DTZ Ratgeber

DTZ not passed – what now? Retake, partial exam, next steps

Von PreparaioAktualisiert am July 11, 2026

Not passing the DTZ is frustrating, but it's not a dead end. In most cases, you can retake the Prüfung – sometimes just the part where you struggled. It's important to analyze the result objectively and avoid making the same mistake in your next attempt.

This article will guide you step-by-step through: understanding your results, weighing retake options, preparing specifically, and re-registering for the Prüfung.

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Step 1: Read the results correctly

The DTZ is assessed separately for each of the four skills – Hören, Lesen, Schreiben, and Sprechen – at a specific CEFR level (A2, B1, or below). "Nicht bestanden" (not passed) in the DTZ usually means: The A2 threshold was not reached in at least one skill, or the required level (often B1 for Einbürgerung) was missed in one area.

Take your time to look at your results sheet: In which parts did you already achieve B1? Where were you at A2? Where did you not even reach A2? Only when you know your profile can you consider the best next step.

Step 2: Honest cause analysis

The most common reasons for a close result are rarely pure lack of knowledge. In practice, it's usually a mix of:

Insufficient practice with the Prüfungsformat – e.g., Lesen Part 5 (Brief-Cloze with 6 MC items) is often underestimated.
Time management – especially in Schreiben, it happens that the Brief remains unfinished.
Lack of feedback in Schreiben and Sprechen – without feedback, you won't notice your own patterns.
Hörverstehen under Prüfung stress – announcements and interviews sound faster in the test than in class.
In Sprechen: too short answers, no dialogue, no genuine Redemittel for planning and comparison.

Step 3: Complete retake or partial exam?

The DTZ can generally be retaken as many times as needed. Whether you have to retake the entire Prüfung or only a part depends on your results and the rules of your Prüfungszentrum.

As a rule of thumb: If you have already reached B1 in some parts and only fell short of the target level in one part, a targeted partial Prüfung may be possible under certain conditions – for example, only the written or only the oral part. You should clarify the exact requirements and whether your result can be "saved" for this directly with your Prüfungszentrum or Integrationskursträger. Don't rely on statements from forums – the official route is best here.

Step 4: Check costs and funding options

If you took the DTZ as part of an Integrationskurs, a one-time free retake is possible under certain conditions – for example, if you did not achieve the desired level and the retake takes place promptly. The current regulations are with the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF); it's best to ask your course provider what applies in your specific case.

If you financed the DTZ yourself, you will pay the Prüfungsgebühr again for the retake. The exact amount is set by the Prüfungszentren.

Step 5: Prepare specifically – don't learn everything anew

The most common mistake after not passing the DTZ is: "I'll just take the course again." That's expensive, slow, and often not what you really need. It's better to train specifically in the areas where you lost points.

A sensible plan:

Diagnosis: Where exactly are you today in each of the four skills? Without reliable baseline values, you're training in the dark.
Prüfungsformat: Work through practice sets from g.a.s.t./telc under realistic conditions – with a timer, without a dictionary.
Schreiben: Write Briefe with feedback. Without feedback, you'll repeat your own mistakes.
Sprechen: Practice Bildbeschreibung and planning dialogues multiple times with a similar structure – automate Redemittel.
Hören and Lesen: Short units daily, instead of one large session per week.

Step 6: When to register for the retake?

Registering too early is expensive, too late can be problematic with Einbürgerung or residence deadlines. A realistic timeframe: Plan several weeks of focused training for each missing half-level (e.g., from A2 to B1) – how many exactly depends on how much time you can invest per week and how large your deficit is in the weakest part.

If a government deadline is pressing, speak with the relevant authority early. Deadlines can often be extended if you can prove that you are actively preparing and have a concrete retake date.

Typical pitfalls when retaking

"I almost passed anyway" – Almost is not enough. Treat the retake with the same seriousness as the first attempt.
Only working through one practice book – a single practice set won't show you your recurring patterns.
Only passive practice (watching videos, reading vocabulary) – DTZ requires active production in Schreiben and Sprechen.
Starting new topics right before the Prüfung – in the last few days, routine counts, not new input.

Häufige Fragen

Can I retake the DTZ multiple times?

Yes, the DTZ can generally be retaken as many times as needed. You should clarify the conditions (costs, possible partial Prüfung) with your Prüfungszentrum or course provider.

Do I always have to retake all four parts?

Not necessarily. Under certain conditions, a partial Prüfung (only written or only oral) is possible if you have already reached the target level in the other part. Ask your Prüfungszentrum.

Will I get a refund for the Prüfungsgebühr?

Generally not. Those who took the DTZ in an Integrationskurs are entitled to a free retake under certain conditions – the details are with the BAMF and the course provider.

How long should I wait between attempts?

That depends on how large your deficit is in the weakest part and how much time you have for training. Retaking too soon rarely brings the desired result.

Will the failed attempt count against me later?

No. Only the result of the passed attempt will be on the certificate; previous failed Prüfungen are not shown there.