From 1 November 2026, you can't skip the DTZ writing section

From 1 November 2026, you can't leave the Writing part of the DTZ blank and still pass. The German Interior Ministry, led by Minister Alexander Dobrindt, is tightening the rules. This is the biggest change to the German language test for immigrants, as of October 2026.

If you or your spouse are in an integration course, read this before your exam.

What is changing in the German language test for immigrants?

The DTZ is the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (German test for immigrants). It is the final exam of state-funded integration courses. It is scored on a scale from A2 to B1, and B1 is the higher level.

The exam has three parts: Listening/Reading, Writing (Schreiben) and Speaking (Sprechen).

Until now, you needed B1 in Speaking. For the written side, B1 in only one part was enough: either Listening/Reading or Writing. So some people left Writing blank and still got an overall B1.

From 1 November 2026, that stops. The exam counts as not passed if you miss a section or leave it completely blank. Strong results in one area no longer make up for an empty one.

Which language tests are affected?

BAMF is the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. It oversees the integration courses. The DTZ exam itself is run by g.a.s.t. (Gesellschaft für Akademische Studienvorbereitung und Testentwicklung).

Maybe you take a Goethe or telc exam outside the integration course. Then this rule doesn't change your exam directly. Test security is getting tighter everywhere, though.

Why is Germany doing this?

The ministry says it's stopping fraud. Some candidates found the Listening/Reading questions and answers online, which is illegal. They used them to pass that part, then left Writing blank.

The numbers show how big the DTZ is. Last year, 318,550 people took it. Of them, 55% (175,193) reached B1 and 32.2% (102,663) reached A2. The other 12.8% (40,694) didn't reach A2.

Why does this matter for PR and citizenship?

You need a B1 certificate for two things. One is the Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent settlement permit, which many of us call PR). The other is Einbürgerung (German citizenship).

Demand for B1 certificates is already high. Germany's recent citizenship law changes shortened the normal timeline, so more people are applying.

If you are on a Blue Card, our post on the 2026 Blue Card thresholds explains the pay levels.

Should you book your exam immediately?

No, I wouldn't rush. It's tempting to book before 1 November. But DTZ registration usually closes 4 to 6 weeks before the exam date. That makes it very unlikely you'll get a date before the new rule starts.

You also register through your approved integration course provider, not on your own. So ask your provider about the next dates.

Maybe you already have a date after 1 November. Then keep calm and change your study plan.

How do you prepare for the stricter format?

Forget the old trick of skipping Writing. Treat it as a section you must attempt. The DTZ writing task is short and practical, so you can learn it with practice.

• Write short, everyday messages. For example, a note to your landlord about a broken heater.
• Write a message to your employer, for example to report that you're sick.
• Write a note to your child's school, for example to excuse an absence.
• Practise with a timer, so you finish in the exam time.
• Ask your teacher to correct your texts.

Write something, even if it's not perfect. A blank section now means you fail the whole exam.

Many of us in the Indian community learned German mostly by speaking and listening, because that's what daily life needs. Writing needs its own practice. If you're new here, our introduction to living in Germany as an Indian expat covers other basics.

What to do next

Call your integration course provider this week. Ask for your exam date and whether the new rule applies to you. For official details, check BAMF and g.a.s.t.

Cover photo: Andy Barbour on Pexels