German Exams — by exam type and by level
Which exam you need depends on what you are applying for, not on which is easiest. A spouse visa usually needs A1, several residence permits need A2, and citizenship needs B1 plus the separate Einbürgerungstest.
Which exam do I need?
For citizenship, a B1 certificate — DTZ with an overall B1 result, telc Deutsch B1 or the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 are all accepted. The full comparison, including what happens if your result falls short, is on which German exam do I need.
Which levels are available?
A1, A2 and B1. B2, C1, C2 and TestDaF are not covered.
What about the Einbürgerungstest?
It is not a language exam, and it does not replace one — both are required for citizenship. All 310 official BAMF questions plus the state-specific catalogues are free to practise.
Can I practise a single skill instead of a whole exam?
Yes. Lesen, Hören, Schreiben and Sprechen can each be practised on their own, which is usually the faster way to fix the one section holding your result back.
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