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DTB B2 (Deutsch-Test für den Beruf)

The Deutsch-Test für den Beruf B2 (DTB B2, German test for the workplace) is the final exam of the BAMF's job-related German courses at B2 (Berufssprachkurse). It tests German for work at level B2, but not the specialist language of any one job. To pass you need 144 of 240 points.

Practise for the DTB B2

The exam at a glance

  • Written125 minutes for reading, listening, language elements and writing, with three writing tasks
  • Oral3 parts, about 16 minutes, in pairs and with no preparation time
  • Points240, 60 each for reading, listening, writing and speaking
  • Pass144 points (60%), plus 36 points in at least 3 of the four skills
  • CourseFinal exam of the B2 job-related German course, 500 teaching units
  • CostIn the course the BAMF pays for the exam and one retake

The parts in brief

PartWhat you doPoints
Reading 1 to 4Match short articles to people, understand work instructions and tips on workplace rules, read meeting minutes: 5 + 4 + 4 + 5 questions in 45 minutes3 each
Reading and writingUnderstand a forwarded customer complaint (2 questions) and write an email to the customer; 20 minutes3 each + 7
Listening 1 to 4Workplace conversations, opinions, a presentation and phone messages: 6 + 4 + 4 + 5 questions in 20 minutes3 each
Listening and writingA phone message: choose the reason for the call and write a phone note; 5 minutes3 + 6
Language elements and writing12 gaps in two emails, then a forum post on one of two topics; 35 minutes6 + 14
SpeakingTalk about a topic and answer questions, a break-time chat with your partner, and find a solution to a workplace problem together30 + 30

On top of that, writing earns 27 points for the language of all writing tasks together; in speaking, 30 points are for pronunciation, accuracy and range. Reading and reading-and-writing share 65 minutes; each listening text is played once.

Passing

You need at least 144 of 240 points. In addition, at least 3 of the four skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking) must each reach 36 of 60 points. One weaker skill is compensated if it scores between 40% and 60%.

  • One result: the language level is stated for the whole exam only, not for single parts.
  • Not passed: course participants receive a certificate of attendance from the course provider showing the progress they made.

Who takes it

The job-related German courses are for migrants from non-EU countries, EU citizens and Germans with a migration background who need German for work or vocational training. For the B2 course you normally need German at level B1 or a completed integration course. You get the entitlement from the employment agency, the Jobcenter or the BAMF, for example if you are looking for work, employed, or having your qualification recognised.

Cost

The course is free in principle; employees with a higher income pay a contribution. The BAMF pays for the exam and one retake. telc publishes no price for taking the exam outside a course.

Good to know

  • Retakes: if you fail, you can retake the exam once, but only as a whole; single parts cannot be retaken.
  • More practice: the B2 course cannot be repeated in full; repeaters can join a targeted exam preparation course of 200 teaching units.
  • Format: the exam is paper-based only and cannot be taken as a partial exam.
  • Writing: no word count is set; clarity and suitable language are what count.
  • Do not confuse: telc Deutsch B2 and telc Deutsch B2+ Beruf are different exams with a different format.

Independent practice

Our exercises are our own, written from the public structure of the DTB B2; they are not official model tests, and we do not compute DTB points. FreeExamPath is not affiliated with telc gGmbH or the BAMF.

Official information

Questions about the DTB B2

How many points do I need to pass the DTB B2?

At least 144 of 240 points. At least 3 of the four skills must also reach 36 of 60 points each; one weaker skill can be compensated.

How long is the DTB B2?

The written exam takes 125 minutes. The oral exam, taken in pairs, takes about 16 minutes with no preparation time.

What happens if I fail?

You can retake the exam once; in the course the BAMF pays for the retake too. There is also a targeted preparation course for repeaters.

Are these official model tests?

No. They are FreeExamPath's own exercises in the DTB B2 format. The official practice test with answers is free from telc and the BAMF.

Official sources (6) · last checked 19 October 2026