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DTZ: A2 or B1? How Many Points Do You Need for B1?

V‑IZ Editorial 4 min read

DTZ: A2 or B1? The Short Answer

The DTZ is one test, but it has two possible results: A2 or B1. You don’t register for “A2” or “B1”; instead, you take the same test as everyone else. Only after the exam does it become clear which level you’ve reached. Your certificate can even be mixed—for example, B1 in listening but A2 in writing.

For B1 in listening and reading, you need at least 33 of 45 points. For A2, 20 of 45 points suffice. In writing and speaking, you don’t count points; instead, two examiners decide whether your performance corresponds to A2 or B1.

How Is the DTZ Structured?

The DTZ tests four skills. It consists of a written and an oral section:

  1. Listening and Reading (evaluated together, 45 tasks total)
  2. Writing (a short letter, roughly half a page)
  3. Speaking (oral exam, usually in pairs, about 16 minutes)

The written section takes about 100 minutes. With breaks and the oral exam, you’ll spend roughly 3.5 hours total.

How Many Points Do You Need for B1? (Exact numbers)

Listening and Reading

These two sections are added together. There are 45 tasks:

  • 20 to 32 correct tasks → A2
  • 33 or more correct tasks → B1

Anyone with fewer than 20 correct tasks does not achieve a certified level in this section.

Writing and Speaking

Here there’s no fixed point total like “33 of 45”. Instead, two trained examiners rate your performance according to set criteria (for example: How well do you complete the task? How correct is your grammar?). They decide for each section separately: A2 or B1.

Your Overall Result

Your certificate shows a separate level for each skill. Example:

  • Listening/Reading: B1
  • Writing: B1
  • Speaking: A2

In this case, you’ve achieved B1 in two out of three areas. Which level counts overall depends on what you need it for (for example, naturalization).

Why Is B1 So Important?

For many official procedures, B1 is the standard, not A2:

  • Naturalization (German passport): B1 is typically required. So you don’t need a general C1, as some think. B1 is sufficient as a language credential.
  • Unlimited residence permit: B1 is often required here as well.

If your goal is naturalization, you should aim to achieve B1 in all sections, not just pass.

Didn’t Pass the DTZ or Only Got A2? Your Options

If you only achieve A2, it’s not the end of the world. You have several paths:

  1. Retake the DTZ. If you’ve completed an integration course, you can typically retake the DTZ once at no cost. Ask your course provider or BAMF for the exact conditions.
  2. Take a different B1 test. The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and telc Deutsch B1 are also recognized for naturalization.

These alternatives are structured differently:

  • Goethe-Zertifikat B1 consists of four modules (reading, listening, writing, speaking). You can take the modules individually and retake them individually. A module counts as passed from 60 of 100 points. If you only fail one module, you only retake that one.
  • telc Deutsch B1 requires 60 percent of points. If you don’t pass the written section, you can retake just that section.

How to Prepare Specifically for B1

The most common reason for an A2 result is that only the first 20 to 32 tasks are solved confidently, but that extra gap to 33 is missing. Three tips:

  • Practice with real sample tests. You’ll find free practice sets on the BAMF and Goethe-Institut websites. That way you know the format exactly.
  • Train writing and speaking specifically. These sections often determine A2 or B1, but they’re frequently neglected.
  • Study systematically at B1 level. A good course will get you safely over the B1 threshold. Our online B1 course prepares you with a real teacher, the Hueber textbook “Schritte plus Neu,” and an AI trainer for speaking, pronunciation, and letters, specifically targeting exams like DTZ, telc, and Goethe.

Conclusion

The DTZ is a test with two outcomes: A2 or B1. For B1, you need 33 of 45 points in listening and reading, and in writing and speaking, the examiners must confirm B1 level for you. Since naturalization typically requires B1, it’s worth aiming for B1 from the start. If you only achieve A2 on the DTZ, you can retake it or switch to Goethe B1 or telc B1. With good preparation, especially at B1 level, the B1 goal is well within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DTZ A2 or B1?

Both are possible. The DTZ is a single test that produces either an A2 or B1 certificate depending on your performance. You don't choose a level beforehand; instead, you take the same test as everyone else, and the result shows your level.

How many points do you need on the DTZ for B1?

In the listening and reading section, you need at least 33 of 45 points for B1. With 20 to 32 points, you achieve A2. In writing and speaking, there's no fixed point total; instead, two examiners evaluate whether your performance meets A2 or B1 standards.

Is B1 enough for naturalization, or do I need C1?

Naturalization typically requires B1, not C1. B1 as a language credential is sufficient for a German passport. The DTZ with a B1 result, the Goethe-Zertifikat B1, and telc Deutsch B1 are all recognized.

What if I only achieve A2 on the DTZ?

You can typically retake the DTZ once if you've completed an integration course. Alternatively, you can take another recognized B1 test, such as Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or telc Deutsch B1. Ask your course provider about the exact conditions.

Can I retake individual sections of the Goethe-Zertifikat B1?

Yes. The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 consists of four modules: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. You can take the modules individually and retake them individually. A module counts as passed from 60 out of 100 points. So you don't have to retake the entire exam.

How long does the DTZ take?

The written section with listening, reading, and writing takes about 100 minutes. Add the oral exam of about 16 minutes. With breaks and administrative time, you should plan for about 3.5 hours total.