Naturalisation · civic knowledge
Leben in Deutschland Test: format, dates and result
Liana · Sources: BAMF overall question catalogue, official information
The „Leben in Deutschland“-Test is a multiple-choice test with 33 questions on the German legal and social order. To pass, 17 correct answers are enough. It has the same structure as the Einbürgerungstest and is a requirement for Einbürgerung (naturalisation). Here you will find the format, the fee, the dates, registration, and the chance to practise all the questions online for free.
This page explains step by step exactly what the test asks, how many questions you have to answer correctly, where and when you can take it, and what it costs. We also answer the most common question: is the „Leben in Deutschland“-Test the same as the Einbürgerungstest? The short answer is yes — and we explain why in detail.
Key facts
- Questions
- 33 in total — 30 general plus 3 for your Bundesland.
- Pass mark
- At least 17 of 33 correct; no penalty for wrong answers.
- Duration
- 60 minutes, multiple choice (4 answers, 1 correct).
- Fee
- Usually about €25; the certificate is valid indefinitely.
- Same as
- Identical in format to the Einbürgerungstest; recognised for naturalisation.
- Where
- At a Volkshochschule (VHS) or other BAMF-approved body; dates set locally.
What is the „Leben in Deutschland“-Test?
The „Leben in Deutschland“-Test is a state-regulated test that examines knowledge of the German legal and social order and of living conditions in Germany. It is usually taken at the end of an Integrationskurs (integration course), but it can also be taken independently. All questions are multiple-choice questions with four possible answers, exactly one of which is correct.
The questions come from the official overall question catalogue of the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees). This catalogue comprises 300 general questions on politics, history, society and law, plus an additional 10 state-specific questions for each of the 16 Bundesländer. A fixed number of questions is compiled from it for the test.
One test, two names. The „Leben in Deutschland“-Test and the Einbürgerungstest refer to the same format. Anyone who takes the test as part of an Integrationskurs receives the „Leben in Deutschland“ certificate, which also serves as proof for naturalisation. Everything about the Einbürgerungstest →
Format: 33 questions, 17 to pass
The test consists of 33 questions: 30 general questions from the nationwide catalogue and 3 state-specific questions about the Bundesland where you live. So you only answer the questions about your own Bundesland, not all 16. To pass, you have to answer at least 17 of the 33 questions correctly.
| 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 |
| Fee | approx. €25 |
| Validity of the certificate | indefinite |
There are no penalty points for wrong answers. Since 17 correct answers are enough to pass (a little more than half), the test is quite manageable with some preparation. Anyone who practises regularly already knows most of the questions before test day.
17 out of 33 sounds doable — and it is. All possible questions are publicly known and come from a fixed catalogue. There are no surprise topics. Anyone who works through the 300 general questions plus the 10 questions for their own Bundesland has covered the entire exam material.
Is it the same as the Einbürgerungstest?
Yes. The „Leben in Deutschland“-Test and the Einbürgerungstest are the same test with the same format: 33 questions, 3 of them state-specific, 17 correct answers to pass, the same source of questions (the BAMF overall question catalogue). The difference lies only in the context and the name of the certificate.
- „Leben in Deutschland“-Test: this is what the test is called when it is taken at the end of an Integrationskurs. The certificate is then called „Leben in Deutschland“.
- Einbürgerungstest: the same test, when it is taken specifically for naturalisation. The certificate is then called „Einbürgerungstest“.
Both count for naturalisation: a passed „Leben in Deutschland“-Test is recognised as proof of civic knowledge. So you do not have to take the test twice. A passed test is one of the requirements for Einbürgerung, alongside sufficient German (usually B1) and other conditions.
Where and when? Dates and registration
The test is taken at a Volkshochschule (VHS) and other bodies approved by the BAMF. There is no central, nationwide scheduling system — each body sets its own dates. This is usually how you go about it:
- Find an approved body. Usually this is the Volkshochschule of your city or district. Some migration advice centres and education providers are also approved.
- Ask about dates. Dates vary by location and demand. Ask your VHS or Einbürgerungsbehörde directly for the next free date — there are no fixed nationwide exam days.
- Register and pay the fee. You register with the relevant body. The fee of around €25 is usually due on registration.
- Bring ID on test day. Bring a valid identity document. The test lasts 60 minutes.
- Result and certificate. After marking, you receive the certificate. It is valid indefinitely and never needs to be renewed.
Ask about specific dates locally. Because dates are set locally, we cannot give fixed dates here. Contact your local Volkshochschule or Einbürgerungsbehörde, where you will find out the next available date and the exact fee.
Practise before the test
Because the question catalogue is public and fixed, you can practise exactly the questions that come up in the test. The fastest way is interactive: you answer each question, see the answer immediately and select your own Bundesland. You will find all the questions with answers and a free mini-test to try out on the practice page.
Practise all questions for free, with instant answers
Exactly the test format, every Bundesland, feedback after each question. No sign-up, no download.
Go to the practice page and mini-testYou will find more in-depth overviews in the Einbürgerungstest hub and in the overview of all questions and answers. If you are preparing the required language proof at the same time, the page on the B1 proof will help.
FAQ: Leben in Deutschland Test
What is the „Leben in Deutschland“-Test?
A multiple-choice test with 33 questions on the German legal and social order and on living conditions in Germany. It consists of 30 general and 3 state-specific questions. To pass, at least 17 correct answers are needed. The test is often taken at the end of an Integrationskurs (integration course) and is identical in format to the Einbürgerungstest.
Is the „Leben in Deutschland“-Test the same as the Einbürgerungstest?
Yes. Both tests have the same structure (33 questions, 3 of them state-specific, 17 correct answers to pass) and come from the same BAMF overall question catalogue. A passed „Leben in Deutschland“-Test is recognised as proof of civic knowledge for naturalisation. So you do not have to take the test twice.
How many questions do I have to answer correctly?
At least 17 of 33 questions. Each question is a multiple-choice question with four possible answers, exactly one of which is correct. You have 60 minutes, and wrong answers carry no penalty points.
Where and when can I take the test?
At a Volkshochschule (adult education centre) and other bodies approved by the BAMF. Dates are set locally and differ from place to place. For a specific date and to register, contact your local Volkshochschule or Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation authority).
How much does the test cost and how long is the certificate valid?
The fee is usually about €25. The „Leben in Deutschland“ certificate is valid indefinitely and does not need to be renewed. You can find out the exact fee from the responsible local body. You can practise all the questions online for free beforehand.
Last updated: 22 July 2026 · GoethéB1 is independent and not affiliated with the BAMF or Goethe-Institut.