The German Citizenship Test (Einbürgerungstest): How to Prepare

Of all the naturalisation requirements, the citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest) causes people worry — and it really should not. It is a multiple-choice test on Germany's legal and social order, drawn from a published catalogue, with a comfortable pass mark. With a few weeks of preparation almost everyone passes. This guide explains the format and how to prepare efficiently.

The format

• The test has 33 multiple-choice questions.

• They are drawn from an official catalogue of around 300 general questions plus state-specific ones.

• You need 17 correct answers to pass.

• Questions cover democracy and the constitution, rights and duties, history and how society works, plus a few questions specific to the federal state where you live.

Because the entire question pool is published in advance, the test rewards preparation rather than luck.

Who is exempt

You generally do not need to sit the test if you, for example, hold a German school-leaving qualification or certain German higher-education degrees, or cannot take it due to illness, disability, or age in defined cases. Check whether an exemption applies before you book.

How to prepare efficiently

• Use the official question catalogue. Free online trainers (including the BAMF practice tool) let you drill the exact questions.

• Learn your state's questions — these are easy points many people skip.

• Practise in test mode until you consistently score well above 17.

• Book at a recognised test centre (often run by adult education centres, the Volkshochschule).

Where it fits in your application

The test result is one document in your naturalisation file. You can usually sit it independently and submit the certificate with your application. Doing it early removes a variable from your timeline.

Common mistakes

• Overestimating the difficulty — 17 of 33 from a published pool is very achievable.

• Ignoring the state-specific questions.

• Not checking for an exemption you may already qualify for.

• Leaving it until the application is otherwise ready and delaying everything.

• Booking at a non-recognised provider whose certificate is not accepted.

When to get a lawyer

The test itself rarely needs a lawyer. Get advice if you are unsure whether an exemption applies, if a disability accommodation is needed, or if you want the test slotted correctly into a wider naturalisation strategy. A lawyer ensures the certificate fits a complete, well-timed application.

We fit the test into a winning application

Fiona Macdonald makes sure the Einbürgerungstest — or your exemption — is handled and slotted into a complete naturalisation file. If you are starting the process, we will tell you exactly what you need.

Related reading: Naturalisation after 5 years · Proving B1 German for naturalisation · The 2024 citizenship reform

This article is general information, not legal advice. Exemptions and recognised certificates depend on your circumstances and the responsible authority.

Last reviewed: August 2026 — RAin Fiona Macdonald