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DTZ B1 Exam: Structure, Scoring and Preparation
Preparing for the DTZ B1 exam? Find out how the exam works, how each section is assessed, what mistakes to avoid and how to practise online.
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Preparing for the DTZ B1 exam? Find out how the exam works, how each section is assessed, what mistakes to avoid and how to practise online.
Many people take the DTZ B1 exam after completing an integration course in Germany. For them, the language certificate is often an important requirement when applying for permanent residence, German citizenship, or vocational training.
However, finishing a German course and passing the exam are not quite the same thing. You might understand your teacher, communicate with colleagues, and handle everyday situations in German, yet still lose points because you are unfamiliar with the exam format or struggle to manage your time.
That's why it's worth understanding how the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) works, what kinds of tasks you will face, and how your performance will be assessed.
The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ), or German Test for Immigrants, is an official German language examination designed for participants in integration courses in Germany.
One of its main features is that a single examination can certify language proficiency at either A2 or B1 level. The level shown on your certificate depends on your exam results.
The DTZ B1 certificate may be required or accepted for several purposes:
Proving your German language skills when applying for German citizenship.
Applying for a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
Providing evidence of language proficiency after completing an integration course.
Applying for jobs or vocational training (Ausbildung).
However, the DTZ is not an open examination that anyone can register for without restrictions. Eligibility requirements apply, particularly in connection with integration courses.
The exam assesses four language skills: Hören (listening), Lesen (reading), Schreiben (writing), and Sprechen (speaking).
The written examination takes approximately 100 minutes, while the oral examination lasts around 16 minutes.
Each section contains different types of tasks and follows specific assessment criteria.
Duration: approximately 25 minutes.
In this section, you listen to short conversations, telephone messages, announcements, and other recordings about everyday situations.
For example, two people might be discussing a doctor's appointment. First, they mention one time, then suggest another, and finally agree on a different appointment.
To answer correctly, you need to identify the final arrangement.
This is where candidates sometimes lose points. They understand the general meaning of the conversation but miss the fact that some information has changed.
When preparing for the DTZ B1 listening test, practise completing exercises under exam conditions. Try to answer without repeatedly pausing or replaying the recording.
Duration: 45 minutes.
In this section, you work with advertisements, emails, notices, and informational texts similar to those you might encounter in everyday life in Germany.
For example, several people may be looking for different services, and you need to match each person with the most suitable advertisement.
A common mistake is to look only for words that appear in both the question and the text.
However, the correct answer is often expressed using different wording.
If someone is looking for a job with flexible working hours, the relevant advertisement might say that working times can be arranged individually.
You therefore need to understand the meaning of the text rather than simply recognise individual words.
Because the time is limited, it is also helpful to practise finding information quickly.
Duration: 30 minutes.
In the writing section, you are given two situations and must choose one. Your task is to write a letter or email.
For example, you might be renting an apartment where the heating is not working properly. You need to inform your landlord about the problem.
Your letter should explain when the problem started, what difficulties it is causing, and what you would like the landlord to do.
The task includes four content points that you need to address.
When assessing your writing, examiners consider:
Whether you have completed the task and covered the required points.
Whether your letter is logically structured and easy to understand.
Whether your vocabulary and tone are appropriate for the situation.
How accurately you use grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
At B1 level, you do not need to use complicated grammar in every sentence.
It is more important to communicate your message clearly, organise your letter properly, and include all the required information.
The oral examination usually lasts around 16 minutes and generally takes place with two candidates.
It consists of three parts.
Part 1 – Über sich sprechen (Talking About Yourself)
First, you briefly introduce yourself. You might talk about where you come from, where you live, what you do for work, and which languages you speak.
After your introduction, the examiners may ask additional questions.
Part 2 – Über Erfahrungen sprechen (Talking About Experiences)
You receive a photograph, describe the situation shown, and talk about your own experiences related to the topic.
For example, the picture might show people exercising together in a park.
The examiners may ask whether you exercise, how often you do so, or which sports are popular in your home country.
Part 3 – Gemeinsam etwas planen (Planning Something Together)
In the final part, you and your exam partner need to plan something together.
For example, you might organise a small celebration, plan a day trip, or arrange a meeting.
