DTZ
Englisch
Many participants refer to a “DTZ A1 exam”, but strictly speaking, this test does not exist as a separate A1 exam. What is meant: The so-called German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) is officially designed to assess levels A2 to B1. However, if someone achieves fewer points and does not meet the A2 requirements, they receive an official certificate at A1 level.
The DTZ is a standardized language exam offered within integration courses in Germany. It was developed by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) in cooperation with TestDaF and telc. Its goal is to assess practical German skills for everyday use – at levels A2 or B1.
Candidates whose language performance is below A2 level are issued a certificate for A1. Even though the test aims for A2 or B1, the actual level is determined individually – making it possible even for beginners to receive an officially recognized language certificate.
An A1 certificate from the DTZ can be important for obtaining residence permits, family reunification, or entering the job market. It proves that someone can manage basic communication in everyday situations in German.
The DTZ consists of a written and an oral part:
The topics come from everyday life: work, housing, health, shopping, family. The goal is to test practical language use – even at the most basic level.
The evaluation follows uniform criteria by telc. For A1, it is enough to understand and use simple words, fixed phrases, and very basic sentences. It is not necessary to complete all tasks perfectly – even participants with limited language skills can receive an official certificate.
Olena, our exam expert and founder of this platform, explains: “Many of my students were initially very unsure and afraid of the DTZ. But thanks to the graded scoring system, the test is a real opportunity – even for absolute beginners. Those who prepare with basic dialogues and focus on the oral part can realistically achieve an A1 certificate.”
One participant reports: “I had only been in Germany for 6 months and was afraid of the exam. In the end, I received A1 – and that really helped me at the immigration office.” A language teacher from Cologne adds: “Even those with minimal German skills should not shy away from the test. The A1 certificate is often accepted – and encourages learners to continue.”
The DTZ A1 exam is not an independent exam – but it can be an important milestone on your journey to mastering German. With targeted preparation, clear learning goals, and regular practice, even beginners can successfully earn this important certificate.
andrijana ristic: „As someone who is passionate about teaching German, I can confidently say that this platform has exceeded my expectations in every respect. It is very practical for improving skills in each module, whether learners study independently, in teacher-led classes, or in group courses. What makes “Vorbereitung mit BO” stand out is its dynamic and interactive approach to language acquisition, making it an excellent quality tool for both students and teachers.“
Hanna Boltinova: „Thanks to the preparation with Olena, I successfully passed the B1 exam. The online lessons were interesting, I was motivated to do homework, and developed a real interest in the German language ☺️ Thank you, Olena — I recommend you to everyone!“
Anna Chin: „Hello, from August to October I prepared for the B1 exam with Olena. As a result, I passed the exam and received my B1 certificate. I would like to say that the training with Olena gave me more knowledge than the courses, because during those months my listening, reading, and writing skills improved noticeably. Speaking, of course, depends on vocabulary, but we practiced dialogues and naturally spoke more together as well.“
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