04.03.04 · telc German B1 – The central milestone for immigrants

telc German B1.
The entry ticket for
Settlement & Naturalization.

telc German B1 is by far the most important language level for immigrants in Germany. It is needed for the Settlement permit, the Naturalization and many Apprenticeships. The DTZ (German test for immigrants) is one special telc exam at the end of the integration course – also at B1 level.

telc B1Default
DTZIntegration course
120–190 €Examination fee

Target group

Anyone who needs telc B1 or DTZ – the foundation of your stay

B1 is the most frequently required language level in German residence law. Without B1 there is no settlement permit and no naturalization.

01 Legal basis

Settlement permit (Section 9 Residence Act) and naturalization (StAG Section 10)

B1 is mandatory for the following purposes:

  • Settlement permit (permanent residence) – According to Section 9 of the Residence Act, sufficient oral and written language skills at B1 level must be demonstrated.
  • Naturalization (German citizenship) – According to Section 10 StAG, the applicant must have sufficient knowledge of German, in practice B1.
  • Integration course (final) – The German test for immigrants (DTZ) is taken at the end of the integration course. If you pass the B1 you will receive the “DTZ B1” certificate. If you score lower, you get A2.
  • Many apprenticeships – Companies usually expect B1 before training begins.
  • Extension of the residence permit after spouse reunification – after two years, proof of B1 must usually be provided, otherwise there is a risk of non-renewal.
There are hardly any exceptions to the B1 requirement. If you want to stay in Germany permanently, you have to reach this level. The DTZ is free of charge for participants in the integration course (included in the course). Anyone who does not attend the integration course can take the regular telc B1 exam.

Exam format

This is how telc Deutsch B1 works – and the special feature of the DTZ

The regular telc B1 exam and the DTZ have slightly different procedures. Both lead to the B1 certificate, which is equivalent for authorities.

02 Exam structure

Reading & language, listening, writing, speaking – or DTZ with combined exam

partDuration (telc B1)ContentPassing limit
Reading & Language (combined)90 minsLonger everyday texts, newspaper articles, gap texts with grammar (subordinate clauses, subjunctive II, passive).60% in the overall written part
Listenapprox. 30 minutesNews, longer dialogues, interviews, radio reports – play once.
Write30 minsLetter or email (formal/informal), approx. 100 words, with given points.
Speaking (oral)approx. 15 minutes per couple1. Introduction (current topic), 2. Presentation of a self-selected topic, 3. Discussion about an everyday problem.60% of oral points

Special feature DTZ (German test for immigrants)

  • The DTZ is only taken at the end of an integration course and cannot be booked individually.
  • The exam is aimed at B1; if you fail, you will receive an A2 certificate.
  • The process is similar to telc B1, but is a little shorter (reading & listening combined, fewer tasks).
  • The fee is included in the integration course (not separate).
Attention: The regular telc B1 exam is recognized by all authorities, including the DTZ. Anyone who does not attend the integration course must take the regular telc B1 exam. Anyone who takes part in the integration course saves the examination fee, but must attend the course (charges apply, but are heavily subsidized).

Costs & dates

Examination fees, registration deadlines and alternatives

Telc B1 is cheaper than Goethe B1. The DTZ is included in the integration course. The dates are often fully booked - register early.

03 Fees & Booking

Price range regular 120-190 €, DTZ free in the course

  • Regular telc B1 exam: 120-190 € (Volkshochschule usually cheapest).
  • Repetition in writing: approx. 80-110 €.
  • Repetition verbally: approx. 50-70 €.
  • DTZ (integration course): Included in the course price (approx. €1.95 per teaching unit, a total of approx. €700-1,000 for the integration course, but half of this will be refunded if you successfully complete it).

Dates: telc B1 is offered all year round. Registration deadline: 4-6 weeks before the appointment. In popular months (April, September) places are booked up quickly.

If you already have a residence permit, check whether you are entitled to take part in the integration course. Then the DTZ is the most cost-effective and best-structured option. If you are still abroad, you can take telc B1 there - but not DTZ (only in Germany).

Provider comparison

telc B1 vs. Goethe B1 – which one is better for naturalization?

Both are recognized by all authorities. The decision depends on cost, availability and exam format.

criteriontelc B1Goethe B1
Examination fee120–190 €160–220 €
Exam structureComplete written part + oral; no modularityModular (reading, listening, writing, speaking separately)
Notoriety among authoritiesVery high (standard for integration courses)Very high (international gold standard)
Availability in GermanyOver 3,000 centers, many appointmentssignificantly fewer centers, often longer waiting times
Special featureDTZ free of charge as part of the integration courseModule repetition possible, internationally known
Both certificates are equivalent for settlement permits and naturalization. If you attend the integration course, you automatically take DTZ (telc) - that is completely sufficient. If you are not taking an integration course, telc B1 is often the more practical choice due to its greater availability and lower costs.

Preparation

This is how you prepare optimally for telc B1 or DTZ

B1 is a noticeable hurdle. Structured preparation over several months is essential. The integration course is the best preparation for DTZ.

04 Materials & Courses

Integration course vs. language school vs. self-study

The best preparation: integration course

  • Structured lessons (300–400 UE), specifically aimed at DTZ.
  • Costs: €1.95 per unit, half will be refunded after passing the DTZ (approx. €400-500 refund).
  • Side effect: At the same time you receive the orientation course (regional studies) - an important prerequisite for naturalization.

Alternative: telc B1 preparation course (language school)

  • Duration: 3-6 months (approx. 150-200 UE).
  • Cost: €600-1,200 (no refund).
  • Advantage: more flexible, no authorization for integration course required.

Materials for self-learners

  • “Successful to telc German B1” (Klett), “Exam training telc German B1” (Cornelsen).
  • Free model tests on telc.net.
  • Online exercises: Deutsche Welle (B1 course), DeutschAkademie, Schubert-Verlag.
The failure rate for B1 exams (telc and DTZ) is higher than for A1/A2. Do not underestimate the requirements in writing (letter with several points) and in oral discussion (longer speech, argumentation). Plan enough time - from A2 to B1 at least 4-6 months of intensive learning are necessary.

According to B1

What comes after telc B1 – B2 and C1 for studies and academic careers

B1 is the cornerstone for permanent residence. Higher levels are required for academic careers and certain professional qualifications (doctor, pharmacist, teacher).

05 Further examinations

B2, C1 – and when you need them

  • telc B2 – for skilled workers, nursing professions, some training courses with higher requirements.
  • telc C1 University – for studying at universities (is accepted by many universities).
  • Goethe-C1 or TestDaF 4×4 – more universally recognized alternatives for university entrance.

If you have already achieved your settlement permit or naturalization with B1, a higher language level is no longer legally necessary. It can still make sense for your career.

After passing the B1 and receiving your residence permit, you shouldn't stop learning - especially if you want to work or study in the medical field. B2/C1 then open up further paths.

Next steps

A2Before B1

telc German A2

→ IKBest preparation

Integration course & DTZ

→ B2According to B1

B2 for work & studies

→ §Application

Naturalization – all requirements

→

You now know that telc B1 is the key to your permanent residence prospects.
Let's clarify together whether the integration course is the right path for you - or whether you should take the regular telc B1 exam.

assess the situation→

Free · No obligation · 30-45 minutes

Editorial transparency

As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.