Planning to prove your German language skills? From November 1, 2026, a weak writing score could affect your chances of getting a B1 result in Germany’s German Test for Immigrants (DTZ).
Germany is changing the way the DTZ exam is assessed. The test is commonly taken by people completing integration courses, and the new rules mean candidates will need to show a basic level of ability across all its components.
Under the revised rules, candidates must achieve B1 in speaking and in either writing or the combined listening-and-reading section. They must also score at least A2 in the remaining component.
For example, someone who gets B1 in speaking and in listening and reading but scores below A2 in writing will not receive a B1 result.
Until now, candidates could obtain an overall B1 result without reaching the required minimum in every component. The revised rules make it harder to pass by relying on stronger scores in some sections while leaving another weak.
Why Is Germany Making This Change?
The German Interior Ministry says the move is aimed at preventing cheating. Authorities raised concerns about candidates allegedly accessing exam answers online and performing well in multiple-choice sections while leaving the writing section blank.
The ministry has also said it does not have exact figures showing how widespread the suspected cheating is.
What About Existing Certificates?
Candidates who already hold valid DTZ certificates issued before November 1 do not need to retake the exam because of this change. The new assessment rules apply to exams taken from November 1, including those taken by people who started their integration courses earlier.
The change does not raise the general language requirements for German PR procedures. It affects how candidates must meet the B1 standard through the DTZ exam.
