The German Citizenship Test (Einbürgerungstest): A Complete Guide
The Einbürgerungstest is the official 'life in Germany' knowledge test you must pass to become a German citizen. It has 33 multiple-choice questions; you need at least 17 correct to pass, drawn from a public catalogue. Besides the test you must prove German at B1 level. Since 2024 you can apply after five years' residence, and dual citizenship is allowed.
What is the Einbürgerungstest?
The Einbürgerungstest is the official test on Germany's legal and social order and on everyday life in the country. Passing it — together with proof of German language skills — is one of the mandatory conditions of naturalisation for most adult applicants.
The test has 33 questions: 30 general questions on German politics, society and history, plus 3 questions about the federal state (Bundesland) where you live. All questions are drawn from a public catalogue of about 310 questions that you can study in advance. After passing you receive the 'Leben in Deutschland' certificate.
How the test works and how to pass
It is a multiple-choice test with four options per question. You have about 60 minutes for all 33 questions, and you need at least 17 correct answers to pass. You can register at adult education centres (Volkshochschule) and other accredited centres; the usual fee is €25.
If you do not reach the required score, you may retake the test as many times as needed (paying again each time). Because the questions are published in advance, regular study from the official catalogue usually makes passing straightforward.
Language and the new citizenship law (2024)
Besides the test, citizenship requires proof of German, normally at B1 level — for example a telc or Goethe certificate or a DTZ result. The language requirement is usually what takes the most time, so it is worth starting to learn German early.
Since 27 June 2024 a new citizenship law applies: the required residence period has been cut from eight years to five (and to three with exceptional integration and C1-level German), and dual citizenship is now allowed, so in most cases you no longer have to give up your previous passport.
How to prepare with Deutsch30
You learn the 33 questions themselves from the official catalogue, but reaching B1 German is a separate task — and that is where Deutsch30 helps. It takes you step by step to B1 with a native-language interface and an AI partner that practises the speaking part with you.
Start with the placement quiz to see where you stand relative to B1, then follow a clear path with short daily practice — while revising the catalogue questions for the Einbürgerungstest itself in parallel.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the citizenship test and how many must I get right?
The Einbürgerungstest has 33 multiple-choice questions: 30 general ones and 3 about your federal state. You need at least 17 correct to pass. All questions come from a public catalogue of about 310 questions you can study beforehand.
What level of German do I need for German citizenship?
Normally B1, proven by a certificate (telc, Goethe or DTZ). The new 2024 law keeps the B1 requirement for ordinary naturalisation; for the fast three-year route you need roughly C1-level German.
How much does the Einbürgerungstest cost and can I retake it?
The usual fee is €25. If you do not reach 17 correct answers you can retake the test as many times as you like, paying again for each attempt. The questions are published in advance, so preparation is almost everything.