If you are attending a state-funded Integrationskurs in Germany, you will hear about the DTZ — the Deutscher Test für Zuwanderer, or German Test for Immigrants. This is the language exam that closes the integration course and is one of the officially accepted certificates for residence and citizenship applications. Here is everything you need to know.
What the DTZ Is and Why It Matters
The DTZ is a standardised language examination developed specifically for adult immigrants in Germany. It is administered at the end of every BAMF-funded Integrationskurs and is the official closing assessment for that programme. The exam tests candidates at two levels simultaneously: A2/B1. Depending on your performance, you receive a certificate at either A2 or B1 level.
A B1 result on the DTZ is officially recognised as proof of the German language requirement for the Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent settlement permit) and for naturalisation applications. It is accepted by immigration authorities nationwide. If you only achieve A2, that is still valuable progress, but you will need to take another exam to reach B1 before certain permit upgrades or naturalisation.
Exam Format
The DTZ consists of four components: Reading (Lesen), Listening (Hören), Writing (Schreiben), and Speaking (Sprechen). The format is very similar to the Goethe-Zertifikat B1, though the topics and difficulty calibration are specifically tailored to the everyday life contexts of immigrants in Germany — workplace situations, housing, health, family, and public services. If you have been attending your Integrationskurs diligently, the exam content should feel familiar.
The exam is typically taken at the end of the 700-hour Integrationskurs (600 language + 100 orientation hours). Your course provider will register you and provide practice materials. Additional practice resources are available from the BAMF website and from the official test providers (telc and Goethe-Institut both offer DTZ).
DTZ vs. Goethe-Zertifikat B1 vs. telc Deutsch B1: Which Should You Choose?
All three certificates are accepted for the same administrative purposes (permanent residency, naturalisation) and test German at B1 level. The practical differences are: the DTZ is only available as part of or directly after an Integrationskurs — you cannot simply register for it independently. The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and telc Deutsch B1 are open to anyone and can be taken at authorised exam centres.
In terms of exam format and difficulty, all three are broadly comparable. The choice often comes down to availability, cost, and which course you are attending. If you are in an Integrationskurs, the DTZ is your natural next step. If you are preparing independently, Goethe or telc are more accessible options.
Costs: The DTZ is included in the Integrationskurs fee structure and costs approximately €23 for course participants. Goethe B1 costs around €150-200. telc B1 costs around €100-180 depending on the test centre.
Not sure which exam to take or how to prepare? Sylum can help you choose the right certificate for your specific situation and support you along the way. Contact us at sylum.de/contact.
