The VHS handles the citizenship test, not your language exam
VHS Essen's exam page covers the Einbürgerungstest. For telc or the DTZ, go to a language centre such as inlingua rather than expecting the VHS to have a date.
Nordrhein-Westfalen · 580,000
German exam centres in Essen
Essen splits its exam provision between the Volkshochschule, which concentrates on the Einbürgerungstest, and private centres that run the language exams themselves. Knowing which does what saves a wasted enquiry - the VHS page will not book you a telc date.
telcDTZChecked July 2026
Where to sit the exam
4 verified centres in Essen
Each entry was checked on the centre's own website. Dates and fees change, so confirm directly with the centre before you pay.
| Centre | Exams | Levels | Frequency | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| inlingua EssenRuns the citizenship test on published dates alongside its telc and DTZ programme. | telcDTZ | telc exams, DTZ, Einbürgerungstest | See centre | Einbürgerungstest €25 plus an administrative surcharge |
| VHS EssenBurgplatz 1Registration is by signed form plus a copy of your passport, sent by email or post - not online, and not in person. | telc | Einbürgerungstest | See centre | €25, no reductions available |
| KS++ SprachschuleEssen and DuisburgLicensed DTZ examination centre. The DTZ is open only to people inside the integration course system; telc registration closes 15 days before the exam. | telcDTZ | telc A1 to C2 including C1 Hochschule; DTZ; Leben in Deutschland; TestDaF and TestAS | telc exams every Friday except public holidays | See centre |
| IBZ EssenRegistration online or in person, closing about two weeks before each date. | telc | telc Deutsch B2 and C1 Hochschule; TestDaF | Eight telc B2 dates across the second half of 2026 | telc B2 €185 |
We do not publish individual sitting dates: they change too often to be safe. Follow the centre link for the current calendar.
Booking in this city
What is different about Essen
Registration by post or email
The VHS wants a printed, signed registration form and a copy of your passport, sent by email or post. Build in a few days for that exchange before the sitting you are aiming at.
No reductions on the citizenship test
The €25 fee is set by the BAMF and VHS Essen states plainly that reductions are not possible. Payment is by invoice, to be transferred promptly.
Weekly telc dates, restricted DTZ
KS++ examines telc every Friday, which makes Essen one of the easier cities for a quick telc date. Its DTZ, though, is closed to anyone outside the integration course system - the two exams have completely different access rules here.
Registration windows open and close
Essen sometimes pauses citizenship test registrations and reopens them on a stated date. If the form is closed, note the reopening date rather than assuming the test is unavailable.
Have the date? Now get the score.
Booking is the easy half. Sit a full model test in the format you booked - Goethe, telc or DTZ - and let the analytics tell you which module needs the weeks between now and your date.
FAQ
Taking a German exam in Essen
Where can I take the DTZ in Essen?
At a private examination centre such as inlingua Essen, which lists DTZ exams alongside telc exams and the citizenship test. Integration course participants are normally entered by their course provider.
How do I register for the Einbürgerungstest in Essen?
At VHS Essen, by completing the form digitally, printing and signing it, and sending it with a copy of your passport by email or post. The fee is €25, set by the BAMF, with no reductions.
Can I take a Goethe exam in Essen?
There is no Goethe-Institut in Essen. Düsseldorf is the nearest Goethe exam location; otherwise a telc certificate at the same level is accepted for most residence and citizenship purposes.
Official directories
The exam boards maintain their own centre finders. They are the authoritative list.
Preparing for an exam in Essen?
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