Citizenship · Language proof
B1 for German citizenship: which language certificate counts
Liana · Sources: BAMF, German Nationality Act (StAG) · Last updated: July 2026
For German citizenship, a language certificate at B1 level is generally sufficient. The commonly accepted certificates are the Goethe-Zertifikat B1, telc Deutsch B1, the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 and the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) at B1 level — as well as a German school-leaving qualification, German-language vocational training or a German-language degree. A C1 certificate is no longer required.
This page shows which proofs satisfy the language requirement under § 10 StAG, why C1 no longer plays any role — and how to prepare for the B1 exam with GoethéB1 for free. To see where the language proof fits into the overall procedure, read the overview of German citizenship by naturalization.
The language proof is anything but a side issue: according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), 292,020 people were naturalized in 2024 (final results of the naturalization statistics) — an increase of around 46% over 2023 and the highest figure since the statistics began in 2000. As a rule, every one of those naturalizations required exactly the B1 proof this page is about. You can find more figures in our naturalization statistics overview.
Check your individual case with the Einbürgerungsbehörde (local naturalization authority). The requirements are set by law and can change; the local naturalization authority decides on your specific application.
Which language certificates are accepted?
The language requirement for naturalization can be met in several ways. Besides the standard language exams, certain German educational qualifications also count:
| Proof | Provider / type | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat B1 | Goethe-Institut | B1 |
| telc Deutsch B1 | telc gGmbH | B1 |
| ÖSD Zertifikat B1 | Austrian language diploma (ÖSD) | B1 |
| DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) | Final exam of the integration course | B1 |
| German school-leaving qualification | e.g. Hauptschulabschluss, Realschulabschluss, Abitur | replaces B1 |
| German-language vocational training | completed vocational qualification | replaces B1 |
| German-language university degree | completed degree programme | replaces B1 |
A TestDaF is not required for citizenship — it targets a higher, academic level. B1 is entirely sufficient for the language requirement. Which certificate is required or recognized as equivalent in your case is decided by your Einbürgerungsbehörde (local naturalization authority). Not sure which exam suits you best? See our guide on which German certificate you need, or compare Goethe B1 vs telc B1 and Goethe B1 vs DTZ.
The DTZ from the integration course
Anyone who completes a state integration course sits the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ). This exam is graded from A2 to B1. A DTZ result at B1 level satisfies the language requirement for naturalization — you do not need an additional certificate. If your DTZ only reaches A2, you must prove B1 separately.
Do you need C1? No — the 3-year fast track has been abolished
For naturalization after the usual 5 years, B1 is enough. Until the end of October 2025 there was also an accelerated path after 3 years for special integration achievements, the only scenario that required C1. That path was abolished on 30 October 2025; § 10 (3) StAG has been repealed, and there is no transitional arrangement.
What this means for you: a C1 certificate is not required for citizenship — neither on the regular path nor on any other. In the other direction, exceptions still exist, for example for children under 16, for the guest-worker and contract-worker generation (spoken everyday German is sufficient there), in cases of hardship, and where illness, disability or age make the requirement unreasonable. Read more on the page requirements for German citizenship →
How to prepare for B1
The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and the other B1 exams consist of four modules: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. Each module is scored separately out of 100 points, with 60 points needed to pass. Knowing the exam format and practising regularly under time pressure makes passing far more likely.
GoethéB1 prepares you for exactly this format, free of charge:
- Complete exam guide: structure, scoring and procedure of all four modules in the guide to the B1 exam.
- Interactive practice test: all four modules in the exam format with instant feedback in the B1 practice test.
Two proofs, one goal. For citizenship you need not only the B1 language proof but also a passed Einbürgerungstest (citizenship test) on Germany's legal and social order. You can prepare for both with GoethéB1 for free.
Practise B1 for free — in the exam format
All four modules with instant feedback after every task. No PDF, no credit card, no download.
Start the free B1 practice testOnce your B1 is secure, the knowledge test is next. You can also train for the Einbürgerungstest free of charge:
Practise the Einbürgerungstest for free
All questions on Germany's legal and social order, interactive and with instant scoring.
Practise the Einbürgerungstest freeFAQ: B1 language proof for German citizenship
Which B1 exam counts for German citizenship?
The common B1 certificates are accepted: Goethe-Zertifikat B1, telc Deutsch B1, ÖSD Zertifikat B1 and the DTZ at B1 level. A TestDaF is not needed. A German school-leaving qualification, German-language vocational training or a German-language university degree can also replace the certificate.
Is B1 enough for German citizenship, or do I need C1?
B1 is enough. Naturalization under § 10 StAG nowhere requires C1: the accelerated 3-year path for special integration achievements, the only route that required C1, was abolished on 30 October 2025. Since then, B1 applies uniformly with a residence period of usually 5 years.
Does the DTZ from the integration course count as language proof?
Yes. The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) is graded from A2 to B1. A result at B1 level satisfies the language requirement for naturalization.
Can a school or vocational qualification replace the language certificate?
Yes. A German school-leaving qualification, completed German-language vocational training or a German-language university degree can replace the required B1 proof. The Einbürgerungsbehörde (local naturalization authority) decides in each individual case.
How can I prepare for the B1 exam for free?
With the free B1 practice test you can train all four modules in the exam format with instant feedback. The guide to the B1 exam explains the structure and scoring. Both are free to use.
Last updated: 18 July 2026 · GoethéB1 is independent and not affiliated with any government authority.