Is the integration course enough to pass the DTZ with B1?

The short answer

The integration course is designed to take you to the B1 level and ends with the German test for immigrants (DTZ). Whether you achieve the overall result B1 depends on your performance in the tested areas. Success rates change depending on the period, type of course and group of participants; a single percentage is therefore not a reliable personal forecast.

That doesn’t mean the course is bad. It gives you a solid foundation. But whether it’s enough for B1 in the end often depends on what you do extra, especially when it comes to speaking and writing.

What is the integration course?

The general integration course includes a total of 700 teaching hours:

• 600 hour language course: divided into a basic course and an advanced course (300 hours each, 3 modules of 100 hours each).
• 100 hour orientation course: Law, history, culture and life in Germany.

The goal is clear: all participants should reach the level B1 at the end. The course ends with two exams: the DTZ (language) and the “Living in Germany” test (orientation).

How does the DTZ work?

The DTZ is a special test because it measures two levels at the same time: A2 and B1. In practice, a DTZ certificate may show B1, A2 or an insufficient result.

The test has two major parts:

1. Written (individual exam, around 100 minutes): listening, reading and writing.
2. Oral (pair test): You speak together with another person.

Each part is evaluated individually. In practice, a DTZ certificate may show B1, A2 or an insufficient result. Important: For most important goals, especially naturalization, you need the result B1. A DTZ with A2 is not enough for this.

Why is the course not enough for many?

If the result isn’t enough for B1, it’s rarely due to a lack of will. Several factors often come into play:

• The pace is fast. In 600 hours from zero to B1 is a lot of material in a short time. Once you lose touch, it’s difficult to keep up.
• Speaking and writing are difficult. You listen and read a lot in class, but each individual is often neglected to speak freely and write letters because the group is large.
• The groups are very mixed. Some have to learn the Latin script first, others learn quickly. A teacher cannot find the perfect pace for everyone.
• Little practice at home. If you only practice German in the course and otherwise speak your native language, your progress will be slower.

The repetition shows the problem clearly: If you write DTZ again, you reach B1 even less often. So it’s worth being well prepared the first time.

How to increase your chance of B1

The course is the basis. These steps make the difference between A2 and B1:

1. Some German every day. Even 20 to 30 minutes regularly will bring more than a lot of learning just before the exam.
2. Practice speaking, not just reading. Speak out loud, record yourself, listen to yourself. The oral examination decides.
3. Write letters and texts. The writing part in DTZ is very formulaic (invitation, complaint, apology). Anyone who has practiced this will collect secure points.
4. Train with real practice sets. Take model tests so that the format doesn’t surprise you on exam day.
5. Complete one level cleanly before the next one comes. If you really master A1 and A2, it will be much easier with B1.

This is exactly where an additional online course can usefully complement the integration course.

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What if it’s not enough for B1?

No need to panic. In many cases you can request a retake of up to 300 hours and another free exam from BAMF. The rules for this have recently become stricter, so always ask your course provider or BAMF directly what applies in your situation.

And for naturalization the following still applies: B1 is the standard. The reform of 2024/2025 has not changed this. A higher level like C1 is not necessary. The previous faster naturalization after three years was abolished on October 30, 2025.

Conclusion

The integration course is a good foundation, but not a sure-fire success. With regular practice at home, especially when speaking and writing, you will prepare yourself more specifically for the requirements of the DTZ.