Is DTZ the same as telc B1?

No. DTZ is a **dual-level A2–B1** Integrationskurs examination.

What earns overall B1 in DTZ?

B1 in speaking and B1 in either listening/reading or writing.

Can telc B1 award an A2 certificate?

No. It is a single-level B1 examination.

How long is the DTZ written exam?

**100 minutes**, according to BAMF.

Which test completes an Integrationskurs?

The language final is **DTZ**, alongside the Leben in Deutschland test.

telc B1 vs DTZ A2–B1: Which Examination Fits?

Level:B1Duration:~2.5 h + 15 minFee:~€150Validity:UnlimitedFormat:Written + Oral

Last updated: August 2026 · 8 min read

telc Deutsch B1 and the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) both test four skills, but they are not the same examination. telc B1 is a single-level general-language certificate; DTZ is a dual-level A2–B1 test used at the end of an Integrationskurs.

Side-by-side comparison

Feature	telc Deutsch B1	DTZ A2–B1
Purpose	General German B1 certificate	Integrationskurs language final
Result scale	B1 pass / fail	B1, A2 or no certificate
Written time	90 + about 30 + 30 min	100 min
Oral	About 15 min; 20 min preparation	About 15 min
Pass logic	60% written and 60% oral separately	Speaking B1 + listening/reading or writing B1

How DTZ awards B1

BAMF states that an overall B1 requires B1 in speaking and B1 in at least one of Hören und Lesen or Schreiben. The remaining area may be A2.

DTZ therefore reports actual performance across A2–B1. A candidate who misses B1 but meets A2 requirements may receive an A2 certificate.

The telc B1 pass rule

telc B1 requires at least 135/225 in the written examination and 45/75 in the oral examination. A high score in one cannot offset a shortfall in the other.

The exam totals 300 points and has a separate Sprachbausteine subtest. A failed written or oral partial examination can be retaken with credit for the passed part within 12 months.

Which should you choose?

If you attend an Integrationskurs, DTZ is the normal language final. For a direct, course-independent and single-level B1 certificate, telc Deutsch B1 is the more typical option.

For citizenship, residence, work or education, do not rely on general recognition claims. Ask the receiving institution to confirm the accepted test and required skill coverage in writing.

Official sources

Dates, timings, scores and procedures were checked against the primary sources below.

Related telc B1 guides

Learn by practising the telc B1 format

Practise reading, listening, writing, speaking and Sprachbausteine in exam format on Zertifly.