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DTZ vs telc B1: what is the difference, and which do you need?

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The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) is the final exam of the German integration course: it tests A2 and B1 in one go, and only people inside the course system can take it. telc Deutsch B1, also called Zertifikat Deutsch, tests B1 only and is open to anyone. Both count for citizenship, but they are scored differently: in the DTZ one written part may stay at A2, while telc needs 60 % in the written and 60 % in the oral exam.

What are the DTZ and telc Deutsch B1?

The DTZ was designed for immigrants and is the language exam at the end of the integration course. Since 1 January 2023, g.a.s.t. has run it on behalf of the BAMF; it is held every two weeks at course providers the BAMF has authorised. The result is A2 or B1 – one test for two levels.

telc Deutsch B1 is a single-level exam. The Zertifikat Deutsch was developed by telc, the Austrian ÖSD, the Swiss EDK and the Goethe-Institut. You register at a telc exam centre, a Volkshochschule for example; the centre sets the dates and the fee. Where and when is on telc exam dates.

Who can take which exam?

This is the biggest difference. You can only sit the DTZ if you are 16 or older and either hold an entitlement to the integration course or have attended at least one course section, at your own cost. g.a.s.t. puts it plainly: people outside the integration course system cannot take the DTZ.

DTZ telc Deutsch B1
Who integration course system only, from 16 anyone
Registration through the course provider, up to 21 days before at the exam centre
Cost with an entitlement, the BAMF pays you pay, e.g. 185 € at VHS Rhein-Sieg
Result A2 or B1 B1 or fail

So if you learn without a course or cannot get a place, you take telc Deutsch B1 or another B1 exam outside the course.

How do the format and scoring differ?

Both test listening, reading, writing and speaking, with a written and an oral exam. The details differ:

DTZ telc Deutsch B1
Listening 20 tasks, each text once, about 25 min part 1 once, parts 2 and 3 twice
Reading 25 tasks, 45 min 75 points, plus language elements (Sprachbausteine) worth 30
Writing letter or e-mail, choice of 2 tasks, 4 points, 30 min e-mail with 4 guiding points, 30 min
Written in total reading and writing 75 min, listening separate 150 min
Speaking usually in pairs, no preparation, about 16 min in pairs, 20 min preparation, about 15 min
Scoring a level per part: A2 or B1 points: 300, of them 225 written, 75 oral

Two things stand out. In the DTZ every recording plays once; in telc Deutsch B1 the texts in parts 2 and 3 play twice – more in how many times you hear each text. And the DTZ has no language elements; in telc they are 30 of the 225 written points.

When does the certificate say B1?

In the DTZ each part is rated on its own, and speaking comes first. You get B1 if you reach B1 in speaking and in one of the two written parts, and the remaining part is at least A2. The thresholds for B1 in the g.a.s.t. scoring: listening and reading together 33 of 45 points, writing 15 of 20, speaking 75 of 100.

telc Deutsch B1 has no lower level to fall back on. You pass with 60 % in the written exam (135 of 225 points) and 60 % in the oral (45 of 75). A weak letter can be made up with points from reading or listening within the written exam; weak speaking cannot. How the points split between the parts is on telc Deutsch B1 exam.

Do both count for citizenship and permanent residence?

Yes, if the certificate says B1. § 10 (4) of the Nationality Act asks for a language exam at level B1 and names no provider. The BAMF accepts the DTZ if you reached B1 in it; the city of Karlsruhe, for example, names telc Deutsch B1 explicitly in its leaflet. For the settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), the Residence Act equates “sufficient” German with B1. A DTZ with the result A2 is not enough for either.

Which proofs your authority accepts, and what you need besides the language, is on German test for citizenship. Ask the authority where you live before you register.

You can practise for both free of charge: g.a.s.t. offers two DTZ practice sets with audio, telc one practice test per exam.

Questions

Can I take the DTZ without an integration course?+
No. You need a course entitlement or at least one course section behind you; g.a.s.t. states that people outside the integration course system cannot take part.
How much does the DTZ cost?+
With an entitlement to the integration course, the BAMF pays the fee. telc Deutsch B1 you pay yourself, for example 185 € at VHS Rhein-Sieg.
Which B1 exam is easier?+
That cannot be measured, only the rules compared: in the DTZ one written part may stay at A2; in telc Deutsch B1 you need 60 % in both parts.
When do the results come?+
For the DTZ, g.a.s.t. usually sends results to the BAMF after two and a half weeks, and the BAMF still checks them. telc takes 4 to 6 weeks.

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