DTZ Exam: Structure, Parts, Scores — A Complete Breakdown

What is DTZ

DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) is a state German language exam for migrants in Germany, which concludes the integration course. It is developed by the g.a.s.t./telc institute and taken at licensed centers across the country.

The main feature: the exam is two-tiered. Based on the results, you receive a B1 or A2 level certificate — depending on how you performed. It's almost impossible to "completely" fail the DTZ, but the goal for most is B1: it is usually required for Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residency) and citizenship, and it fulfills the language requirement of the integration course.

The exam consists of a written part (Hören + Lesen + Schreiben, ~100 minutes continuously) and an oral part (Sprechen, ~16 minutes, usually on the same day, in a pair with another candidate).

Four Modules: What, How Many, How Long

1. Hören — Listening, ~25 minutes, 20 tasks

   4 parts: short messages and announcements (4 tasks), radio announcements (5), conversations between people (8), opinions on one topic (3, matching speaker → statement). Each clip plays once, no rewinding.

2. Lesen — Reading, 45 minutes, 25 tasks

   5 parts: searching directories and tables of contents (5), announcements for situations a–h + option X (5), informational texts (R/F and multiple choice), official letter (R/F), Sprachbausteine — text with gaps, choosing a word from three (6).

3. Schreiben — Writing, 30 minutes, 1 task

   You are given two situations to choose from — you write one letter of at least 40 words: a request, a refusal/apology, a complaint, or a personal letter. Coverage of task points, structure, and language are assessed.

4. Sprechen — Speaking, ~16 minutes, 3 parts

   Taken in a pair with another candidate: 1) talk about yourself + examiner's questions, 2) describe a picture and talk about your experience, 3) plan something together with your partner and reach an agreement.

How the Result is Calculated

Each module is assessed separately and yields a B1, A2, or "below A2" level. The oral part weighs as much as the entire written part: you receive a B1 certificate when both Sprechen and the written block are passed at B1.

Practical conclusion: you cannot "pull through" the exam with just reading and listening — speaking accounts for half of the result. And vice versa: weak writing can be compensated by strong Hören and Lesen within the written block.

Exact score thresholds are published by g.a.s.t.; they may be adjusted, so refer to the official Modelltest — and practice until the thresholds no longer concern you.

Where to Start Preparing

The strategy is simple: first, master the formats that yield predictable scores due to templates — writing (one skeleton for all 4 types) and both oral parts with templates (picture description and planning). This can be learned in a week and immediately boosts half of the exam.

In parallel — a little Hören and Lesen daily: here, it's not theory that matters, but the number of tasks solved in the exam format (listen once, without rewinding; in reading, look for the condition, not the topic).

Final week — full timed mock exams: 100 minutes of the written part continuously, to get used to the rhythm. All DTZ formats can be practiced with us for free: vocabulary, grammar, all Hören/Lesen parts, letters with checking, speaking with an AI partner, and full mock exams.