telc B1 or DTZ: which exam do you need?
Both lead to B1 but are different exams. The DTZ is the final exam of the German integration course and is scored on a scale between A2 and B1 — so you get a result even if you don't reach B1. telc Deutsch B1 is a single-level exam: pass or fail.
| Criterion | telc Deutsch B1 | DTZ (A2–B1) |
|---|---|---|
| Рівень | B1 | B1 |
| Country | DE / AT | DE |
| Parts | 4 | 4 |
| Objective items | 60 | 45 |
| Written duration | 150 min | 100 min |
| Speaking duration | 15 min | 16 min |
| Pass mark | 60% | 60% |
| Sections | Leseverstehen + Sprachbausteine, Hörverstehen, Schriftlicher Ausdruck, Mündlicher Ausdruck | Hören, Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen |
Which should you choose?
- ·If you are attending an integration course, the DTZ is the exam intended for you — the cost is usually covered.
- ·If you need to prove B1 for study, work or professional recognition, telc B1 is a clear and widely accepted level certificate.
- ·The DTZ's scaled scoring helps if you're unsure: an A2 result is better than a fail with nothing to show.
- ·Always confirm with the requesting body (BAMF, immigration office, employer) which certificate they accept before booking.
This page explains exam structure and is not legal or official advice. Requirements for residence, citizenship or recognition must be checked with the responsible authority — they change.
Try both exams before you decide
On Bestehn you can generate a full mock exam for each, with exactly the structure above — so you can see which suits you before paying an exam fee.