What is the German naturalisation test (Einbürgerungstest) and who has to take it?

Checked on 2026-10-25

German naturalisation applicants as a rule prove knowledge of the legal and social order with the naturalisation test, the Nationality Act says. BAMF's guidance says the test has 33 multiple-choice questions, three about your federal state, and 60 minutes; 17 correct answers pass. It costs €25, can be repeated, and a German school-leaving certificate exempts you.

Key facts

What	The law says	Source
What it proves	Knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany, a naturalisation condition	StAG § 10(1) no. 7, § 10(5)
Format	33 questions, four possible answers each, 60 minutes	BAMF, “Der Einbürgerungstest”
Pass mark	At least 17 correct answers	BAMF; BMI, “Einbürgerungstest”
Content	30 questions on “Living in a democracy”, “History and responsibility” and “People and society”; 3 on the federal state of your main residence	BAMF, “33 Fragen aus unterschiedlichen Bereichen”
Fee	€25	BAMF, “Wo kann ich den Einbürgerungstest ablegen?”
Failed	You can take it again	BAMF, “Wie sieht der Test aus?”
Preparation course	Offered, but not compulsory	StAG § 10(5)

Who doesn’t have to take it

The law waives the requirement if you can’t meet it because of a physical, mental or psychological illness, disability or age (§ 10(6)). The interior ministry’s guidance also exempts:

children under 16;
holders of a German school-leaving certificate (Schulabschluss);
graduates of a German university in law, social sciences, political science or administrative science;
people who came under a recruitment agreement by 30 June 1974 or as contract workers to East Germany by 13 June 1990, and spouses who followed them soon after.

Where to take it and how to prepare

You register with a BAMF test centre (Prüfstelle); BAMF publishes a list per federal state and says your naturalisation authority advises on centres nearby. Bring a valid photo ID on the test day. BAMF’s online test centre, which the ministry says is free, has the whole question catalogue of 310 questions (300 general, 10 for your state) and a sample test. After you pass, BAMF sends a certificate of your result, which you give to the naturalisation authority.

If you did an integration course

BAMF says that if you got the “Zertifikat Integrationskurs” and scored at least 17 of 33 points in the “Leben in Deutschland” test, you can use it as proof instead.

The German language requirement is B1 (StAG § 10(4)).

Sources

Change history

2026-10-25: Page created

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.