How Many Questions in the German Citizenship Test? Complete Guide 2026

If you're preparing for the German citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest), one of the first questions you probably ask is: "How many questions are there?" The answer is straightforward, but understanding the structure will help you prepare more effectively.

Quick Answer: 33 Questions in the Official Exam

The German citizenship test consists of 33 multiple-choice questions.

You have 60 minutes to answer all 33 questions, and you need to get at least 17 correct to pass the test. That means you need a minimum score of 51% to be successful.

Test Structure Breakdown

The 33 questions are distributed as follows:

30 General Questions

These 30 questions cover three main topic areas:

• "Living in Democracy" (Demokradie im Leben)
• "History and Responsibility" (Geschichte und Verantwortung)
• "Man and Society" (Mensch und Gesellschaft)

These questions test your knowledge about German constitutional law, the political system, history, and social values.

3 State-Specific Questions

The remaining 3 questions are specific to the German state (federal land) where you live or where you're taking the test. Germany has 16 federal states, and each has 10 unique questions in the question catalog, but only 3 appear in your actual exam.

Some examples of state-specific questions might ask about:

• The state capital
• Historical events in that state
• State constitution or government
• Important figures or landmarks
• Regional culture and traditions

Complete Question Catalog: 310 Questions

While the actual exam has only 33 questions, the official BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) question catalog contains 310 questions for study purposes:

Category	Number of Questions
General Questions	300
State-Specific Questions	10 per state (160 total)
Total Catalog	310

This means:

• 300 federal questions apply to all test-takers
• 10 state-specific questions for each of the 16 German states
• You study 310 questions to be fully prepared, but only face 33 on exam day 👉 Here is the practice page

How the Exam Works

Exam Format

• Question Type: Multiple choice (4 options per question)
• Duration: 60 minutes total
• Pass Score: 17 out of 33 correct answers (≈51%)
• Test Center: BAMF-authorized testing centers

Time Management

With 60 minutes for 33 questions, you have approximately 1.8 minutes per question on average. This gives you enough time to read carefully and think about your answers without rushing.

Passing Criteria

You pass the test if you answer:

• 17 or more questions correctly out of the 33
• This score is considered sufficient proof of knowledge about German constitutional law, society, and living conditions

If you answer 16 or fewer questions correctly, you don't pass and can retake the test.

Important Facts About Question Distribution

Why 310 Questions If Only 33 Appear?

The 310-question catalog ensures comprehensive coverage of all possible test topics. While BAMF randomly selects which 33 questions will appear on your specific exam day, studying all 310 questions means you're fully prepared for any combination that might be tested.

State-Specific Randomization

Your 3 state-specific questions come from a pool of 10 questions about your state. BAMF randomly determines which 3 of the 10 will appear on your exam day, so you need to study all 10 to be fully prepared.

Time Allocation Strategy

For effective time management during the exam:

First Read-Through (40 minutes):

• Answer all questions you're confident about
• Skip difficult questions for later

Review Phase (15 minutes):

• Return to skipped questions
• Think through answers carefully
• Review your marked answers

Final Check (5 minutes):

• Verify you haven't missed any questions
• Double-check your answer sheet

Study Preparation

To prepare for the 33-question exam, you should:

1. Study the complete 310-question catalog - This ensures comprehensive preparation
2. Take practice tests - Do simulated 33-question exams with 60-minute time limits
3. Focus on weak areas - Identify which topics challenge you most
4. Review state-specific questions - Master all 10 questions for your state
5. Practice time management - Get comfortable answering within the 60-minute window

Passing Rates

According to BAMF data, most test-takers who prepare adequately have a high pass rate. Regular study of the 310 questions and multiple practice tests significantly increase your chances of success.

Conclusion

The German citizenship test is manageable: 33 questions, 17 correct answers needed, 60 minutes available. While you study from a catalog of 310 questions, understanding that only 33 appear on exam day helps you organize your preparation effectively.

With proper study and practice tests, you can successfully pass the Einbürgerungstest and take an important step toward German citizenship.

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Source: BAMF - Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (bamf.de)
Test Cost: €25
Official Question Catalog: 310 questions (300 federal + 10 state-specific per state)