Where to Take the B1 German Test for Citizenship

Why the Right Test Center Matters

You want German citizenship. You need a B1 German certificate. But where do you actually take this test?

Many test centers exist across Germany. Not all of them are approved for citizenship purposes. This guide shows you which centers count. You also learn what else the naturalization process requires.

What Is the B1 Certificate for Citizenship?

For German citizenship, you must prove your German language skills. The legal basis is § 10 Abs. 1 Satz 1 Nr. 6 StAG. It requires "ausreichende Kenntnisse der deutschen Sprache" (sufficient knowledge of German). In practice, authorities accept level B1 as proof.

B1 comes from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). At B1, you can:

• Understand simple, clear conversations
• Write short texts about familiar topics
• Talk about daily life, work, and plans
• Follow the main points of a news article

You need a written certificate as proof. Common accepted certificates are:

• Zertifikat Deutsch B1 (telc or Goethe-Institut)
• Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ), if your result reaches B1
• Goethe-Zertifikat B1
• ÖSD Zertifikat B1

A2 certificates are not enough on their own. Your local Ausländerbehörde needs proof of B1 level.

Where Can You Take the B1 Test?

Several official providers offer the B1 test across Germany.

Volkshochschule (VHS)

Most cities have a Volkshochschule. Many VHS centers run integration courses (Integrationskurse). At the end, you take the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ). This one exam checks both A2 and B1 levels in a single sitting.

If you completed a state-funded integration course, the BAMF usually covers your DTZ exam fee.

Goethe-Institut

The Goethe-Institut offers the Goethe-Zertifikat B1. You find test centers in major German cities and in many countries abroad. This option works well if you want to prepare before moving to Germany.

telc Test Centers

telc GmbH runs B1 exams at many partner language schools. Search "telc B1" together with your city name to find a center near you.

Other Approved Providers

ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) also offers approved B1 exams. If you are unsure which certificate your local Ausländerbehörde accepts, ask them directly before you register for any exam.

How Much Does the B1 Test Cost?

The price depends on the provider and your city. Contact the test center directly for the current fee.

If you finish a state-funded integration course, your final DTZ exam is usually included. In that case, you do not pay an extra fee for the test itself. Private test centers charge their own separate fees.

How to Register for the B1 Test

Follow these steps:

1. Find an approved test center near you.
2. Check the next available exam date.
3. Register early. Spots fill up fast, especially in big cities.
4. Bring a valid ID or passport on exam day.
5. Complete the written and oral parts of the exam.
6. Wait a few weeks for your certificate to arrive.

Keep your certificate safe. You will need the original for your citizenship application.

Other Ways to Prove Your German Skills

You may not need a separate language certificate if you:

• Finished a German school degree
• Completed a degree program taught in German
• Attended school in Germany for several years

Ask your Ausländerbehörde whether your education already counts as proof, per § 10 Abs. 4 StAG.

What Else Do You Need for Citizenship?

The B1 certificate is not the only language and knowledge requirement. § 10 Abs. 1 Satz 1 Nr. 7 StAG also requires knowledge of German law and society. You prove this with the Einbürgerungstest (naturalization test), regulated under § 10a StAG.

The test has 33 questions. You need at least 17 correct answers to pass.

Here are real examples from the question pool:

#	Question	Answer
60	In Germany, the Bundestag and Bundesrat belong to the …	The legislative branch
74	What is the name of the parliament for all of Germany?	The Bundestag
127	Why does German election law have a 5% threshold?	Because many small parties make it harder to form a government
134	Your bus line might be canceled. What can you do to keep it?	Join or start a citizens' initiative (Bürgerinitiative)
138	What can you do if your employer fires you unfairly?	File a Kündigungsschutzklage (unfair dismissal lawsuit)

These five questions come from the official pool of 460 questions used across all German states. Every state uses the same national pool, plus a few state-specific questions.

Plan Both Tests Together

The B1 certificate and the Einbürgerungstest are separate exams. You can take them in any order. Many applicants finish their integration course, pass the DTZ, and then study for the Einbürgerungstest right after.

Planning both together saves time. You avoid long gaps between finishing your language course and completing your application.

Ready for the Test?

Ready for the test? Practice all 460 questions with explanations in your language on our trainer.

Check our pricing page to see which plan fits your preparation.

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This article provides information only. It is not legal advice.