DTZ key terms

The German language examination for immigrants, aligned with CEFR levels A2 to B1. It assesses practical everyday German and is commonly required for naturalisation and for the Integration Course certificate.

The CEFR level at which a learner can handle everyday situations, express opinions simply, and understand main points of clear standard input. DTZ awards B1 or A2 based on your performance.

The lower CEFR level certified by the DTZ. It indicates you can communicate in routine tasks, describe your background simply, and understand short, common messages about familiar topics.

A section of the exam. The DTZ is split into a written part (Listening, Reading, Writing) and an oral part (Speaking), each scored separately and combined for the final result.

The written component of the DTZ, covering Listening, Reading, and Writing. It is taken as one timed sitting, and results are reported separately from the oral component.

The speaking component, usually a paired exam with two candidates and two examiners. It includes a short introduction, describing a picture, planning something together, and discussing a topic.

The Listening section. You hear short announcements, phone messages, and conversations, often twice, and answer multiple-choice or short-answer questions about the main point and details.

The Reading section. You read notices, adverts, emails, and short articles, then match, select, or complete answers. Skimming for gist and scanning for detail are both tested.

The Writing section. You write a short semi-formal message, such as an email or letter, to a given situation, using appropriate greetings, requests, and a closing.

The writing prompt or situation that tells you who to write to, why, and which points to include. Missing a required point costs marks, so underline each instruction before writing.

The bullet points in a writing task that must all be addressed. Each one usually needs at least one full sentence; omitting one reduces your score even if the German is correct.

The opening salutation of a letter or email, such as 'Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren' or 'Liebe Frau Meier'. Choose formal or informal consistently with the prompt and the relationship described.

The closing formula of a written message, for example 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen' or 'Viele Grüße'. It should match the level of formality used in the salutation and the rest of the text.

Choosing between informal 'du' and formal 'Sie'. Getting this wrong in a letter or in the oral exam signals a register error, so check the relationship and setting before you write or speak.

A speaking task in which you describe a picture, usually stating what you see, where things are, and what the people are doing, then adding a short personal comment or opinion.

A paired speaking task where you and another candidate plan something together, such as a trip or a party. You must make suggestions, respond to your partner, and agree on a solution.

The discussion part of the oral exam, where you express and justify an opinion on a topic. You are expected to give reasons, compare views, and respond to the examiner's follow-up questions.

Stating and supporting a view using phrases such as 'Ich finde, dass...' or 'Meiner Meinung nach...'. In the oral exam, an opinion without a reason earns fewer marks than one with justification.

A reason or justification given for an opinion or suggestion, often introduced by 'weil', 'denn', or 'deshalb'. Providing clear reasons is a scored criterion in both speaking and writing.

Making a suggestion during the planning task, for example 'Wollen wir...?' or 'Wir könnten...'. You should also react to your partner's ideas with agreement, disagreement, or an alternative.

Fixed phrases and sentence frames used for specific functions, such as apologising, requesting, or giving an opinion. Learning them by function helps you respond fluently under exam time pressure.

A key word in a question or in the audio or text that signals where the answer lies. Underlining key words before listening or reading helps you locate relevant information quickly.

Understanding the overall meaning or gist of a text or recording without catching every word. It is tested by questions about the main topic, purpose, or speaker's general intention.

Understanding specific information such as times, prices, names, or reasons. It requires focused listening or reading rather than general comprehension, and answers often depend on a single phrase.

Writing brief notes while listening, such as numbers, names, or keywords. Notes should be short and in your own shorthand, since you cannot pause the recording during the exam.

The answer sheet where you mark multiple-choice answers and write your text. Fill it in clearly and check that answers are entered against the correct question numbers before time ends.

A question offering several options with one correct answer. Read all options before choosing, since distractors often repeat words from the text but distort the meaning.

An incorrect answer option designed to look plausible, often by reusing vocabulary from the text. It usually misstates a detail such as a time, a person, or a cause.

Gap-fill items testing grammar and vocabulary within a short text, where you choose the word that fits. They test articles, prepositions, conjunctions, and fixed expressions in context.

A subordinate clause in which the conjugated verb moves to the end, as after 'weil', 'dass', or 'wenn'. Correct word order here is a common scoring point in writing and speaking.

Prepositions describing position, such as 'auf', 'neben', 'hinter', and 'zwischen', often used with the dative. They are essential for describing where objects and people are in a picture.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual to official. The exam expects you to match register to the situation, for example formal in a letter to an office and informal with friends.

A German government-funded course combining language lessons up to B1 with an orientation module on German society and law. Passing the DTZ is the language requirement for its completion certificate.

Nervousness before or during an exam that can affect performance. Familiarity with the test format, timed practice, and prepared phrases help reduce its impact on the day.

Planning how to use the limited time in each section, for example allocating minutes per reading text or leaving time to check your writing. It prevents running out of time on the final task.

The scoring of your performance against set criteria, including task completion, range, accuracy, and fluency. Understanding the criteria helps you prioritise what to improve in practice.