DTZ result: when it arrives, what A2/B1 means and what the certificate shows

The administration and execution of the DTZ has been handled by g.a.s.t. since January 1, 2023. The time between the exam date and the notification of results can vary depending on the test center and the processing workload; your test center will inform you as soon as the result is available.

Depending on the test center, the result will either be made available for collection or communicated through the designated channel.

The DTZ shows three result areas. Listening and Reading are combined into a single written result; Writing and Speaking are each shown separately.

For an overall B1 result, you must achieve B1 in Speaking and additionally have B1 in at least one of the two written result areas: either in Listening and Reading or in Writing.

Therefore, a mixed profile is possible. An A2 in Writing, for example, does not automatically preclude an overall B1 if Listening and Reading are jointly B1 and Speaking is also at B1.

A2 and B1 are proficiency levels from the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). They describe what you can do in a language – not how many vocabulary words or rules you know.

If you do not reach the required level, you can retake the DTZ. A partial retake of individual exam components is not foreseen: If you retake the exam, the written and oral parts must be completely re-taken; previous partial results will not be carried over.

For naturalization, sufficient proof of German language skills is generally required. For the DTZ, the officially designated overall result is decisive; the DTZ rule does not require B1 in each of the four individual skills, but forms the overall result from the three result areas according to the official DTZ logic.

Which documents are accepted in your specific naturalization procedure is decided by the responsible authority. Therefore, in an ongoing procedure, check the current requirements with the relevant authority.

Keep the original safe and make copies or scans as needed. For questions regarding issuance, results, or a replacement certificate, your test center or g.a.s.t. is the correct point of contact.

Whether and how current a language certificate needs to be for a specific administrative or application purpose depends on the institution that requests it. Clarify this directly with the responsible authority for time-sensitive procedures.