DTZ Exam: Format, Points and Certificate

Every part of the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer with timing, number of tasks and the score bands for A2 and B1.

What is the DTZ?

The final exam of the integration course.

The DTZ tests listening, reading, writing and speaking. There is no pass or fail: each part receives a result at level B1, A2 or below A2. Since 2023 the test has been run by g.a.s.t.

Format

100 minutes written, about 16 minutes oral.

Part	Time	Tasks
Listening (Hören)	approx. 25 min	4 parts, 20 tasks: phone messages and announcements, short radio items, everyday conversations, opinions on a topic
Reading (Lesen)	45 min	5 parts, 25 tasks: directories, ads, press texts and formal notices, information brochures, filling in words in a letter
Writing (Schreiben)	30 min	1 task: you choose A or B and write a semi-formal or formal message on four points
Speaking (Sprechen)	approx. 16 min	In pairs, 3 parts: talking about yourself (approx. 4 min), talking about experiences (approx. 6 min), planning something together (approx. 6 min)

Listening, reading and writing take place one after another without a break. Each part may only be worked on in its own time; missed time cannot be made up.

Points

Three part results decide.

Part result	Max.	B1	A2	below A2
Listening and reading	45	33–45	20–32	0–19
Writing	20	15–20	7–14	0–6
Speaking	100	75–100	35–74.5	0–34.5

Listening and reading are added together: each correct task is worth one point.

Certificate

Speaking is the precondition.

B1 certificate: B1 in speaking and B1 in one of the two parts “listening and reading” or “writing”.
A2 certificate: at least A2 in speaking and at least A2 in one of the other two parts.
No certificate: if speaking is “below A2”.

So you don't need B1 in every part. With B1 in speaking, you can get B1 either through listening and reading (at least 33 of 45) or through writing (at least 15 of 20).

Tips

What the format tells you.

Our recommendations based on the official format.

Reading: 45 minutes for 25 tasks is on average less than two minutes per task. Don't get stuck on one task.
Listening, part 4: before the statements you have one minute to read sentences a–f. Use it to mark key words.
Writing: cover all four points; only then can you get full marks for task completion. More in the German B1 letter writing guide.
Speaking: since speaking decides every certificate, it pays to practise the three parts out loud and with a timer.

Allowed on exam day

ID, a ballpoint pen (a spare is fine), exam documents and a drink. Not allowed: dictionaries, mobile phones and other electronic devices in the exam room, and talking to other candidates.

Questions

Common questions about the DTZ

Can you fail the DTZ?

Not in the usual sense. Each part receives a level. Without at least A2 in speaking, however, there is no certificate.

How many points do I need for B1 in listening and reading?

At least 33 of 45 points. 20 to 32 points is A2.

How can I practise for the DTZ?

g.a.s.t. offers free practice sets. B1 Prüfung Trainer has 15 DTZ mock tests with 675 questions, time limits and explanations in German and Turkish, plus speaking practice for Teil 1–3 with AI feedback; DTZ test 1 is free.

Sources (accessed 2 October 2026): g.a.s.t., Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, Übungssatz 2 (June 2024) and g.a.s.t., Der DTZ auf einen Blick. All texts are written in our own words.

Guides