Preparing for the Einbürgerungstest, Germany's citizenship test, can feel intimidating — especially for applicants whose first language is not German. The good news is that although the test itself is delivered in German, the rules, format, and preparation strategy translate easily into English. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before test day, based on official information from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
What Is the Einbürgerungstest?
The Einbürgerungstest is a written naturalisation exam required from most applicants seeking German citizenship. Its purpose is to confirm that applicants have a basic understanding of Germany's legal and social order, its history, and the responsibilities that come with living in the country. According to BAMF, the test covers three thematic areas: "living in a democracy," "history and responsibility," and "people and society." In addition, a small portion of the exam is dedicated to your Federal State (Bundesland) of residence.
Test Format at a Glance
The exam consists of 33 multiple-choice questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete it. Each question offers four possible answers, and only one is correct. Of the 33 questions:
- 30 questions cover general topics on democracy, history and society.
- 3 questions focus on your specific Federal State.
To pass, you need to answer at least 17 questions correctly. There is no penalty for guessing, so it is always better to attempt an answer than to leave a question blank.
The Official Question Catalogue
BAMF provides an interactive question catalogue containing 310 questions in total — 300 general questions and 10 state-specific questions for each of the 16 Bundesländer. Every question that appears on the actual exam is drawn from this catalogue. That means memorising and understanding this catalogue is the single most effective way to prepare, whether you are studying in German or using English translations to build up your knowledge. You can work through the entire set on our full question catalogue page.
Who Has to Take the Test?
Most applicants for German citizenship must pass the Einbürgerungstest. However, BAMF names two main exemptions:
- Applicants who hold a German school leaving certificate (Schulabschluss) do not need to take the test.
- Applicants who cannot meet the requirements due to physical, mental or psychological illness or disability, or as a result of age, may also be exempt.
If you have already completed an integration course and passed the "Life in Germany" test with at least 17 out of 33 correct answers, that certificate is also accepted as proof.
Costs, Registration and What to Bring
Sitting the test costs 25 euros. You register through an authorised testing centre in your state. On the day of the exam, you must bring a valid photo ID — without it, you will not be admitted to the exam room.
Tips for English-Speaking Applicants
Because the exam is delivered only in German, combine two approaches: read the questions and answers in the original German (so you recognise them on test day), and study English translations for topics you find harder to grasp. Focused practice with our free online practice tests will help you move from passive reading to active recall. For the official source material, see the BAMF citizenship page.
Sample Exam-Style Questions
Try these in the same format you will see on test day. Correct answers are listed at the end.
1. What is the name of the German parliament? a) Bundesrat b) Bundestag c) Bundeskanzleramt d) Bundesversammlung
2. In Germany, elections are secret. This means that… a) …people must vote in secret. b) …no one is allowed to know who someone voted for. c) …only the government knows the results. d) …election results are kept confidential for 50 years.
3. Which of the following is a fundamental right guaranteed by the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz)? a) Right to a job b) Right to a personal car c) Freedom of expression d) Right to free holidays
4. The Federal Republic of Germany was founded in… a) 1918 b) 1933 c) 1949 d) 1989
5. How many federal states (Bundesländer) does Germany have? a) 12 b) 14 c) 16 d) 18
Correct answers: 1‑b, 2‑b, 3‑c, 4‑c, 5‑c.
Final Thoughts
The Einbürgerungstest is designed to be fair and passable for anyone who prepares properly. With 310 questions in the catalogue, a passing threshold of 17 out of 33, and 60 minutes to work through the exam, systematic practice — a few questions a day, tracked over several weeks — is the most reliable path to a confident pass. Use the resources on our homepage to work through the catalogue in manageable chunks, and go into test day knowing exactly what to expect.
Ready for the test?