DTZ Exam A2–B1: Format, Duration and Scoring
Understand the DTZ exam format, timing, tasks and B1 score thresholds. Includes an original writing example, checklist and targeted practice.
The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, known as the DTZ, has a 100-minute written exam and an oral exam of about 16 minutes. You complete listening, reading, writing and speaking tasks. To receive an overall B1 result, you need B1 in speaking and B1 in either listening and reading or writing.
The DTZ is a scaled exam. You do not register separately for A2 or B1. Your performance determines whether your certificate shows A2 or B1. BAMF states that candidates whose result falls below A2 receive a result sheet instead of a language certificate. This guide explains the current format using information from g.a.s.t. and BAMF. Your test centre remains responsible for your date, registration and exam-day rules.
DTZ at a glance
- Written exam
- 100 minutes: listening about 25 minutes, reading 45 minutes and writing 30 minutes.
- Oral exam
- About 16 minutes, usually with a partner and without preparation time.
- Comprehension tasks
- 20 listening tasks and 25 reading tasks. Each correct answer earns one point.
- Writing
- One message, letter or email. You choose one of two prompts and cover four content points.
- Overall B1 result
- B1 in speaking plus B1 in at least one written area: listening and reading or writing.
Written DTZ exam sequence
The written exam follows a fixed order. You start with listening, continue with reading and finish by writing one text. The invigilator tells you when you may turn the page. The exam does not include extra transfer time. Only answers on the answer sheet count, and you must transfer them within the time for that section.
Exam sections, timing and tasks
| Section | Time | Format | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 25 minutes | 4 parts, 20 tasks | You hear each recording once. Mark every answer on the answer sheet. |
| Reading | 45 minutes | 5 parts, 25 tasks | Texts cover daily life, work, school, authorities and public services. |
| Writing | 30 minutes | 1 text, choose from 2 prompts | Cover all four content points in one connected text. |
| Speaking | About 16 minutes | 3 task parts | You speak with the examiners and usually with another candidate. |
These details follow g.a.s.t. A test centre may organize listening and reading as one written session, but the stated working times still apply.
Listening: 20 points in about 25 minutes
The listening section has four parts and 20 tasks. You hear announcements, recorded messages, conversations and statements from daily life. g.a.s.t. states that each recording plays once and includes the required pauses. Use the seconds before each task to identify names, times, places and the exact question. Do not choose an answer because you heard one familiar word. The correct answer must match the full statement.
Useful listening strategy
- Read the answer options before the recording starts.
- Listen for corrections such as “not Monday, but Tuesday.”
- Choose an answer and keep pace with the next task.
- Transfer your answers to the answer sheet within the given time.
Reading: 25 points in 45 minutes
The reading section has five parts and 25 tasks. You work with notices, advertisements, messages, emails, short media reports, product information and other everyday texts. Find the information requested in the question first. Then read the sentence before and after it. This check helps you reject options that repeat a matching word but change the meaning.
A 45-minute reading plan
- Complete clear matching tasks and short texts first.
- Mark difficult tasks and continue if you have no secure answer after about one minute.
- Use the final minutes for unanswered tasks and the answer sheet.
- Check negatives, conditions, dates and times with care.
Writing: one task in 30 minutes
You choose one of two prompts. The situation gives you four content points. Your text needs a suitable greeting, a clear purpose and a closing. g.a.s.t. does not set a minimum word count. A text below about 40 words gives assessors little evidence for B1 accuracy and vocabulary. Write enough to connect all four points. Complete one prompt because the assessors score one text.
Original writing example: appointment with the property manager
Deutsch Exams practice scenario, not an official exam task: The heating in your apartment does not work. Write to the property manager. Describe the problem, say when it started, suggest an appointment and ask for a reply. Model text in German: Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, seit gestern funktioniert die Heizung in meiner Wohnung nicht mehr. Alle Heizkörper bleiben kalt, obwohl ich sie aufgedreht habe. Am Dienstag bin ich ab 14 Uhr zu Hause. Kann ein Techniker an diesem Nachmittag kommen? Bitte schreiben Sie mir kurz, wann der Termin möglich ist. Mit freundlichen Grüßen Samira Haddad The text covers all four content points and connects them in one message. The sentences remain short. The writer explains the problem, gives an available time and requests a specific reply.
Writing check before submission
- Did I address the correct person or organization?
