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German B1 for citizenship: DTZ, telc, Goethe and ÖSD compared

To become a German citizen you normally need German at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), spoken and written. Four exams are widely used as proof: the DTZ, telc Deutsch B1, the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and the ÖSD Zertifikat B1. This guide compares them using the official rules.

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What the law requires

  • German nationality law asks for sufficient German and defines it as meeting the requirements of a language exam at level B1 (§ 10 of the Nationality Act, StAG).
  • Children who are under 16 when they are naturalised only need German that is normal for their age.
  • People who came to West Germany as recruited guest workers by 30 June 1974, or to the GDR as contract workers by 13 June 1990, and spouses who joined them, only need everyday spoken German and do not need the Einbürgerungstest. A certificate at level A1 is enough proof.
  • If reaching B1 is impossible or permanently much harder for you despite serious and sustained efforts, the requirement can be lowered to everyday spoken German. You have to prove this.
  • If an illness, a disability or your age makes it impossible, the language requirement does not apply.

Which proof counts

Federal guidance lists what normally proves B1:

  • the DTZ with the result B1, shown on the integration-course certificate;
  • the Zertifikat Deutsch (B1) or an equivalent or higher language certificate;
  • four years at a German-language school with promotion each year, a German Hauptschulabschluss or an equivalent school-leaving certificate, or promotion to year 10 of a German-language secondary school;
  • a degree from a German-language university or a completed vocational training in Germany.

The federal guidance names no exam providers. Bavaria publishes a named list that includes telc Deutsch B1, the Goethe-Zertifikat B1, the DTZ with a B1 result and the ÖSD Zertifikat B1. Before you book, ask your naturalisation authority which certificates it accepts. Since 2025, authorities are asked to hold a personal interview in principle, and they can check certificates they doubt.

The four exams at a glance

FeatureDTZtelcGoetheÖSD
Run byBAMF, run by g.a.s.t.telc gGmbH, at licensed exam centresGoethe-Institut and licensed exam centresÖSD, at licensed exam centres
ResultA2 or B1 from one examB1: pass or failB1, one result per moduleB1, one result per module
Written part100 min without breaks150 minAbout 165 min in three modules, with breaksAbout 165 min in three modules, with breaks
SpeakingAbout 15–16 min, usually in pairs, no preparation timeAbout 15 min, usually in pairs, plus 20 min preparationAbout 15 min in pairs, plus 15 min preparationAbout 15 min in pairs, plus 15 min preparation
Pass markB1 in Speaking plus B1 in Listening and Reading or in Writing60% in the written part and 60% in the oral part60 of 100 points in each module60 of 100 points in each module
Retaking a partNo: you always retake the whole examThe failed part (written or oral) within 12 monthsAny module, as often as you likeAny module, as often as you like
Who can take itOnly within the integration-course system, from age 16Register at a licensed exam centre; each centre sets its own conditionsAnyone; no Goethe course neededAnyone; no course needed
FeeFirst attempt free for integration-course participantsSet by the exam centreSet by the exam centreSet by the exam centre

Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ)

The final exam of the integration course. BAMF is responsible for it and g.a.s.t. runs it. One exam gives the result A2 or B1, and only B1 counts for naturalisation.

PartTasksTime
Listening20 questions; each recording is played onceAbout 25 min
Reading25 questions45 min
WritingA letter or e-mail covering four points; you choose one of two tasks30 min
SpeakingIntroduce yourself, talk about a picture and your experiences, plan something with your partnerAbout 15–16 min

For B1 you need at least 75 of 100 points in Speaking, plus 33 of 45 points in Listening and Reading together or 15 of 20 points in Writing. Without at least A2 in Speaking there is no certificate. To sit the DTZ you need an integration-course admission, or to have paid for at least one course section yourself, and you must be able to read the Latin alphabet.

Free official practice: Der DTZ auf einen Blick · Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer — Übungen (Modellsätze, Hörbeispiele, Aufgaben)

telc Deutsch B1 (Zertifikat Deutsch)

The classic B1 certificate, also called Zertifikat Deutsch. You take it at a licensed telc exam centre, and you either pass at B1 or fail.

PartTasksTime
Reading20 questions90 min, together with Language elements
Language elements20 questions on grammar and vocabularyIncluded in the 90 min
Listening20 true/false questionsAbout 30 min
WritingAn informal or semi-formal e-mail covering four points30 min
SpeakingGet to know each other, discuss a topic, plan something togetherAbout 15 min + 20 min preparation

The written part is worth 225 points and the oral part 75. You need at least 135 written and 45 oral points. If you fail one part, you can retake just that part within 12 months; ask for the credit when you register.

Free official practice: Zertifikat Deutsch / telc Deutsch B1

Goethe-Zertifikat B1

The Goethe-Institut's B1 exam, with four separate modules: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. It has the same format as the ÖSD Zertifikat B1.

PartTasksTime
Reading30 questions65 min
Listening30 questionsAbout 40 min
WritingThree short texts: an e-mail, an opinion and a short message60 min
SpeakingPlan something together, give a short presentation, talk about the presentationsAbout 15 min + 15 min preparation

Each module is scored out of 100 points and passed with 60. You get a certificate for each module you pass, and on request one overall certificate with your best results from within 12 months. For naturalisation, plan to pass all four modules: Bavaria, for example, accepts the exam only with all four.

Free official practice: Prüfungstraining Goethe-Zertifikat B1

ÖSD Zertifikat B1

The B1 exam of the Austrian Sprachdiplom Deutsch. Like the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 it has four separate modules in the same format, and it is on Bavaria's list of accepted certificates.

PartTasksTime
Reading30 questions65 min
Listening30 questionsAbout 40 min
WritingThree texts: an informal e-mail, an opinion and a short formal apology60 min
SpeakingA planning conversation, a short presentation, feedback and a questionAbout 15 min + 15 min preparation

Each module is scored out of 100 points and passed with 60. You get one overall certificate if you pass all four modules in one sitting, or within 12 months at the same exam centre; otherwise each module gets its own certificate.

Free official practice: ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1)

Which exam suits you?

  • You are in an integration course: the DTZ is the course's final exam and free for participants. With a B1 result it counts for naturalisation.
  • You want to retake only what you failed: with Goethe or ÖSD you repeat single modules; with telc you repeat the failed written or oral part within 12 months.
  • You want one result from one sitting: telc Deutsch B1 gives a single pass or fail at B1.
  • Whatever you choose, first check that your naturalisation authority accepts it.

How to prepare

  • Take the free official model test for your exam under real timing. The links are in each exam's section above.
  • Practise speaking with a partner: all four exams test speaking, usually in pairs.
  • Prepare for the Einbürgerungstest too: most applicants need it as well as B1.

Practise the Einbürgerungstest

Frequently asked questions

Which B1 certificate do I need for German citizenship?

The law asks for German at level B1 but names no exam. Federal guidance accepts the DTZ with a B1 result and the Zertifikat Deutsch (B1) or an equivalent or higher certificate. Ask your naturalisation authority which exams it accepts.

Is the DTZ enough for naturalisation?

Yes, if your result is B1. An A2 result is not enough.

Can I take the DTZ without an integration course?

No. You need an integration-course admission, or to have paid for at least one course section yourself.

How long is a B1 certificate valid?

The certificates have no expiry date, and federal guidance sets none. An authority can ask for new proof if there are clear signs that your German has got worse.

Do I need B1 in all four skills?

For the DTZ you need B1 in Speaking and in one of the two written sections. telc Deutsch B1 is passed with 60% in both the written and the oral part. For the modular Goethe and ÖSD exams, plan to pass all four modules.

Official sources