German exams · A2-B1

Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ)

Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ, A2-B1), the final exam of the integration course (Integrationskurs),. Run by BAMF with telc and g.a.s.t.; the final exam of the integration course; free for course participants; a B1 result counts for the settlement permit and naturalisation.

The exam in detail

A scaled exam: the certificate reports a level per area - Hören/Lesen (one area), Schreiben, Sprechen - each as B1, A2 or "unter A2". Overall result B1 requires B1 in Sprechen AND B1 in at least one of the two other areas (Hören/Lesen or Schreiben); the remaining area may be A2. Without B1 in Sprechen the overall result cannot be B1.
Written part about 100 minutes: Hören about 25 minutes, 4 Teile (announcements, radio/phone messages, everyday conversations, opinions of several people); Lesen 45 minutes, 5 Teile (notices, ads, a press text, a formal letter/official text, opinions); item types are multiple choice, matching and richtig/falsch. Schreiben 30 minutes: choose ONE of two tasks and write a semi-formal or formal letter or e-mail (e.g. to a Kita, landlord, employer, office, school) covering all the given Leitpunkte (usually three or four), with salutation, introduction, the points, request, closing and greeting.
Sprechen: about 16 minutes for two candidates, 3 Teile: Teil 1 "Über sich sprechen" (1A introduce yourself with keywords such as name, origin, family, work, languages; 1B answer the examiner's follow-up questions); Teil 2 "Über Erfahrungen sprechen" (2A describe a picture: where, who, what, what you think; 2B talk about your own experiences with the topic and ask your partner); Teil 3 "Gemeinsam etwas planen" (organise something together from a task card, e.g. a joint outing, a present, a course).
Purpose: B1 in the DTZ is the usual language proof for the settlement permit and for naturalisation (together with the "Leben in Deutschland" test from the Orientierungskurs). Course participants take the DTZ free of charge at the end of their course; the exam can be repeated.

The facts above are the reference notes the Eszett tutor is given when you ask about this exam; they follow the providers' published regulations and handbooks. Check the provider's site for current fees and dates. Other exams: which German exam is right for you.