The Deutsch-Test für den Beruf B2 (DTB B2) tests German communication at work. Its current written test has five timed blocks totalling 125 minutes; speaking is a pair test lasting approximately 16 minutes. Preparation needs reading, listening, writing and interaction, including passing information from an input to another person. Source: current telc DTB B2 overview.
Format checked: 8 October 2026. This guide covers the currently published paper-based format. telc announces mandatory digital DTB from 1 May 2027. If your examination is after that date, check the digital materials and instructions with your course provider. Do not assume the current paper format describes every future screen or procedure. Source: telc digital DTB roadmap.
1. Is DTB B2 the same as telc Deutsch B2?
No. DTB B2 is the final examination for the B2 Basisberufssprachkurs, focused on communication in the working world. The DTB series was developed by telc under BAMF’s technical direction. telc explicitly distinguishes DTB from its other examinations with a vocational focus. Source: telc DTB series overview.
Check the complete exam name on your registration before choosing a practice book. A general B2 certificate, telc Deutsch B2·C1 Beruf and Deutsch-Test für den Beruf B2 are different preparations. A shared B2 level label does not make their task maps interchangeable.
You do not need specialist training in a particular profession: the official model test describes the focus as general workplace German. Source: DTB B2 model test, p. 5. For study, organise vocabulary around actions such as clarifying, reporting, proposing and responding, as well as the workplaces familiar to you.
2. What are the DTB B2 sections and timings?
Use this map to choose the right practice activity. The durations come from the current telc examination page; the action summaries follow the official model test’s format table. Current timings; model test, p. 7.
| Block | What you practise | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lesen | Understand workplace texts and select relevant information | 45 minutes |
| Lesen und Schreiben | Understand a complaint and instructions; write a response | 20 minutes |
| Hören | Understand workplace conversations, arguments and requests | 20 minutes |
| Hören und Schreiben | Understand and document a customer request | 5 minutes |
| Sprachbausteine und Schreiben | Complete language items and write a reasoned forum contribution | 35 minutes |
| Sprechen | Speak, respond, exchange views and discuss a solution | About 16 minutes, pair test |
The written total is 45 + 20 + 20 + 5 + 35 = 125 minutes. The speaking figure belongs to the pair conversation, not a solo 16-minute presentation. Leave room in your study plan for both understanding the input and producing your answer.
3. Why do some sections combine understanding and writing?
The official format includes mediation tasks: you use information from a text or an audio input in a new communicative situation. Source: telc DTB B2 overview. For practice, separate four questions: What happened? Which details matter? Who needs the information? What should they do next?
Here is an original exercise inspired by workplace information transfer, not a reproduction or complete simulation of an official test task.
Message: Die Lieferung mit den neuen Regalen kommt am Donnerstag zwischen 9 und 11 Uhr. Bitte stellen Sie den Wagen am Hintereingang bereit. Herr Seidel ist vormittags nicht da. Frau Krüger übernimmt die Annahme.
Practice task: Send your colleague Jonas the information he needs to prepare the delivery area.
Hallo Jonas, die neuen Regale werden am Donnerstag zwischen 9 und 11 Uhr geliefert. Kannst du bitte den Wagen am Hintereingang bereitstellen? Frau Krüger nimmt die Lieferung an, weil Herr Seidel vormittags nicht da ist. Danke!
The response preserves the time, place, preparation action and responsible person. Compare it with Die Regale kommen bald: that short version removes the details Jonas needs. Do not add a precise arrival time when the input gives only a time window.
4. What happens in the DTB B2 speaking test?
The model test has three parts with no preparation time: speak about a topic and respond to follow-ups, including explaining an aspect of your partner’s contribution; have a conversation as colleagues; discuss solutions to a workplace problem. Source: model test, p. 7; speaking procedure, pp. 26–29.
For a practice discussion, build a short exchange instead of delivering two unrelated speeches. Try Ich schlage vor, dass …, then invite a response: Was hältst du davon? React to the proposal: Das wäre möglich, aber … Finally agree on an action: Dann übernehmen wir … These are original practice phrases, not a required official script.
When listening to a partner, note their main point and one reason. Practise explaining that point in your own words. Listening remains part of your preparation even when the section is labelled speaking.
5. How can I practise with this task map?
Use the free official model test and its audio for a timed practice run. Then keep an error log with three columns: missed fact, language problem and next practice action. Repeat the weak action with fresh material before repeating the same test.
Start with three original exercises based on the delivery message:
- Keep the facts. Is the delivery due exactly at 9 a.m.? Who receives it?
Answer: No; the window is 9–11 a.m. Frau Krüger receives it. - Make the request clear. Complete: Kannst du bitte den Wagen ___ Hintereingang bereitstellen?
Answer: am. The finished request specifies where the trolley is needed. - Respond to a problem. Jonas says the trolley is unavailable. Propose a next step and ask for his view.
Possible answer: Ich schlage vor, dass wir einen anderen Wagen aus dem Lager holen. Was hältst du davon? Other workable, relevant answers are possible.
For additional structured German practice, explore Lingeva’s independent exam preparation. All Exam Prep A1–C1 and AI Speaking require Premium, subject to an applicable existing trial entitlement and usage limits. Keep the official DTB materials as your format reference. See Lingeva Premium and subscribe in the app.
Sources
- Deutsch-Test für den Beruf B2 – Die Berufssprachprüfung für das Niveau B2 — telc. Checked 8 October 2026.
- Deutsch-Tests für den Beruf — telc. Checked 8 October 2026.
- Übungstest 1: Deutsch-Test für den Beruf B2 (1. überarbeitete Auflage) — telc. Checked 8 October 2026.
- Deutsch-Tests für den Beruf (DTB) digital — telc. Checked 8 October 2026.