Naturalisation · civic knowledge
Einbürgerungstest — free online practice
Liana · Sources: BAMF overall question catalogue, official information
The Einbürgerungstest (German citizenship test) is a multiple-choice test with 33 questions on the German legal and social order. Anyone who answers at least 17 questions correctly has passed. A passed test is a requirement for Einbürgerung (naturalisation). On this page you will find the structure, the cost, who needs the test, who is exempt, and you can practise all the questions for free and with no sign-up.
This hub links to every detail page: the questions and answers, the exact explanation of the 33 questions, online practice, the most common questions in the FAQ, and the identical „Leben in Deutschland“-Test.
Key facts
- Questions
- 33 in total — 30 general plus 3 for your Bundesland.
- Pass mark
- At least 17 of 33 correct answers.
- Duration
- 60 minutes, multiple choice (4 answers, 1 correct).
- Fee
- Usually about €25; the certificate is valid indefinitely.
- Question source
- Public BAMF catalogue: 300 general questions plus 10 per state.
- Practice
- Free online with no sign-up; every Bundesland selectable.
Mini Einbürgerungstest: 5 real questions
Try it right now — 5 original questions with answers. No download, no sign-up. (Questions are in German, as in the real test.)
What is the Einbürgerungstest?
The Einbürgerungstest demonstrates that you have knowledge of the legal and social order and of living conditions in Germany. It is one of the requirements for Einbürgerung (naturalisation), that is, acquiring German citizenship. The test uses a multiple-choice format: each question has four possible answers, exactly one of which is correct.
All questions come from the publicly available overall question catalogue of the BAMF. It comprises 300 general questions on politics, history, law and society, plus an additional 10 state-specific questions for each Bundesland. Because the catalogue is fully known, no surprise topics come up in the test — you can practise every possible question in advance.
Structure: 33 questions, 17 correct
The test is made up of 30 general and 3 state-specific questions — 33 questions in total. You only answer the state-specific questions for your own Bundesland. To pass, 17 correct answers are enough.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 33 (30 general + 3 state-specific) |
| Correct answers to pass | at least 17 / 33 |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Question type | Multiple choice, 4 answers, 1 correct |
| Source of questions | BAMF overall question catalogue (300 + 10 per state) |
| Fee | approx. €25 |
For a detailed explanation of how the 33 questions are composed and how best to practise, see the page the 33 questions in detail.
All Bundesländer
In addition to the 30 general questions, there are 3 questions about your Bundesland. Each of the 16 Bundesländer has its own set of 10 state-specific questions, from which 3 are drawn. So you only practise the questions for the state where you take the test. These questions concern, for example, the state's coat of arms, its capital city or particular features of state politics.
State-specific questions
Baden-Württemberg, Bayern (Bavaria), Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen (Hesse), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia), Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Saarland, Sachsen (Saxony), Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt), Schleswig-Holstein and Thüringen (Thuringia). When you practise online, select your Bundesland and you will practise exactly the right state-specific questions.
Practise for free — no sign-up
The fastest way to pass: go through all the questions as often as it takes until the answers stick. Because the catalogue is fixed, you practise exactly the questions of the real test. Interactive rather than PDF means you answer each question, see immediately whether your answer is right or wrong, and retain the correct answer better.
Practise the Einbürgerungstest for free, with no sign-up
All questions in the real format, every Bundesland selectable, instant feedback after each question. No download, no credit card, no registration.
Practise the Einbürgerungstest for freeMore on practising: the full overview of questions and answers and the online practice page.
Who has to take the test and who is exempt?
As a rule, the test is taken by anyone who wishes to become naturalised and has to prove their knowledge of the German legal and social order. Among those exempt from the test requirement are:
- People under 16. Children and young people under 16 do not have to take the test.
- People who cannot take part for health reasons or because of their age. Anyone who cannot take the test because of illness, disability or advanced age is exempt.
- Proof of a German school-leaving qualification or a relevant degree (for example in law or the social sciences) can also remove the test requirement.
The Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation authority) decides case by case. Whether an exemption applies and what proof is needed for it is determined by the authority responsible for you. Ask them before you register. You will find the basic requirements for naturalisation under Requirements.
How much does the Einbürgerungstest cost?
The fee is usually about €25 and is due on registration. The certificate you receive after passing is valid indefinitely and never needs to be renewed.
The test is taken at Volkshochschulen (adult education centres) and other bodies approved by the BAMF; each body sets its own dates. Where and when you take the test, how registration works and how it fits into the Integrationskurs (integration course) is explained in detail on the page about the Leben in Deutschland Test.
For the further steps towards citizenship, read the guide to Einbürgerung and to the required B1 language proof.
FAQ: Einbürgerungstest
What is the Einbürgerungstest?
A multiple-choice test with 33 questions on the German legal and social order and on living conditions in Germany. It demonstrates civic knowledge and is a requirement for naturalisation. The questions are drawn from the BAMF overall question catalogue (300 general questions plus 10 per Bundesland).
How many questions do I have to answer correctly?
At least 17 of 33 questions. The test consists of 30 general and 3 state-specific questions about your Bundesland. Each question has four answers, exactly one of which is correct, and you have 60 minutes. See the 33 questions page for details.
How much does the Einbürgerungstest cost?
Usually about €25. The certificate you receive is valid indefinitely. You can find out the fee and the date from the responsible body, usually your local Volkshochschule (adult education centre).
Who has to take the test and who is exempt?
As a rule, anyone who wishes to become naturalised takes the test. Those exempt include people under 16 as well as people who cannot take part because of illness, disability or old age. A German school-leaving qualification or a relevant degree may also lead to an exemption. The Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation authority) decides case by case.
Is the Einbürgerungstest the same as the „Leben in Deutschland“-Test?
Yes. Both have the same format (33 questions, 17 to pass) and the same source of questions. A passed „Leben in Deutschland“-Test is recognised for naturalisation. Only the name of the certificate and the context differ.
Can I practise the test online for free?
Yes. Because the question catalogue is public and fixed, you practise exactly the questions of the real test. At GoethéB1 you answer all questions interactively, choose your Bundesland and see the correct answer immediately, free of charge and with no sign-up.
Last updated: 22 July 2026 · GoethéB1 is independent and not affiliated with the BAMF or Goethe-Institut.