Deine Deutschprüfung A2

Deutsch-Test für den Beruf (DTB) A2

Participants in the A2 special vocational language courses of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) must take the DTB A2 at the end of the course. The exam may only be taken in conjunction with the course.

Logo BAMF/Logo telc

General Information

Level: A2

Target group: Individuals of working age who hold a German work permit and who can participate in an A2 special vocational language course from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) because they, among other things: 

  • Have not reached a A2 level in an integration course and the subsequent DTZ examination.
  • Have a temporary suspension of deportation or a (temporary) residence permit in Germany and have not yet received a place in an integration course. 

It is not possible to take the DTB A2 examination without participating in a BAMF special vocational language course.

Please note: Special vocational language courses are only open to certain groups of people. In order to participate in such a course, you need a document showing your eligibility. You can receive this from the Job Center or Employment Agency where you are registered. You may also contact the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

Among other things, recognized in Germany as proof of language proficiency to: 

  • Show job-related German language skills at the A2 level 
  • Apply for a (temporary) residence permit, to participate in certain measures related to employment qualification and for the subsequent recognition of foreign professional credentials 
  • Apply for a work permit during these qualification measures under certain conditions 
  • Apply for a (permanent) settlement permit for persons entitled to asylum and refugees after five years of residence under certain conditions

You can find information at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), among other places, on whether A2 language skills may suffice in your case when applying for a residence, settlement or work permit.

Examination locations: Nationwide

  • DTB examination bodies: BAMF-authorized providers of special vocational language courses (such as adult education centers or language schools)


Exam fees:

  • Free of cost after participating in an A2 special vocational language course 

 

Examination structure

Type of examination: 

  • Paper-based/hybrid


Examination sections and duration: 

Written examination: 

  • Reading (40 minutes)
  • Reading and writing (20 minutes)
  • Listening (20 minutes)
  • Listening and writing (5 minutes)
  • Language elements and writing (10 minutes)


Oral examination:

  • Speaking (c. 15 minutes, in pairs)


The written examination is administered without a break. The "language elements" section tests vocabulary and phrases commonly used in formal written communication.

The oral examination does not include preparation time. It can be taken on the same day as the written examination or up to seven days after.

Accessible examinations: 

 

Information about examination results

To pass the examination:

  • 60 percent of the entire test's total points possible must be achieved (144 out of a possible 240 points). 
  • In at least three of the four tested skill areas (reading, listening, writing and speaking), at least 60 percent of the total possible points (36 out of a possible 60) must be achieved. 
  • A result in one skill area of between 40 and 60 percent of its total possible points (between 24 and 35 points) can be balanced out by other skill areas. 
  • All sections of the examination must be completed.


Receiving examination results:

  • Varies by DTB examination body
  • Typically within four weeks


Certificate validity: unlimited

If you took the examination a few years ago, we recommend inquiring with the authority or institution where you intend to submit your examination results. Older certificates might not be accepted.

Retaking the examination:

  • The entire examination must be retaken. 
  • You may only retake the examination once before having to repeat the A2 special vocational language course.
  • You are allowed to take the examination an additional two times after repeating the entire A2 special vocational language course. 

If you do not pass the examination on the fourth attempt, you will receive a certificate of participation in the A2 special vocational language course.

 

Provider information and practice materials 

The examination has been developed by telc gGmbH on behalf of the BAMF.

 

Additional tips

Thoroughly review the information available on the telc website. You'll find additional practice materials available for download there that can help you prepare for the DTB A2 examination. Similar materials and books are also available from various publishers.

Information about this examination is also available in German under the menu selection “Language."