About the exam
The Einbürgerungstest is a multiple-choice exam taken by foreign nationals applying for German citizenship. It covers the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), German history, political and social institutions, and the rights and duties of life in Germany (Leben in Deutschland). Most applicants take it as a required step in the naturalisation process.
Eligibility
(As of 2026; reflects the modernised citizenship law (StAG-Modernisierung) in force since 27 June 2024)
- 5 years of legal residence in Germany (reduced from the previous 8 years)
- Fast-track at 3 years for applicants with strong civic/economic integration and C1 German (previously 6 or 7 years)
- Standard language requirement: B1 German (Goethe, telc, ÖSD or an equivalent qualification)
- Stable income, generally without reliance on social welfare
- No serious criminal record
- Commitment to the free democratic basic order and the Basic Law
- Dual citizenship is now generally allowed (previously non-EU applicants had to renounce their original nationality)
Possible exemptions or substitutes:
- Passing the "Leben in Deutschland" test as part of an integration course (Integrationskurs)
- Holding a German school qualification (Hauptschulabschluss or higher)
- Doctoral degree in social science, law, or political science
Format
- 33 multiple-choice questions (4 options each), 60 minutes
- 30 federal questions + 3 questions specific to your Bundesland (state of residence)
- 17 or more correct answers = pass
- Test language: German only
- Locations: BAMF-approved test centres across Germany (around 1,100, many run by Volkshochschulen)
Official question pool:
- 460 questions total = 300 federal + 10 per state for the 16 Bundesländer (160)
- Your test only draws state questions from the Bundesland where you live; the other 15 state pools (240 questions) do not appear
Test fee and naturalisation fee
(As of 2026; subject to change)
- Test fee: €25 per attempt
- Naturalisation application fee: €255 per adult, €51 per minor (paid to your local Ausländerbehörde or Einbürgerungsbehörde)
- These are separate — passing the test does not cover the naturalisation fee.
How to register
- Find your local Volkshochschule (VHS) or a BAMF-approved test centre.
- Register with a valid ID and pay the €25 fee.
- You usually receive a test date within 1–3 months.
Retake policy
- No limit on the number of retakes
- €25 per attempt
- No mandatory waiting period — simply register for the next available date.
After passing
- You receive a certificate (Zertifikat Einbürgerungstest) with no expiry.
- Submit it to your local Ausländerbehörde or Einbürgerungsbehörde together with your naturalisation application and supporting documents (residence, income, language).
- Processing usually takes several months to over a year, depending on the region.
- You receive your Einbürgerungsurkunde at a ceremony where you swear loyalty to the constitution.
Official resources
- BAMF citizenship overview: bamf.de
- Official study catalogue (federal + 16 state PDFs): search bamf.de for "Gesamtfragenkatalog Leben in Deutschland"
- Official online practice test: oet.bamf.de
Things to watch out for
- Each Bundesland has its own pool of 10 state questions. Only study the pool for the state where you live; this app supports all 16 via the BundeslandPicker.
- Under the new law (in force since 27 June 2024), dual citizenship is permitted, so most applicants no longer need to renounce their original nationality.
- Extremist political or religious activity and acts hostile to the constitution are grounds for refusal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the test in English? No — it is held in German only. You can, however, use this app's UI in your native language to study.
What if I fail? You can retake the test as many times as needed; each attempt costs €25.
How do I prepare for the state-specific questions? Only the 10 questions for your own Bundesland are tested. The full 16-state catalogue is published by BAMF, and this app lets you pick your state to study from the right pool.