Short answer
Yes. The law asks for German at B1 level (§ 10 StAG), nothing more. A higher level does not buy you a faster decision either: in our data, people with B1 got their certificate after a median of 308 days, people with C1 after 337 days.
Which proof does the office accept?
- A B1 certificate: telc Deutsch B1, Goethe-Zertifikat B1, ÖSD B1, or the DTZ with the result B1 (an A2 result is not enough).
- A German school-leaving certificate (at least Hauptschulabschluss).
- A degree or vocational training completed in German.
Does B2 or C1 make it faster?
Not any more. Until October 2025, C1 together with special integration could open the 3-year fast track. That route has been abolished. Today everyone waits in the same queue, whatever their level.
| Language level | Reports | Median wait |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | 114 | 308 days |
| B2 | 23 | 352 days |
| C1 | 32 | 337 days |
The B2 and C1 groups are small, and the city matters far more than the certificate. Still, nothing here suggests that a higher level moves your file up the pile.
Who does not need B1?
- People who cannot reach B1 because of illness, disability or age (§ 10 (6) StAG). You need a medical certificate.
- The first generation of guest workers who came before mid-1974 (West) or as contract workers before June 1990 (East): everyday spoken German is enough.
- Hardship cases who can prove they seriously tried and could not reach B1: here too, spoken everyday German can be enough.
- Children under 16 only need German appropriate for their age.
Still need your B1?
These guides cover the writing part, which is where most people lose points.
- Goethe B1 Schreiben: examples and a 14-day plan
- telc B1 Schreiben: phrases and checklist
- DTZ B1: 30-day study plan
- Free level test: where are you now?
Frequently asked questions
Is A2 enough for German citizenship?
No. Citizenship needs B1. A2 is enough for some residence permits, but not for naturalization, unless you fall under an exemption.
My DTZ result says A2. Can I use it?
Not for citizenship. You need the DTZ result B1 or another B1 certificate.
Does a C1 certificate speed up naturalization?
No. The 3-year fast track for C1 was abolished in October 2025. In Citizify data, C1 holders did not wait less than B1 holders.
Do I also need the Einbürgerungstest if I have B1?
Yes, they are separate requirements. Only a German school-leaving certificate replaces the test.
Did this guide help you?
☕ Support Citizify
We create free resources for language learners. Your small contribution helps us keep going.
Thank you for your support! 💙
