Proof of B1 German: accepted certificates

For naturalisation you need 'sufficient knowledge of German' (§ 10 Abs. 1 Nr. 6 StAG). The law defines this as meeting the requirements of the 'Zertifikat Deutsch' language exam at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference, in speaking and in writing (§ 10 Abs. 4 StAG). In practice, the authority wants a document showing B1 or higher.

• Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) with the overall result B1, the exam at the end of the integration course
• Zertifikat Integrationskurs (DTZ at B1 plus a passed 'Leben in Deutschland' test)
• telc Deutsch B1 / Zertifikat Deutsch
• Goethe-Zertifikat B1
• ÖSD Zertifikat B1
• Higher-level certificates (B2, C1, C2) from these providers, and other recognised exams such as TestDaF or DSH, because they show more than B1

Not every authority accepts every provider in the same way, and some only accept certificates from licensed exam centres. Always confirm with your Einbürgerungsbehörde before you pay for an exam.

Municipal information sheets (for example from Karlsruhe, as of August 2024) list cases in which you usually do not need a separate language test:

• You attended a German-language school for four years with success (promotion to the next grade each year)
• You obtained a Hauptschulabschluss or an equivalent or higher German school qualification
• You were promoted to grade 10 of a German-language secondary school (Realschule, Gymnasium or Gesamtschule)
• You successfully completed a German-language degree at a German university or Fachhochschule, or a German vocational training (Berufsausbildung)
• You already hold a B1 certificate or equivalent from earlier and still have the language skills

Bring the relevant certificate or school report as evidence.

• Children under 16 need only age-appropriate German, usually shown by their latest school report
• People who cannot reach B1 because of illness, disability or age are exempt
• Former guest workers and GDR contract workers, and spouses who joined them shortly afterwards, need only spoken everyday German
• In hardship cases where someone has made serious and lasting efforts, the requirement can be limited to spoken German

• Check the overall level on the certificate, not just a part score. A DTZ only counts as B1 if the overall result says B1
• Many authorities do not set an expiry date, but some ask for recent proof if a certificate is very old; ask
• Bring the original and a copy to your appointment
• If you are close to B1, preparation courses that end with the exam are often faster than self-study

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Your Einbürgerungsbehörde decides which proof it accepts.