DTB B2 / C1

Deutsch-Test für den Beruf (DTB) is a course completion exam for the BAMF-funded basic vocational language courses. It is part of the “vocational German language promotion” in accordance with the German Residence Act. Participants of our vocational language courses will automatically be registered for the DTB; there is no additional fee.

The vocational language courses and the DTB are aimed at people who want to improve their work-related German skills and have them certified in order to be able to work in Germany. Interested parties can find more information here.

The course concept, the textbook and the examination have been harmonised with each other to ensure successful integration into the job and education market. The aim of the exam is to evaluate whether the participants meet the language requirements on the job and have reached a certain level: If they pass the exam, a certificate is issued.

Prior attendance of a BAMF-sponsored vocational language course is a prerequisite for taking the DTB exam. If you are not attending a vocational language course at Sprachenakademie, we require a course attendance certificate from another institute as well as a valid ID document for registration. The examination fee is €163.86 (incl. €30 registration fee) for DTB B2 and €170.33 (incl. €30 registration fee) for DTB C1.

Exam Format and Grading

The DTB comprises the parts reading, listening, writing and speaking. It consists of a written section and an oral section and can be taken at levels B2About proficiency levels:
here to find detailed information regarding the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. and C1About proficiency levels:
here to find detailed information regarding the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. . The written DTB B2 takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes, the written DTB C1 takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The oral exam (B2 or C1About proficiency levels:
here to find detailed information regarding the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. ) lasts approximately 16 minutes. It can take place on the day of the written exam or on another day.

The sample exams DTB B2 and DTB C1 give a more detailed impression.

To pass the exam, 60% of the total score must be achieved (144 points). In addition, a score of over 60% (36 points) must be achieved in at least three of the four subtests: reading, listening, writing and speaking. Weaker performance in one subtest can be compensated for, provided that the sub-score achieved is in the range between 40% and 60%.

The exam is corrected by telc within 4–6 weeks. We will inform you as soon as the results are ready to be picked up at our office.

DTB B2 - Dates

DTB C1 - Dates