Einbürgerungstest · FAQ

Einbürgerungstest — the key questions

Liana · Sources: BAMF overall question catalogue, official information

All the key questions about the Einbürgerungstest answered briefly and clearly: what it costs (approx. €25), how long it takes, how it works, how many questions you need correct (17 of 33), how long the certificate is valid, who has to take the test and who is exempt from it.

This page is a compact overview. If you want to understand the structure in more detail, read the page on the 33 questions of the test. How the test fits into naturalisation as a whole is explained in the overview of Einbürgerung in Germany.

What is the Einbürgerungstest?

The Einbürgerungstest is a nationwide, standardised test of 33 multiple-choice questions on politics, history and society in Germany as well as on your Bundesland. It demonstrates that you have basic knowledge of the legal and social order. A passed test is a requirement for naturalisation and leads to the „Leben in Deutschland“ certificate.

How much does the Einbürgerungstest cost?

The Einbürgerungstest usually costs about €25. The fee is payable when you register at the test centre, usually a Volkshochschule (adult education centre). If the test has to be retaken, the fee of around €25 is charged again. Preparation courses or practice materials are separate and not included in this fee.

How many questions do you have to answer correctly?

To pass, you have to answer at least 17 of the 33 questions correctly. That is a little more than half. There are no grades — the test is either passed or not passed. Wrong answers carry no penalty points; only the number of correct answers counts.

How long is the Einbürgerungstest valid?

The „Leben in Deutschland“ certificate that you receive on passing the Einbürgerungstest is valid indefinitely. It does not expire and does not need to be renewed. So you can still use it as proof for your naturalisation application years later.

How does the Einbürgerungstest work?

You receive a test paper with 33 multiple-choice questions and have 60 minutes. Each question has four possible answers, exactly one of which is correct. You mark your answers on an answer sheet. The use of aids is not permitted. You receive the result and, if you pass, the certificate a few weeks later.

Who has to take the Einbürgerungstest?

In principle, everyone who wishes to be naturalised in Germany has to take and pass the Einbürgerungstest. Proof of knowledge of the legal and social order is a legal requirement for naturalisation. Exceptions apply only to certain groups of people.

Who is exempt from the Einbürgerungstest?

Those exempt from the Einbürgerungstest include children and young people under 16 as well as people who cannot take the test because of an illness, a disability or their age. In such cases, appropriate proof — for example a medical certificate — usually has to be submitted to the responsible authority.

Where can you take the Einbürgerungstest?

The Einbürgerungstest is administered at approved test centres, in most cases at a Volkshochschule (VHS). You register directly with the test centre and arrange an appointment. You can find out which centres near you are approved from your local Volkshochschule or from official BAMF information.

What is the difference between the „Leben in Deutschland“-Test and the Einbürgerungstest?

It is the same test. The „Leben in Deutschland“ test and the Einbürgerungstest have the same format, with 33 questions from the same question catalogue. Anyone who passes the test receives the „Leben in Deutschland“ certificate, which at the same time counts as a passed Einbürgerungstest and is recognised for naturalisation.

What happens if you do not pass the Einbürgerungstest?

Anyone who answers fewer than 17 of the 33 questions correctly has not passed the test. You can retake the Einbürgerungstest as often as you like, each time for a new fee of about €25. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Once you pass, you receive the certificate for your naturalisation.

Ready to prepare? Start with the 33 questions in detail or practise all the questions online right away. Everything about the citizenship process can be found under Einbürgerung in Germany.

Last updated: 22 July 2026 · GoethéB1 is independent and not affiliated with the BAMF or Goethe-Institut.