What you need to know about the DTZ B1 exam

🎯 How the DTZ B1 Exam Works – a Simple Explanation Without Boring Instructions

If you are planning to take the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) at the B1 level, you probably already have lots of questions:

How long does the exam last? What exactly do they ask? And why does everyone say there’s no break?

Let’s go through everything calmly and clearly.

🧠 What exactly is the DTZ?

DTZ is an official German language exam that tests how well you can handle real-life situations in Germany.

Since 2023, the exam has been administered by g.a.s.t., which continues the tradition of the previous DTZ format. The main structure of the test remains the same – clear, logical, and closely connected to real life.

The exam consists of two parts:

• Written part (Listening, Reading, Writing) – lasts exactly 100 minutes without a break.
• Oral part (Speaking) – conducted separately in pairs and lasts 16 minutes.

🎧 LISTENING – the part where you must not panic

🕒 Time: 25 minutes
📋 4 parts / 20 tasks

This part checks how well you understand spoken German. All recordings are played only once, so focus on the main idea rather than on every single word.

1. Public announcements and phone messages – 4 tasks. You must understand who, where, and what needs to be done.
2. Short information messages – 5 tasks. Tests your ability to recognize specific facts.
3. Four short dialogues (two questions each, 8 tasks total) – you must identify who says what and why.
4. Different opinions on one topic – 3 tasks. Determine who thinks what.

💡 Tip: Don’t translate in your head. Listen for the overall idea. Even if you don’t know a few words, you can still understand the meaning.

Practice Listening here 👉🏻 https://deutsch-vorbereitung.com/hoeren-b1-dtz-gast-uebungen-2-pruefung-3.html

📖 READING – where logic wins, not vocabulary

🕒 Time: 45 minutes
📋 5 parts / 25 tasks

The reading section of the DTZ is not about knowing every word but about being able to find the right information and understand the logic of the text.

1. Catalogs, lists, timetables – find the specific details.
2. Advertisements and notices – match the situations with the correct ads.
3. Press texts and letters – identify facts and opinions.
4. Brochures and information leaflets – decide whether the statements are true or false.
5. Letter with gaps – insert the correct words.

💡 Tip: Don’t worry about unknown words – they don’t stop you from understanding the meaning. Focus on the logic, not on translation.

Our explanations for each exercise can help you 👉🏻 https://deutsch-vorbereitung.com/lesen-b1-dtz-gast-uebungen-2-pruefung-3.html

✍️ WRITING – how to write a letter that earns you B1

🕒 Time: 30 minutes
📋 1 task

You get two topics (A and B) and choose one. Usually, it’s a semi-formal letter – a complaint, request, inquiry, or message. The most important thing: respond to all four points in the task.

If you skip two points, even perfect grammar won’t get you above A2.

💡 Tip: Use a clear structure: Greeting – Introduction – Main part – Ending. That’s the foundation of a successful letter.

🎥 Still afraid of the Writing part? Watch my video lesson!
Here’s the link 👉🏻 https://deutsch-vorbereitung.com/product-1.html

In one hour, I show you how to write any DTZ B1 letter easily and confidently – no stress, just structure and strategy. You’ll learn which phrases always work, how to answer all the points, and how to end your letter beautifully to get your B1 score.

This is the same lesson I explained in my webinar – practical, clear, and 100% useful.

🗣️ SPEAKING – the part where you just talk

🕒 Time: 16 minutes
📋 3 parts

The speaking part takes place in pairs. It’s a dialogue, not an interrogation. The examiner simply wants to see how you communicate in real life.

1. Introduce yourself and answer simple questions – basic personal communication.
2. Describe a picture and react to your partner – tests your ability to describe and interact.
3. Plan something together (for example, a celebration) – tests your ability to agree and cooperate.

💡 Tip: Don’t memorize. Speak simply but naturally. Add short emotional reactions like “Das finde ich gut” or “Was meinst du?” – they make you sound confident and authentic.

📚 Want to know which topics, pictures, and questions appear in the exam? Find all current examples and picture descriptions here 👉🏻
https://deutsch-vorbereitung.com/sprechen-b1-dtz-gast-uebungen-2-pruefung-3.html

There you’ll find real GAST topics, typical examiner follow-up questions, and model answers – everything you need to pass the oral DTZ B1 confidently.

📋 Rules you should know in advance

All other official rules are listed here 👉🏻
Official BAMF Guide

• The written part lasts exactly 100 minutes without a break.
• You may only have your ID, pen, and water on the table.
• Phones, dictionaries, and notes are prohibited.
• Use only blue or black pens.
• To correct mistakes: fill the box and mark a new cross.
• Lost time cannot be recovered.

🧮 How the DTZ B1 is assessed according to GAST rules

The DTZ result consists of three parts:

• Listening and Reading – assessed together
• Writing – written expression
• Speaking – oral expression

To get the B1 certificate, you must reach B1 in the speaking part and at least one of the written parts (Listening/Reading or Writing).

📊 Scoring:

Listening and Reading: 45 tasks = 45 points. 33–45 points = B1, 20–32 = A2, 0–19 = below A2.

Writing: Four criteria – content, communication, accuracy, vocabulary. Each up to 5 points, total 20. 15–20 = B1, 7–14 = A2, 0–6 = below A2.

Speaking: Evaluated by two examiners, maximum 100 points. 75–100 = B1, 35–74.5 = A2, 0–34.5 = below A2.

📜 How the certificate level is determined:

• B1: B1 in the speaking part and at least one written part on B1.
• A2: A2 in the speaking part and at least one written part on A2.
• Below A2: If the speaking part is below A2 – no certificate is issued.

Examples:
Listening/Reading – B1, Writing – A2, Speaking – B1 → Certificate B1.
Listening/Reading – B1, Writing – A2, Speaking – A2 → Certificate A2.

💬 The main thing to remember

DTZ is not a memorization exam. It checks how you actually live and communicate in German.

Don’t be afraid of mistakes – only of silence.
Listen, read, speak, write – and by exam day, German will feel like a tool, not a test.