in the written part and 45 points in the oral part.
If only one section is passed, that result can be carried over and the other section retaken within the applicable period, usually within 12 months of the date on which the result was issued. Reading, listening and writing form a single written module, however. It is not possible to retake only one of these individual skills.
The maximum DTB B2 score is 240 points, with up to 60 points awarded for each skill:
Lesen;
Hören;
Schreiben;
Sprechen.
To achieve B2, candidates need at least 144 out of 240 points overall. In addition, they must receive at least 36 points in three of the four skills. One weaker result may be compensated for by the overall score, provided that at least 24 points were achieved in that skill.
Individual DTB B2 modules cannot be retaken separately. If the required result is not achieved, the entire exam must be repeated.
The decision should not be based on rumours about the “easiest B2 exam”. The purpose of the certificate, the admission conditions and your own language strengths are more important.
telc Deutsch B2 may be a good choice if you:
want to choose the examination centre and date yourself;
feel more confident with general and everyday topics;
prefer writing one detailed email rather than several professional tasks;
want to prepare a topic for the beginning of the speaking exam;
value the possibility of retaking the written or oral section separately.
DTB B2 may suit you better if you:
are attending a Berufssprachkurs and will be registered for the final examination;
are comfortable with vocabulary related to everyday work processes;
can respond to emails, telephone messages and instructions;
are prepared to justify your opinion in an internal forum post;
can discuss workplace problems and suggest constructive solutions.
Although both exams certify B2-level German, the organisation receiving the certificate may set its own requirements. Before registering, ask the employer, educational institution, Ausländerbehörde, Jobcenter, Anerkennungsstelle or other relevant body which exact certificate it accepts.
Written confirmation is more reliable than choosing an exam based only on advice from friends or acquaintances. In particular, check whether a general B2 certificate, a professionally oriented exam or one specific qualification is required.
Strong German skills are the foundation for success, but understanding the structure of the exam saves time and reduces stress. For telc Deutsch B2, candidates should practise semi-formal emails, discussions and joint planning. DTB B2 preparation should focus on business correspondence, telephone notes, forum posts and discussing solutions to workplace problems.
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