DTZ B1 Test Changes from November: Why You Cannot Ignore Writing

This has moved beyond a draft

The amendment to the Integrationskurstestverordnung—the regulation governing integration-course tests—was published in the Federal Law Gazette on 20 October 2026 as BGBl. 2026 I No. 306. It takes effect on 1 November 2026.

Earlier coverage referred to an Interior Ministry draft. The published amendment is now the relevant reference for the change. If your exam is close to the changeover, ask your test centre to confirm the arrangements for your test date.

What is the DTZ?

DTZ stands for Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, meaning German Test for Immigrants. It is the language test used at the end of an integration course.

Its result combines three assessed areas: speaking, listening/reading, and writing. Listening and reading form one combined scoring area; writing is assessed separately.

This article concerns the DTZ scoring rule. Do not assume that a different provider’s B1 examination uses the same result combinations.

What changes from 1 November?

Speaking must still be at B1. At least one of the other two areas—listening/reading or writing—must also be B1. The new requirement is that the remaining area must reach at least A2.

Until the change takes effect, §10(1) requires B1 in speaking and at least one of those other two areas, without this additional A2 minimum.

A2 and B1 are levels on the European language scale. A2 describes basic communication; B1 describes more independent use of the language. The amendment does not require B1 in every area.

• Speaking: B1 is required.
• Listening/reading or writing: at least one must be B1.
• The other area: at least A2 is required.

Three result examples

These simplified examples illustrate the new overall-B1 rule, rather than individual point thresholds:

• Speaking B1 + listening/reading B1 + writing A2: meets the overall-B1 combination.
• Speaking B1 + writing B1 + listening/reading A2: also meets it.
• Speaking B1 + listening/reading B1 + writing below A2: does not meet the new overall-B1 rule.

Why writing deserves more attention

If listening and reading are your strengths, it can be tempting to spend most of your preparation time there. Under the new rule, leaving writing blank or performing below A2 in that area will prevent an overall B1 result, even if speaking and listening/reading reach B1.

The same minimum works in the other direction: a strong writing result does not remove the need for at least A2 in listening/reading.

For everyday life, writing also has a practical value beyond the certificate. You may need to explain a problem to a landlord, request a different appointment or respond to a school message. Being able to write a short, understandable message helps you handle these situations yourself.

Globe Pravasi perspective: practise complete messages

Our advice is to make writing a small, regular habit rather than leave it until the last week. Start with a realistic situation and finish the whole message.

For example: you cannot attend an appointment. Explain why, suggest an alternative and ask for confirmation. This is a practice scenario, not an official DTZ task.

Ask a teacher to assess whether you answered every part of the task and whether the message is understandable. Memorised opening phrases can help with structure, but you still need to respond to the actual situation.

• Practise a short message regularly, using authorised preparation material.
• Read every instruction and address each requested point.
• Use a suitable greeting and closing.
• Review sentence order, verb forms and whether the reader can understand your request.
• Get feedback on your weakest area as well as your strongest one.

What to check if your exam is coming up

Confirm your exam date and the scoring guidance with your course provider or test centre. Ask for current, authorised preparation materials and an assessment of your writing level.

Avoid anyone selling leaked questions, promised results or certificates without a proper exam. Preparation should build the skills you need to demonstrate.

This amendment concerns how the DTZ result is calculated. It does not itself announce a cancellation of previously issued certificates. If you have a question about an existing certificate or a residence application, check your individual case with the responsible body.

Your next step

Take one recent practice message to your teacher and ask: does this reach A2, and what would make it B1? That gives you a more useful starting point than guessing from your speaking confidence.

The goal is not perfect German in every sentence. It is a complete, relevant and understandable response, assessed against the test’s criteria.