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telc B1 or DTZ — booking the right exam
Last updated: July 20, 2026
Two similarly named B1 exams, two very different purposes. Those who book the wrong one lose time and exam fees — and the one document the authority actually wants to see.
"telc" and "DTZ" are registered trademarks of their respective providers (telc gGmbH and BAMF examination partners). This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially linked to either provider.
The important difference in one paragraph
The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) is a scaled exam: the same test measures A2 and B1 simultaneously. So you can "pass" A2 with a DTZ exam, even if you aimed for B1. telc Deutsch B1 is a pure B1 exam: you either pass B1 or you don't, there is no automatic "A2 as a consolation prize".
For most residence-related purposes in Germany (permanent residence permit, naturalization, Integrationskurs completion), the DTZ is the standard exam. telc B1 is more suitable wherever a clear B1 certificate is required — professional recognition, university preparatory courses, language proof for employers outside the Integrationskurs chain.
Structure and evaluation — what differs
Both exams test all four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) and take a similar amount of time in total. The DTZ has a stronger everyday relevance (official letter, form, picture description) and is geared towards the topics of the Integrationskurs. telc B1 is broader in topics (leisure, profession, society) and somewhat more neutral in form.
The evaluation is different: DTZ issues a certificate that shows either A2 or B1 in the respective skill block — so you can score "B1 in listening, A2 in writing" in the DTZ. telc B1 issues an overall grade with a percentage (very good, good, satisfactory, sufficient, not passed).
- DTZ — scaled exam (A2/B1), strongly aligned with Integrationskurs, mostly funded by BAMF.
- telc B1 — pure B1 exam, broad range of topics, usually has to be paid for by the test-takers themselves.
- DTZ certificate distinguishes between listening/reading comprehension (A2 or B1) and writing/speaking performance (A2 or B1) — both blocks individually.
- telc B1 certificate shows overall result and partial grades, no A2 downgrade.
Which exam your authority wants
For the application for a permanent residence permit according to §9 AufenthG, the immigration office usually accepts the DTZ (B1 in both blocks) or an "equivalent" B1 certificate — telc B1 is among them. If you have already passed the DTZ, you do not need to submit telc B1 additionally.
For naturalization according to §10 StAG, language proficiency at B1 level is required. DTZ B1 is accepted; telc B1 is accepted. As a rule, the exam that unequivocally proves B1 language proficiency is accepted. Always ask your specific authority which proofs they want to see.
For professional purposes (recognition of qualifications, employer requirements), telc B1 is often the clearer choice because the certificate clearly shows B1. While the DTZ can formally reach B1 level, some employers do not immediately interpret it as "pure" B1.
Costs and access
The DTZ is often covered by BAMF as part of the Integrationskurs. Those who do not complete an Integrationskurs can also take the DTZ as a self-payer; the fee is usually significantly lower than that of telc B1. telc B1 is not subsidized and must be borne by the test-takers themselves.
Exam dates for the DTZ are usually linked to Integrationskurs cycles — plannable, but not as flexible as telc B1 dates, which are offered by numerous examination centers several times a year.