German B1 for permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
A settlement permit in Germany normally requires German at B1 level under §9 AufenthG. The immigration office wants a certificate — telc Deutsch B1, Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or a DTZ result at B1. B1 is the level where the jump gets real: longer listening texts, a written letter that is graded on register, and a speaking part where you have to plan something with a partner.
Sound familiar?
- Your residence permit renewal has a deadline and the exam only runs on fixed dates.
- You can speak German at work but have never written an exam-format letter.
- The B1 listening section moves fast and includes dialects and background noise.
- A language school B1 course costs several hundred euros for material you may not need.
How we help
All four B1 modules covered
Lesen, Hören, Schreiben and Sprechen in the real proportions, so you know exactly where your weak module is before test day.
Model answers for the writing task
See what a B1 letter that scores well actually looks like — structure, greeting, register and closing formulas.
Modular retakes in mind
telc and Goethe let you resit single modules. Five mock exams tell you which module to spend your remaining study time on.
No subscription, no course booking
One-time €9.95 for the level you need, delivered as PDFs and MP3s to your inbox. Practise at 6am or at midnight.
Frequently asked questions
+Does a DTZ certificate at B1 count for permanent residency?
Yes, a DTZ result graded at B1 is normally accepted as proof of German for a settlement permit. Our DTZ guide explains how the exam works and links to the official BAMF pages.
+Do I need B1 or B2 for a Niederlassungserlaubnis?
B1 is the standard requirement. Some accelerated routes (for example after 21 or 27 months for integration-course graduates, or for highly qualified applicants) can require more. Check your case with the Ausländerbehörde.
+Can I practise the speaking part alone?
Partly. The mock papers include the speaking prompts and model responses, and our Speaking Trainer and Pro/Contra Trainer drill the phrases and arguments you need to produce out loud.