Failed the DTZ, Einbürgerungstest or Goethe exam? How retakes work (2026)
What to do after a fail: retakes and costs per exam.
5 minutes · free · no account
Practise 10 official questions now
From the official BAMF catalogue. You see the official answer after each question.
DTZ · Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (A2–B1)
As often as you want, but always the whole test (written and oral). BAMF pays one retake for course participants.
LiD · Leben in Deutschland & Einbürgerungstest
With fewer than 17 correct answers you can take the Einbürgerungstest again; no maximum is given.
A1 · Start Deutsch 1 (Goethe / telc)
Goethe: only the whole exam can be repeated. telc: no partial exam at A1. Pay the full fee again.
A2 · Goethe-Zertifikat A2 / telc Deutsch A2
Goethe: normally the whole exam; in special cases only the oral or the whole written part. telc A2: no partial exam.
B1 · Goethe-Zertifikat B1 / telc Deutsch B1
Goethe: retake only the module(s) you failed (€104 each in Germany). telc: within 12 months you may repeat only the written or only the oral part.
B2 · Goethe-Zertifikat B2 / telc Deutsch B2
Goethe: retake only the module(s) you failed (€114 each in Germany). telc: within 12 months you may repeat only the written or only the oral part.
Naturalisation in Germany · Einbürgerung
No separate exam: you submit a B1 certificate and your test result. The 3-year fast route was abolished (Bundestag vote 2025-10-08).
Other questions
EUpassway is independent and not affiliated with BAMF, g.a.s.t., the Goethe-Institut or telc. Rules and fees can change; always check the official source.