Question 1

What is Preparaio?

Accepted Answer

Preparaio is a personalised online prep platform for the DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, BAMF) and the TOEFL iBT in its 2026 format. You get a study plan that adapts to your level and your exam date — with practice, mock exams, a vocabulary trainer and feedback in your native language.

Question 2

Which exams does Preparaio cover?

Accepted Answer

Currently full support for the DTZ (A2/B1, BAMF-recognised) and the TOEFL iBT (2026 format with the 1.0–6.0 scale). More exams are on the roadmap.

Question 3

Who is Preparaio for?

Accepted Answer

For self-learners preparing for a fixed exam date — beginners and last-minute learners alike. Language schools can also use Preparaio as a white-label platform for their students.

Question 4

How is Preparaio different from textbooks and other apps?

Accepted Answer

Textbooks are static and one-size-fits-all. Preparaio measures your level per skill (listening, reading, writing, speaking) and suggests exactly what will move you forward fastest. Feedback isn't just 'right/wrong' — it includes an explanation in your language.

Question 5

Which languages is Preparaio available in?

Accepted Answer

The UI and explanations are available in 15 languages: German, English, Arabic, Turkish, Russian, Ukrainian, Farsi, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Vietnamese and Chinese. Exam content itself stays in the exam language (German for DTZ, English for TOEFL).

Question 6

What's the structure of the DTZ?

Accepted Answer

The DTZ has four parts: listening, reading, writing (a semi-formal letter) and speaking (a paired exam with three parts). Preparaio trains all four parts individually and in full mock exams.

Question 7

What level do I need to pass the DTZ?

Accepted Answer

The DTZ is scored at two levels — A2 and B1. Naturalisation usually requires B1. After the diagnostic, Preparaio shows you where you stand today and what's missing to reach B1.

Question 8

Is Preparaio BAMF-aligned?

Accepted Answer

Preparaio follows the official DTZ format from telc/BAMF. We are not an exam provider ourselves — you take the actual exam at an accredited centre (telc, Goethe, BAMF partner). Preparaio prepares you for it.

Question 9

How does listening practice work?

Accepted Answer

All listening texts come as audio and match the pace, accents and topics of the real DTZ. You can pause, rewind and reveal a transcript after the attempt.

Question 10

How are my speaking and writing scored?

Accepted Answer

Writing tasks are scored automatically against the official DTZ criteria (content, communicative quality, formal accuracy) with concrete correction hints. For speaking, you record yourself and get pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar feedback plus a suggested score.

Question 11

What if I've already failed the DTZ?

Accepted Answer

The diagnostic shows exactly which part cost you which points. The plan then targets those gaps directly, instead of making you practise everything again.

Question 12

Is Preparaio updated for the 2026 TOEFL format?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Preparaio implements the section structure, item types, timing and the 1.0–6.0 sub-scale scoring used by ETS from 2026 onwards. Older 0–30 score conversions are shown alongside for reference.

Question 13

Which sections and sub-types are covered?

Accepted Answer

All four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing — including every official sub-type (Independent / Integrated tasks for Speaking and Writing, lecture and conversation listening, factual and inference reading).

Question 14

How is my Speaking and Writing scored?

Accepted Answer

Your responses are scored by an AI rubric calibrated to ETS-style descriptors. You see a sub-score on the 1.0–6.0 scale per task plus actionable feedback on delivery, language use, and topic development.

Question 15

Can I take full-length mock exams?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Full mock exams mirror the real test length and order, with optional 10-minute break. Results break down per section, sub-skill and item type so you know what to drill next.

Question 16

What target score should I aim for?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the program. Preparaio asks for your target during onboarding and adjusts difficulty so practice items sit slightly above your current level — that's where learning happens fastest.

Question 17

Is the platform in English while practising?

Accepted Answer

Practice items, prompts, listening clips and reading passages are always in English (that's the exam language). UI labels and explanations can be set to your native language so you don't lose time decoding instructions.

Question 18

How personalised is the study plan?

Accepted Answer

After the diagnostic we know your level per skill. The plan picks daily sessions at a difficulty matched to where you are — too easy is skipped, too hard is skipped too.

Question 19

How much time do I need per day?

Accepted Answer

15–30 minutes is enough to make measurable progress. You can also do longer sessions — the plan adapts to the time you have and to your exam date.

Question 20

What are mock exams and how often should I take one?

Accepted Answer

Mock exams simulate the real test at full length and under time pressure. Recommendation: one every 2–3 weeks. They're the best signal of whether you're really exam-ready.

Question 21

What happens to items I got wrong?

Accepted Answer

They move into your review queue and come back at spaced intervals — shorter while you don't have them down, longer once you do.

Question 22

Is there a vocabulary trainer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The vocabulary trainer works from a curated pool (DTZ topics or the TOEFL Academic Word List) and uses progressive hints instead of plain flashcards. Your progress feeds back into the plan automatically.

Question 23

Does Preparaio work offline?

Accepted Answer

An internet connection is currently required because scoring and feedback are computed live. The app is optimised for mobile — perfect for the commute.

Question 24

Can I try Preparaio for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you create an account a free trial with full functionality starts automatically. You only decide afterwards whether to continue.

Question 25

What does Preparaio cost after the trial?

Accepted Answer

Current pricing is on the pricing page. Monthly plans without a minimum term — you can cancel any time.

Question 26

How do I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel any time to the end of the minimum term — via the cancel button in the Subscription & Billing area or by email to support@preparaio.com. See the T&Cs for details.

Question 27

How do I cancel?

Accepted Answer

In your account under 'Billing → Cancel'. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period; until then you keep full access.

Question 28

Are there special prices for language schools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Schools pay per active student/month with volume discounts — the bigger the school, the cheaper per seat. Details on the 'For schools' page.

Question 29

Where is my data stored?

Accepted Answer

Account and learning data live in our EU database (Supabase). We do not sell data and do not sell ads. Payment (Stripe), AI grading and voice audio (ElevenLabs, OpenAI) rely on processors — see the privacy policy for details. You can delete your account at any time.

Question 30

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

In your account under 'Settings → Account'. Deletion irreversibly removes all of your learning data.

Question 31

I forgot my password.

Accepted Answer

On the sign-in page, click 'Forgot password'. You'll get an email with a link to set a new password.

Question 32

How do I join a school class?

Accepted Answer

With the invitation link or class code your teacher gives you. Your account is then linked to your school automatically.

Question 33

How do I reach support?

Accepted Answer

By email at support@preparaio.com. We usually reply within one business day.

Frequently asked questions

General

DTZ — German for immigrants

TOEFL iBT (2026)

Learning & method

Pricing & free access

Account, data & support

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