Germany is set to introduce stricter scoring requirements for its German-language test for immigrants from November 1, 2026, requiring candidates to demonstrate at least A2-level proficiency in every assessed area to qualify for a B1 result.
The revised rules apply to the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ), an examination commonly taken by migrants at the end of integration courses. Under the changes, candidates who perform below A2 in any required section, including writing, will no longer qualify for a B1 result, even if they score highly in other areas.
The changes are intended to address reported cases of examination fraud involving candidates who allegedly used answers obtained online to complete the listening and reading sections while leaving the writing section blank.
What Changes Under the New Rules?
Under the revised DTZ assessment requirements, candidates must achieve B1 proficiency in speaking and at least one of two other assessed areas: listening and reading, or writing.
The remaining area must reach at least A2. This means candidates can no longer obtain an overall B1 result by performing well in selected sections while failing to demonstrate basic proficiency in another.
Previously, candidates could qualify for B1 by achieving the required level in speaking and either listening and reading or writing, without a minimum A2 requirement in the remaining area.
The new requirements are specifically for the DTZ examination and do not automatically apply to every German-language test at B1 level.
Why Germany Is Tightening the Requirements
The revised scoring rules are intended to strengthen the integrity of German-language examinations and ensure that candidates demonstrate practical language skills across the assessed areas.
Reports of suspected cheating highlighted weaknesses in the previous assessment structure, under which candidates could reportedly use answers obtained online to complete listening and reading tasks and leave the writing section blank while still qualifying for B1.
By introducing a minimum A2 requirement across all assessed areas, the revised system places greater emphasis on a candidate’s ability to use German consistently rather than relying on strong performance in only selected sections.
Impact on Migrants and Foreign Applicants
The changes could affect migrants who need a DTZ certificate for integration or other relevant administrative processes in Germany.
Applicants preparing for the examination will need to pay closer attention to writing, listening and reading, as weakness in any of these areas could prevent them from obtaining a B1 result.
Those pursuing family-related immigration, residence or settlement pathways should confirm the language proficiency level and examination certificate accepted for their specific application. Requirements can vary depending on the immigration route and the German authority handling the case.
Students and other German-language learners should also distinguish between the DTZ and other examinations. The Goethe-Institut and telc offer separate German-language tests with their own assessment rules, so the DTZ changes should not be interpreted as a universal revision of all B1 examinations.
What Applicants Should Do Before Taking the Test
Migrants planning to take the DTZ should prepare for all assessed sections rather than concentrating only on speaking or listening and reading.
Candidates should practise writing short texts, answering written prompts and demonstrating basic German proficiency across the examination. They should also verify which certificate is accepted by the authority or institution requiring proof of language ability before booking a test.
For applicants outside Germany, including those applying from Nigeria and India, confirming the exact examination requirement is particularly important. A DTZ result and a Goethe-Zertifikat B1 are different qualifications and may not be accepted interchangeably for every administrative purpose.
The key change is the introduction of a minimum proficiency threshold across all assessed DTZ areas from November 1, 2026. Applicants should therefore check the applicable rules and prepare for the specific examination required for their immigration or integration process.
