THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
A change to the Integration Course Test Regulation, published in the Federal Law Gazette on 20 October 2026, alters the exam requirements of the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) and takes effect on 1 November. The DTZ is the test that concludes most integration courses.
Foreigners attending integration courses in Germany face stricter requirements when taking the final German language examination. Since 1 November 2026, participants must demonstrate a minimum level of A2 in all three components of the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) if they want to obtain a B1 certificate.
The change concerns the assessment of speaking, writing and listening/reading skills. Previously, candidates could achieve an overall B1 result by reaching B1 in speaking and in either writing or listening/reading, even if their performance in the remaining component fell below A2. Under the new rules, this is no longer sufficient.
What has changed?
To obtain a B1 certificate, candidates must now meet two conditions: they must achieve B1 in the speaking component and in at least one of the two other components – writing or listening/reading. In the remaining component, they must achieve at least A2.
This means that candidates must demonstrate a basic level of competence across all three areas. Leaving one examination component blank or performing below A2 will prevent them from receiving a B1 certificate, even if they achieve B1 in the other two components.
For learners, the practical message is simple. No section can be skipped any more.
The tightened rules apply only to the DTZ, so telc or Goethe-Institut B1 certificates are not affected.
Why has the government introduced the change?
According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the stricter requirements are intended to combat increasing attempts at examination fraud.
The ministry has reported cases in which candidates allegedly obtained examination questions and answers illegally through the internet. Some reportedly memorised answers for the listening and reading component while leaving the writing section blank, yet still achieved an overall B1 result under the previous assessment rules.
The revised requirements are intended to close this loophole and ensure that a B1 certificate reflects a more balanced command of German.
What does this mean for integration course participants?
The change is particularly relevant for people preparing for their final integration course examination. Candidates can no longer concentrate their efforts on only two components while neglecting the third.
Teachers and course providers will also need to prepare participants for the revised assessment requirements, giving adequate attention to speaking, writing, listening and reading.
The scale of the challenge is evident from the 2025 examination results. According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), approximately 319,000 people took the DTZ that year. Only 55 per cent achieved B1, while 32.2 per cent reached A2 and 12.8 per cent scored below A2.
The new rules therefore make it especially important for participants to develop balanced language skills throughout their integration courses.
B1 matters beyond the classroom. The DTZ and B1 certificates from other recognised providers can serve as proof of language skills for naturalisation or a settlement permit.
Vivian Asamoah
Source: Mediendienst Integration; Federal Ministry of the Interior; BAMF.
