DTZ Gets Stricter: What You Now Need for a B1 Certificate

Since November 1, 2026, it is harder to get a B1 certificate in the German Test for Immigrants (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, DTZ). You still need B1 in speaking. But you can no longer skip or almost skip one of the written parts and still pass at B1.

The change comes from an amended regulation on integration course tests (Integrationskurstestverordnung) published in the Federal Law Gazette on October 20, 2026 (BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 306). It applies to every DTZ exam taken on or after November 1.

Here is what changed:

• Speaking: you still need B1.
• Written parts: you need B1 in either listening/reading or writing, and at least A2 in the other one.
• Below A2 in any part means no B1 certificate.
• Old certificates stay valid. DTZ certificates issued before November 1 are still recognized, according to the Interior Ministry.

NOTE: Some websites claim you now have to pass all three parts at B1. That is not correct. One written part at A2 is still enough, as long as speaking and the other written part are B1.

What Do You Need to Pass the DTZ at B1 Now?

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) lists exactly three result combinations that lead to an overall B1 certificate (BAMF circular 17/26):

Before November 1, B1 in speaking plus B1 in one written part was enough. The result of the third part did not matter for the B1 certificate.

Why Did Germany Change the DTZ Rules?

The government says the goal is to stop cheating. According to the BAMF, it will no longer be enough to hand in an empty or barely filled-in writing sheet (BAMF).

The Interior Ministry’s draft explained that test answers bought online had been used for the listening and reading part while the writing part was left blank (asyl.net). The ministry told The Local that it could not yet say whether fewer people will reach B1 under the new rules (The Local).

Does This Raise the Language Level for Citizenship or Permanent Residence?

No. The legal requirement stays at B1:

• Citizenship: you must meet the requirements of a B1 language exam (§ 10(4) StAG).
• Settlement permit and other residence titles: “sufficient German” still means B1 (§ 2(11) AufenthG).

What changed is how you get a B1 result in one specific test, the DTZ. Other B1 certificates, such as telc Deutsch B1, Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or ÖSD Zertifikat B1, can also be accepted for citizenship (The Local). Check with your authority which certificates it accepts before you book.

Planning your application? Read our German citizenship process guide and the list of documents for German citizenship. For the settlement permit, see LegalWeg’s guide to permanent residence in Germany.

What If You Are in an Integration Course Right Now?

The new rules apply based on your exam date, not on when your course started. Everyone who takes the DTZ on or after November 1, 2026 is assessed under the new rules, the Interior Ministry told The Local (The Local).

WARNING: On exam day, bring a valid official photo ID. Test centers check identity, and the BAMF has reminded course providers which documents they may accept (BAMF circular 17/26).

What Should You Do Now?

• Practice writing. The writing task is usually a short formal or semi-formal letter or email on an everyday topic. Aim for at least A2, better B1.
• Do not skip any part. A blank or very weak section now costs you the B1 certificate.
• Keep your old certificate. If you already have a DTZ B1 certificate from before November 1, you do not need to retake the test.
• Consider other B1 exams if you are not in an integration course, and confirm that your authority accepts them.
• Prepare the “Life in Germany” test too if you need it for citizenship. Try our German naturalization practice test and the free naturalisation test course.

If your citizenship or settlement permit application depends on your language certificate and something goes wrong, an immigration lawyer can check your options.

Consult an Immigration Lawyer

• An immigration lawyer can help you accelerate your German citizenship application.
• The lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
• You can clarify your doubts regarding German citizenship.

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