German citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest): format, questions and free practice

The German citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest) is a knowledge test for people who want to become German citizens. You answer 33 multiple-choice questions: 30 general questions and 3 about the federal state (Bundesland) where you have your main residence. You have 60 minutes, you pass with 17 correct answers, and the test costs €25. All questions come from a public catalogue published by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

Practise for free with our 20-question practice test in English, then try the full 33-question mock exam in German. We are an independent study site, not the BAMF. You book the real test and receive official results only through the authorities.

The test at a glance

Item	German citizenship test
Questions	33: 30 general + 3 about your federal state
Answers	4 options per question, exactly one is correct
Time	60 minutes
Pass mark	17 correct answers
Fee	€25
Question catalogue	300 general questions + 10 per federal state
Language	German
Result	certificate from the BAMF
Retakes	allowed if you get fewer than 17 right

What is in the test?

The general questions cover three themes: “living in a democracy”, “history and responsibility” and “people and society”. Expect questions on the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), elections, the federal states, the Nazi era, the GDR, reunification, the EU, family life, school and work. The three state questions ask about your Bundesland, for example its parliament, its government or its capital.

For each state, 310 questions are possible. The BAMF publishes the whole catalogue as a PDF, but without the answers. Since 1 July 2024 it includes new questions on Jewish life in Germany, the State of Israel and antisemitism.

The catalogue only exists in German. Our question explanations are in German too, written in simple language, for example who passes a new law in Germany.

Who needs to take it, and who does not

Under section 10 of the Nationality Act (StAG), anyone who applies for naturalisation must show knowledge of the German legal and social order. The usual proof is a passed citizenship test. Spouses of German citizens need it too.

You do not need the test, for example, if:

• you have a German school-leaving certificate,
• you cannot meet the requirements because of a physical, mental or psychological illness, a disability or your age,
• you came to Germany as a guest worker under a recruitment agreement, or are the spouse of one (spoken German is enough),
• you already passed the “Leben in Deutschland” test with at least 17 correct answers.

In Berlin, children under 16 are also exempt. If you are unsure, ask your naturalisation authority (Einbürgerungsbehörde).

Citizenship test or “Life in Germany” test?

Both use the same catalogue and the same format: 33 questions in 60 minutes. The “Leben in Deutschland” test (LiD) is the final test of the orientation course in the integration course, where 15 correct answers are enough to pass. For citizenship, you need 17 in either test. Details in German: Test „Leben in Deutschland“.

How to book, and what happens next

You register directly with a test centre (Prüfstelle). The BAMF publishes a list of test centres for each federal state, and your naturalisation authority can advise you. In Berlin, for example, you can register at any adult education centre (Volkshochschule), whichever district you live in. You get your test date when you register, not on the same day.

Bring a valid photo ID on the test day. Afterwards the BAMF sends you a certificate with your result. This takes several weeks: on 9 November 2026 the BAMF was marking tests taken up to 4 September 2026. The certificate stays valid if you move. If you get fewer than 17 right, you can retake the test. Step by step in German: Einbürgerungstest anmelden.

The other requirements for German citizenship

The test is only one part. In general you also need:

• 5 years of lawful residence in Germany (spouses of Germans: 3 years, with 2 years of marriage),
• German at level B1, usually with a certificate such as the DTZ or a B1 exam from telc, Goethe or ÖSD,
• enough income to live without basic social benefits (with exceptions),
• no criminal convictions (small penalties below certain limits do not count),
• a commitment to Germany’s free democratic order.

The naturalisation fee is €255 per adult and €51 for a child without own income who is naturalised with a parent. Since 27 June 2024 Germany allows dual citizenship. The 3-year fast track was abolished on 30 October 2025. The full checklist is in German: Einbürgerung: Voraussetzungen and doppelte Staatsbürgerschaft.

Note for DTZ candidates: since 1 November 2026, a B1 result in the DTZ also needs at least A2 in the weaker written part. Details in German: DTZ neue Regeln 2026.

How to prepare

1. Learn by topic, not by question number. Questions on elections or the GDR are linked.
2. Learn the German key words: Bundestag, Bundesrat, Grundgesetz, Bundesland, Wahl. The test is in German.
3. Take full mock exams and aim well above 17 correct answers.
4. Learn your state’s 10 questions, because three of them will be in your test.