The final examination and the certificate , format: Article, area: Integration

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To obtain the "Zertifikat Integrationskurs", you must first prove that you have been awarded the overall result of B1 in the "German test for immigrants" (DTZ) language test. This shows that you have achieved an important objective of the integration course.

What can I expect the DTZ to be like?

The DTZ consists of a written and an oral test. The written test lasts 100 minutes and consists of listening and reading exercises. You must also write a short letter. The oral part of the test lasts approximately 15 minutes. During this time, you must briefly introduce yourself and talk with the examiners and another examination candidates about specific topics.

At the end, you will receive a certificate that documents your overall language skills at skill level B1 or A2. If your language skills have not yet reached A2 level, you will not receive a certificate but you will be given a letter confirming your result.

The A2 and B1 language levels

To attain language level B1 or A2 in the examination, you will need to achieve the relevant level in the "Speaking" part of the examination and in at least one of the other two parts of the test, namely "Hearing and Reading" or "Writing".

This means that attendees at literacy courses, who will usually not yet have reached level B1 by the end of the course, will also be able to at least demonstrate an overall language level of A2.

The basis of the DTZ

The DTZ course content is based on the core curriculum for integration courses developed by the Goethe-Institut. It ensures that the exercises in the examination consistently focus on immigrants’ communication needs.

In addition to a version for adults, there is a version for juveniles that is used on the youth integration course.

How can I prepare for the DTZ?

Preparing for the test is an important part of the immigration course. Here you will become familiar with the individual parts of the test and be able to practise the exercises together with the other course attendees.

Sample test and online test

In addition, you can download a sample test paper for the DTZ below as a pdf document and get a first impression of what the test is like. In addition to sample exercises, it also contains detailed information on taking the test and how it is assessed. The audio recordings for the listening comprehension part of the test can be downloaded as MP3 files.

You can also access example listening and reading exercises for the DTZ on the Goethe-Institut’s website, where you can work on them directly online.

If you would you like to find out more about the DTZ, you will find detailed information about the content and how the language test is assessed in the examination handbook, "Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer – Prüfungsziele/Testbeschreibung", as well as an extensive vocabulary list.

Permission to repeat the final examination on a one-off basis

If you have not passed the language test by attaining level B1 after attending the entire integration course, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees may permit you to repeat the course on a one-off basis by attending an additional 300 lessons. Approval also includes the right to sit the language test once more free of charge.

The "Life in Germany" test

The "Life in Germany" test takes place on a separate date after the orientation course has finished. It includes questions about Germany’s political system, its religious diversity and equal rights for men and women. The list of questions for the "Life in Germany" test and the orientation course curriculum provide an overview of all the important subjects covered by the test.

What can I expect in the test?

Each test candidate receives a test paper with a total of 33 questions. The test paper shows four possible answers for each question. The candidates must put a cross beside the correct answer in each case. Candidates have 60 minutes to answer 33 questions. To pass the test, candidates must answer at least 15 of the 33 questions correctly. In accordance with section 1 subsection (3) of the Ordinance concerning the Naturalisation Test (Einbürgerungstestverordnung), it is mandatory to answer at least 17 of the 33 questions correctly in order to prove your knowledge as specified by section 10 subsection (1), first sentence, No. 7 of the Nationality Act (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz).

How can I prepare for the test?

Preparing for the test is part of the orientation course. If you would like to familiarise yourself with the test in advance, you can download a sample test paper. The sample test paper shows what the test papers used for the "Life in Germany" tests look like. On the day of the examination, each candidate receives his or her own test paper with 33 questions that are individual to them. It goes without saying that all test papers are of the same standard of difficulty. You also can work interactively with both the sample test paper and the list of questions in the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees’ online test centre. This allows you to prepare for the "Life in Germany" test whilst attending the course. Once you have worked your way through the online list of questions, you will be shown the correct answer to each of the 310 questions. You can of course also complete the online sample test paper and check to see if you have got the answers correct.

The aim of the integration course is that you pass the final examination. The final examination consists of two language tests, namely the "German language test for immigrants" (DTZ) and the "Life in Germany" test.

In the DTZ language test, you can demonstrate an overall result of A2 or B1 based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If you pass the language test at level B1 and the "Life in Germany" test, then you have passed the final examination and will receive the "Zertifikat Integrationskurs" (integration course certificate).

Additionally, if you take the "Life in Germany" test, you can also demonstrate the knowledge of the legal and social system, and life in general, in Germany required for naturalisation (section 10 subsection (1), first sentence, No. 7 of the Nationality Act [StAG]), if you have scored at least 17 points on this test.

The integration course certificate

The "integration course certificate" offers you a great deal of advantages. It certifies an adequate knowledge of German and important basic knowledge of German society. It can also help you with naturalisation. In accordance with the Nationality Act (section 10 subsection (3), first sentence), holders of the certificate showing successful attendance at an integration course may apply for German nationality after only seven years of lawful residence in Germany. The usual requirement is eight years..

By successfully attending the orientation course, you will also be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of the German legal and social system. This will be required when applying for a permanent settlement permit.

Information available locally

You can obtain further information in your area from:

  • the Migration Advisory Service for Adult Immigrants and the Youth Advisory Service,
  • local immigration offices,
  • the Employment Agency, Job Centre or relevant local authority institution,
  • integration course providers.