Three exams, one goal: B1
For most routes to the settlement permit you need German at level B1. Three exams are the usual proof: the DTZ, telc Deutsch B1 and the Goethe-Zertifikat B1. All three are widely accepted, but your Ausländerbehörde decides which certificate it accepts, so check if you're unsure.
| DTZ | telc Deutsch B1 | Goethe-Zertifikat B1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer | Zertifikat Deutsch | Goethe-Zertifikat B1 |
| Who takes it | People in an integration course (it's the final exam) | Anyone | Anyone |
| Result | A2 or B1 | B1 or not passed | B1 per module |
| Written parts | Hören ~25 min, Lesen ~45 min, Schreiben 30 min | Leseverstehen and Sprachbausteine, Hörverstehen, Schriftlicher Ausdruck (a letter) | Lesen, Hören, Schreiben |
| Speaking | ~16 min in pairs | ~15 min in pairs | In pairs |
| To pass | B1 level in the parts | Written and oral part each 60 % | Each module 60 % |
The speaking exams
- DTZ: introduce yourself, talk about an experience using a picture, then plan something together with your partner.
- telc B1: get to know your partner (Kontaktaufnahme), talk about a topic (Gespräch über ein Thema), then plan something together (gemeinsam etwas planen).
- Goethe B1: plan something together, give a short presentation, then answer questions about it.
Do you see the pattern? Planning something together is in all three. That's why this training has a whole module for it.
Tip: Goethe modules can be taken and passed separately. With telc B1 you need both the written and the oral part. Exam rules can change, so always check the details with your test centre before you book.
Which one should you take?
- In an integration course? You take the DTZ as part of your course. Your course provider registers you.
- Not in a course? Choose telc B1 or Goethe B1. Many adult education centres (Volkshochschulen) and language schools offer telc; the Goethe-Institut and its partners offer Goethe exams.
- Short on time? Look at dates and registration deadlines first. Popular dates fill up weeks ahead.
Find test centres and dates near you in the exam finder.
On the exam day
Bring your passport or ID card (Reisepass oder Personalausweis), the registration confirmation, and pens. Phones must be switched off. Be there early: latecomers often can't start.
How this training works
Each module trains one part of the exam, in the exam format:
| Module | What you practise |
|---|---|
| Reading: notices and ads | Short texts, ads, rules |
| Reading: longer texts | Articles, opinions, emails |
| Listening: announcements | Announcements, phone messages |
| Listening: conversations | Dialogues, radio |
| Writing: informal emails | Emails to friends, with AI feedback |
| Writing: formal letters | Complaints, requests, cancellations |
| Speaking: about you | Introduce yourself, talk about experiences |
| Speaking: plan together | Plan something with a partner |
| Grammar for B1 | The grammar that matters most |
Bleiben prepares you for these exams. It doesn't award certificates.