If you live in Nuremberg (Nürnberg) and want German citizenship, you will need to pass the Einbürgerungstest. Nuremberg is in Bavaria, so the state-specific part of the test covers Bavarian topics. This guide explains the format, the passing score, and how to prepare, based on information from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the City of Nuremberg.
What Is the Einbürgerungstest?
The Einbürgerungstest is the naturalisation test that most applicants for German citizenship must pass. It checks whether you know the basics of German law, politics, history, and everyday life. The test is run under rules set by BAMF and is taken in German as a multiple-choice exam.
How the Test Works
- 33 questions in total, all multiple choice with four answer options
- 30 general questions on German democracy, history, and society
- 3 state-specific questions on the federal state where you live
- 60 minutes to complete the test
- 17 correct answers needed to pass
- 25 euro test fee, which you pay again for each attempt
The state questions for Nuremberg are about Bavaria. Typical topics include the Bavarian state government, the state coat of arms, and Bavarian political history. You can study the Bavarian set in our Bavaria Einbürgerungstest page.
How Many Questions Should You Study?
Nobody can know in advance which 33 questions you will get, so you should study the full question catalogue. The general questions apply everywhere in Germany. For state questions, focus on the Bavarian set. Check bamf.de for the current official catalogue and its total count before you plan your study time, because figures published by third-party sites are not always consistent.
You can browse the full question bank in our question catalogue.
Why Nuremberg Applicants Should Focus on Bavaria
Three of your 33 questions will come from Bavaria. These are often easier to score on than general questions, because the answers come from local sources you can read directly. Good places to start are the Bavarian state government website and the Bavarian state constitution.
Nuremberg also has a strong connection to 20th-century German history, which may help with the general history questions. The city hosted Nazi Party rallies in the 1930s, and the Nuremberg Trials took place in the Palace of Justice in 1945 and 1946.
Where to Register in Nuremberg
According to the City of Nuremberg, registration for the Einbürgerungstest ("Leben in Deutschland" test or the Einbürgerungstest) is handled by the Bildungszentrum der Stadt Nürnberg (the city's education centre). The same centre also handles registration for the B1 German language certificate. Citizenship applications are handled by the city's immigration and integration office.
Official city pages:
Before you register, use the city's Quick-Check to see whether you meet the basic requirements. Note that the city's own information states that naturalisation can be applied for after five years of residence in Germany.
A Simple Study Plan
Most applicants who prepare consistently pass. A practical plan looks like this:
- Weeks 1 and 2: Learn the basic structure of the German state: the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), the Bundestag, the Bundesrat, and the federal system.
- Week 3: Study history, especially the period from 1918 to 1990.
- Week 4: Learn the Bavarian questions and the German vocabulary used in the test.
- Week 5 and later: Take full 33-question practice tests with a 60-minute timer. Review every wrong answer and study the explanation. You can practise in our practice test section and exam simulator.
Fifteen to twenty minutes a day is enough for many people if the habit is consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the test if I live in Nuremberg? Most people applying for naturalisation must take it. Some applicants are exempt, for example because of a German school diploma, or because of age or a long-term illness or disability. Ask the city's citizenship office to confirm your status.
Can I take the test in English or Turkish? No. The test is in German. You can use study materials in other languages to learn the content, but you must answer the official German questions. Our Turkish-language overview explains the process in more detail.
How many questions do I need to get right? You need at least 17 correct answers out of 33.
What happens if I fail? You can retake the test. Each attempt costs 25 euro, and there is no fixed limit on the number of attempts.
Where do I register? Contact the Bildungszentrum der Stadt Nürnberg for test registration, and the city's citizenship office for the naturalisation application. Make an appointment first, because registration is handled by appointment.
Is the test the same as the German language exam? No. The Einbürgerungstest covers knowledge of German law and society. Naturalisation also requires a separate B1 German language certificate, which is booked through the same education centre.
Final Thoughts
The Einbürgerungstest is a fixed, manageable exam: 33 questions, 60 minutes, and 17 correct answers to pass. For Nuremberg residents, the key is to study the general questions thoroughly and learn the Bavarian topics well. Start early, practise under timed conditions, and review your mistakes until the answers feel familiar.
Ready for the test?