- Did I include all four content points?
- Can the recipient understand my request without guessing?
- Did I check the greeting, punctuation, verbs and closing?
Speaking: three task parts without preparation time
The oral exam lasts about 16 minutes. It usually takes place with two candidates, although an individual exam is possible. Two examiners attend. One leads the conversation and the other focuses on assessment. You receive no preparation time. The tasks check whether you can introduce yourself, describe an experience, exchange information and plan something together. Give complete answers, respond to your partner and ask a relevant follow-up question.
Speaking practice that matches the exam
- Practise a short introduction covering where you live, family, work, languages and interests.
- Describe a topic in several connected sentences instead of isolated words.
- Respond to suggestions with agreement, disagreement and an alternative.
- Practise without a written script because the exam provides no preparation time.
Assessment and score thresholds
g.a.s.t. combines listening and reading for the result. Writing and speaking receive separate level ratings. Trained assessors rate writing for communicative design, range of expression, accuracy and content. Two assessors independently rate speaking for pronunciation and intonation, accuracy, range of expression and task completion.
Score ranges published by g.a.s.t.
| Level | Listening and reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | 33–45 points | 15–20 points | 75–100 points |
| A2 | 20–32 points | 7–14 points | 35–74.5 points |
| Below A2 | 0–19 points | 0–6 points | 0–34.5 points |
The sections use different scales. Do not add the three columns to calculate your own overall score.
Requirements for an overall B1 result
You need B1 in speaking. You also need B1 in listening and reading or B1 in writing. A B1 listening and reading result can compensate for an A2 writing result. A B1 writing result can compensate for an A2 listening and reading result. An A2 speaking result cannot produce an overall B1 result. BAMF describes the same combination rule for an overall A2 result: you need A2 in speaking and A2 in at least one written area.
Overall-result examples
| Listening and reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall result |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | A2 | B1 | B1 |
| A2 | B1 | B1 | B1 |
| B1 | B1 | A2 | A2 |
| A2 | A2 | A2 | A2 |
These examples explain the combination rule. Your official result sheet or certificate remains the binding result.
A study plan for the final week
Seven days with specific tasks
- Day 1: Complete one listening test under timed conditions and record the information you missed.
- Day 2: Complete one reading test in 45 minutes and group mistakes by negative wording, detail, vocabulary or time pressure.
- Day 3: Plan two responses with four content points, then write one full text in 30 minutes.
- Day 4: Record your introduction and a short account of an experience. Check sentence structure, clarity and pauses.
- Day 5: Practise planning with another person or fixed roles. Respond to each suggestion.
- Day 6: Simulate the 100-minute written exam without a break.
- Day 7: Review two error types, prepare your documents and finish studying early.
Exam-day checklist
- Check the time, address and instructions from your test centre.
- Bring the required identification and permitted writing materials.
- Allow enough time for your journey.
- Listen to the instructions and open task pages only when the invigilator tells you.
- Mark all answers on the answer sheet.
- Keep the speaking conversation going if you cannot remember one word.
After the exam: results and file inspection
Your test centre tells you how it will provide your result. Follow its information about waiting times because dates and processing times can change. g.a.s.t. lets candidates request an inspection of their DTZ records. You can view your listening and reading answer sheets, writing sheet and oral assessment. You cannot view the task booklets or solutions. g.a.s.t. requires the request within three months after notification of the result. An inspection does not produce a new assessment, but it can show which area reached A2, B1 or below A2.
Three mistakes to avoid
- The DTZ is a scaled A2–B1 exam. Your certificate can show A2 or B1.
- A strong reading result cannot replace the required B1 speaking result.
- A longer writing response does not earn more points by length. Assessors judge clarity, content, expression and accuracy.
Use this guide to plan your preparation, then practise each section under the official time limit. Start with the area where you do not yet reach B1 with consistency. Review your errors before repeating a test so you learn the reason for each answer. Deutsch Exams separates listening, reading, writing and speaking practice so you can target each skill.
Matching DTZ practice
Choose the exam section you want to practise under the official time limit.
Open all DTZ test sets and combine the four language skills.
Train with listening texts, answer choices and the pace of the listening section.
Work with everyday texts, detail questions and the 45-minute time limit.
Write messages with four content points and a clear structure.
Practise introducing yourself, describing an experience and planning together.