Foreigners who would like to become German citizens are required to pass the naturalisation/citizenship test. By passing this test, one proves that they have the knowledge of the legal and social system and living conditions in Germany.
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) says that during the examination, each candidate will be given a test paper containing 33 questions to be answered in 60 minutes.
The candidate is required to choose the right answer for each question from four possible answers.
To pass the test, the candidate must answer at least 17 questions correctly. Whoever fails to do so must repeat the test.
The successful candidate will receive from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees a certificate with their test results.
This certificate can be used to prove one’s civic knowledge to the naturalisation authorities.
Read more information on German Laws and legislation here: Legal News and Guides – Germany
The questions asked
A total of 30 questions asked cover subject areas ranging from “Living in a democracy”, “History and responsibility” to “People and society”.
The remaining three questions are about the Federal Land in which the candidate is registered as their main place of residence.
Who is exempted from taking the naturalisation test?
– Those who have acquired a German school-leaving qualification.
– Those who cannot fulfil the requirements because of a physical, psychological or mental illness or disability or on account of your age.
Where can I take the naturalisation test?
You can contact the local naturalisation authority offices for help with any questions about the naturalisation test. They will also tell you where to find the nearest test centre where you can register to take the test.
The fees for the test
It costs 25 euros to take the naturalisation test.
You are reminded to bring a valid identification document with you on the day of the test.
How can I prepare myself for the naturalisation test?
The best way to prepare for the naturalisation test is by using the interactive list of questions in the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees’ online test centre.
After you have attempted each question, the correct answer will be displayed. The test consists of a total of 310 questions, of which 300 are general questions and 10 questions relate to the Federal Land in which you live.
How children of foreign parents can acquire German nationality
Some Federal Länder also offer courses to help you prepare for the naturalisation test. You can obtain information about these courses from your local naturalisation authority.
How to prove your German-language skills
By attending an integration course and obtaining the “DTZ – German test for immigrants” certificate, one can acquire the language skills necessary for naturalisation.
The integration course also tackles many topics covered by the naturalisation test.
The online Naturalisation Test Centre
Click on the following links to become acquainted with the General Catalogue of test questions for the naturalisation test. The system will display the correct answer after you have attempted to answer each question.
• Interaktiver Fragenkatalog zum Test “Leben in Deutschland”
• Interaktiver Musterfragebogen zum Test “Leben in Deutschland”
• Interaktiver Fragenkatalog Einbürgerungstest
• Interaktiver Modelltestbogen Einbürgerungstest