Germany tightens language test requirements for migrants

Germany is planning to tighten the rules for the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) German language exam, which typically concludes integration courses for migrants. The new requirements are set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

This was reported by the German publication Bild, which obtained a document prepared by Germany's Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community. The initiator of the changes is the ministry's head Alexander Dobrindt.

The main change concerns the evaluation of results. The exam can no longer be successfully passed if one of its parts is failed, even with high scores in other sections.

Under current rules, to achieve level B1 it is sufficient to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the oral part and at least one of the two written blocks—listening and reading, or writing.

According to Bild, this system allowed some participants to leave the written assignment completely blank but still receive a B1 certificate due to high scores in other parts of the test.

The German Interior Ministry explains the need for changes by the growing number of fraud attempts. In particular, according to the ministry, some participants in integration courses illegally purchased exam questions and answers online.

The DTZ exam tests four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. In the listening and reading block, 45 tasks must be completed, while in the writing part, a letter or message must be composed on one of the proposed topics.

According to data cited by Bild, in 2025, 318,550 people took the exam. Of these, 55% achieved level B1,another 32.2% achieved lower level A2. The remaining 12.8% could not confirm even level A2.

The B1 certificate is used to verify German language proficiency, including when applying for certain residence permits and citizenship. The new rules will apply to participants in the respective exam, not automatically to all foreigners staying in Germany.

At the moment, the draft changes are known from German media reports. The final officially published version of the new evaluation criteria has yet to be confirmed.

Source based on materials from: Bild, g.a.s.t., current DTZ assessment rules