German B1 for naturalisation
For naturalisation you need two proofs: the citizenship test and German at level B1. Here you can read what B1 means, how you prove it — and where you can practise for free, with explanations in your language.
- Required
- German B1 (CEFR)
- Proof
- usually a B1 certificate, e.g. DTZ
- Exceptions
- illness, disability, age, hardship cases
- Also needed
- Citizenship test
What B1 means
B1 is the third of six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference. At B1 you understand the main points about familiar matters from work, everyday life and dealing with authorities, you can manage most everyday situations and you can talk and write coherently about experiences and plans.
Practise B1 for free — in your language
At EveryLingua, our second free website, you learn German up to B1: placement test, grammar, vocabulary and German for everyday life in Germany — no account needed. Choose the language in which you want to read the explanations:
Türkçe
Almanca B1’e kadar — Türkçe açıklamalarla
Français
L’allemand jusqu’au B1 — expliqué en français
Italiano
Tedesco fino al B1 — spiegato in italiano
How to get your proof
- Check your level. A free placement test shows how far you still are from B1.
- Practise in a targeted way. Grammar and vocabulary of levels A2 and B1, plus language for authorities and everyday life.
- Take the exam. For example the German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) in the integration course or a comparable B1 exam.
- Prepare for the citizenship test at the same time. Practise all questions and simulate the test.
Frequently asked questions about German B1 and naturalisation
Which German level do I need for naturalisation?
As a rule, German at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference — the level of the “Zertifikat Deutsch” or the German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) at B1.
How do I prove B1?
Usually with a language certificate at level B1, for example the DTZ from the integration course or a comparable exam. Your naturalisation authority will tell you which proofs are accepted — for example also a school qualification in German.
Are there exceptions?
Yes. Anyone who cannot reach B1 because of an illness, a disability or their age is exempt from the proof; there are relaxations for other hardship cases. Whether this applies to you is decided by the naturalisation authority in each individual case.
Do the citizenship test and B1 belong together?
Yes, both are required: the citizenship test proves knowledge about Germany, B1 proves the language. You can prepare for both at the same time.
Can I practise B1 for free?
Yes — for example at EveryLingua, our second free website: grammar, vocabulary and a placement test up to B1, with explanations in Turkish, Polish, English, Spanish, French, Italian or Portuguese.
Sources
- BAMF: Einbürgerung in Deutschland (page dated 12.10.2026, in German)
Summary on this page, not legal advice. The information from your naturalisation authority is binding.