Simply presenting your own ideas is not enough. You also need to respond to your partner, ask questions, accept or reject suggestions, and make decisions together.
Memorising a self-introduction may help with part of the first task. However, the other tasks require you to speak more freely and respond spontaneously.
Exam results are assessed in three areas:
Hören und Lesen – Listening and Reading
Schreiben – Writing
Sprechen – Speaking
To achieve an overall B1 result, you must reach B1 in the speaking section and at least one of the other two areas. Your result in the remaining area must be at least A2.
Here are some examples:
Listening and ReadingWritingSpeakingOverall ResultB1B1B1B1B1A2B1B1A2B1B1B1B1B1A2A2
This means that even if you achieve good results in listening, reading, and writing, you cannot receive an overall B1 result if your speaking performance is assessed at A2.
You should also be aware that updated DTZ assessment rules came into effect on 1 November 2026.
There can be several reasons, but certain problems occur frequently during exam preparation.
Unfamiliar task instructions. Someone might understand a text but misinterpret the question. This is particularly common in the reading section, where several answer options may seem similar.
Not enough writing practice. German courses often include plenty of grammar exercises, but students may not practise writing complete letters under time pressure often enough. During the exam, they then struggle to express everything within 30 minutes.
Memorised speaking answers. Some candidates prepare complete texts and learn them by heart. But when an examiner asks an unexpected question, they find it difficult to respond naturally.
Not reviewing mistakes. If you only check how many answers were correct after a practice test, you still do not know why the other answers were wrong.
For this reason, it is useful to do more than simply complete as many practice tests as possible. Take the time to review the tasks where you regularly make mistakes.
A good starting point is a complete DTZ B1 practice test. You do not need to revise every grammar topic beforehand.
Your first test will show which tasks you can already complete confidently and where you need more practice.
If you make many mistakes in listening, spend more time working with audio recordings. If reading is difficult, focus on finding information quickly and understanding statements expressed in different ways.
For writing, try to produce several letters each week based on different everyday situations.
For speaking, practise conversations regularly. Pay particular attention to tasks where you need to organise something or make decisions together with another person.
It is also worth completing the full examination under timed conditions several times. This will give you a better idea of how much time you actually spend on each section.
You can also prepare for the exam independently, especially if you have already attended an integration course and want some additional practice before your exam date.
On EXAVEO, you will find practice exercises for German language examinations, including the DTZ A2–B1 exam.
You can work on listening and reading tasks, practise writing, and become more familiar with the exam format.
This can be particularly useful if you are working, have family responsibilities, or cannot attend additional classes at fixed times.
Start with a few practice tasks and see which areas you still find difficult.
Try the DTZ B1 practice exercises on EXAVEO and check your German skills before the exam.
To receive an overall B1 result, you must achieve B1 in the speaking section and at least one of the two other areas: Listening and Reading or Writing. Your result in the remaining area must be at least A2.
The written examination takes approximately 100 minutes: Listening – 25 minutes, Reading – 45 minutes, and Writing – 30 minutes. The oral examination lasts around 16 minutes and usually takes place with two candidates.
Yes. The DTZ exam can certify German language skills at either A2 or B1 level. If your results are not sufficient for B1 but meet the requirements for A2, you will receive a certificate showing A2.
Start with a DTZ B1 practice test to assess your current level. You can then focus on improving your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. On EXAVEO, you can practise with exam-style exercises online whenever it suits you.
That depends on your German language skills and how familiar you are with the exam format. Candidates often find writing letters, understanding audio recordings, and speaking spontaneously particularly challenging. Regular practice under timed conditions can help you become more comfortable with these tasks.
The DTZ exam is primarily intended for participants in integration courses in Germany. Under certain conditions, other eligible candidates may also be admitted. You should contact an authorised examination centre to find out whether you meet the registration requirements.
The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) assesses German language skills at A2 and B1 levels and is mainly used in connection with integration courses. The telc Deutsch B1 exam is a separate examination specifically designed to assess B1 proficiency and is available to a wider range of candidates. Both certificates can be used as official proof of German language proficiency, although their exam formats and scoring systems differ.
Online simulator for DTZ B1, telc B1/B2 and DTB B2 Beruf exams with instant grading and explanations.
