Einbürgerungstest – Complete Guide, Questions, Tips, and Preparation (2026)

Becoming a German citizen is an important step for many people. One part of the naturalisation process is the Einbürgerungstest, the German citizenship test. It checks basic knowledge about the German state, society, democracy, and everyday life in Germany.

At first, the test may seem formal or difficult, especially because of the official German terminology. In practice, however, it is clearly structured and based on a known catalogue of questions. With regular preparation, most applicants can prepare for it successfully.

What does this article cover?

• what the Einbürgerungstest is
• how many questions are included
• how many correct answers are needed to pass
• how to prepare in a practical way
• which online resources can support your preparation

What is the Einbürgerungstest?

The Einbürgerungstest is an exam for people who want to apply for German citizenship. Its purpose is to show that the applicant has basic knowledge of Germany and understands important aspects of the country’s political and social system.

The questions cover topics such as:

• German history
• the political system
• the principles of democracy
• rights and responsibilities in society
• everyday life in Germany
• social norms and cultural values

The test is organised by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). It is held at official test centres throughout Germany.

How many questions are in the Einbürgerungstest?

The test contains 33 questions in total. These include:

• 30 general questions about Germany
• 3 questions about the federal state where you live

For example, if you live in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, or another federal state, some questions will refer specifically to that region.

To pass the test, you need at least 17 correct answers out of 33.

All questions are multiple-choice. Each question has four possible answers, and only one of them is correct.

How difficult is the Einbürgerungstest?

The Einbürgerungstest is generally considered manageable. Many participants pass it on their first attempt. The main reason is that all questions are taken from an official catalogue containing 310 questions.

This means the exam is not unpredictable. If you practise with the official question catalogue, you are already working with the same material from which the exam is created.

A solid understanding of the question catalogue is therefore the most reliable preparation for the test.

How to prepare for the Einbürgerungstest

1. Practise with the official questions

The most effective way to prepare is to study the same questions that may appear in the real exam. For passing the test, it is usually not necessary to study a large amount of theory if you practise regularly with the official catalogue.

2. Understand the topics, not only the answers

Many questions become easier when you understand the basic topics behind them:

• how democracy works in Germany
• what the federal system means
• which rights and responsibilities citizens have
• which historical topics appear frequently in the test

3. Take regular mock tests

Mock tests help you become familiar with the exam format. They also show which topics you still need to review.

If you track your mistakes and repeat difficult questions, your preparation becomes much more focused.

Free online preparation

There are different ways to prepare online. The most useful platforms combine the important learning functions in one place:

• the official 310 questions
• exam simulations
• learning mode
• mistake review
• explanations of difficult topics

On the Deutsch mit Spaß platform, you can practise interactively, track your progress, and repeat the questions that are still difficult for you.

How does the exam work?

The Einbürgerungstest usually lasts about 60 minutes. The exam is completed in written form.

There is no oral section. You do not have to speak German during the test, but you must understand the questions and answer options in German.

You usually need to bring the following items:

• passport or ID card
• exam invitation or registration confirmation
• pen

Results are usually sent after a few weeks. In many cases, this takes around 2 to 6 weeks.

Practical tips before the exam

• Study in small daily sessions instead of trying to learn everything at once.
• Mark questions where you repeatedly make mistakes.
• Complete several full mock tests before the exam.
• Pay special attention to the questions about your federal state.
• Try to understand the context instead of only memorising answers.

How much does the Einbürgerungstest cost?

The fee for the Einbürgerungstest is usually around 25 €. Depending on the test centre, the price may vary slightly, for example between 20 and 30 €.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake the test if I do not pass?

Yes. If you do not pass the test, you can take it again. A new registration usually requires paying the fee again.

Can the test be taken in Russian, Latvian, or another language?

No. The Einbürgerungstest is conducted in German.

Is German at B1 level required?

In the naturalisation process, B1 German is usually relevant as part of the language requirements. The language used in the test itself is relatively simple, but the questions and answers must still be understood in German.

Conclusion

The Einbürgerungstest is an exam that can be prepared for in a very practical way. Since the questions come from a known official catalogue, regular practice and targeted review are the most important parts of preparation.

With a few days or weeks of structured learning, most applicants can become much more confident before the exam.

Prepare online for the Einbürgerungstest

If you want to prepare in a practical and interactive way, dmsplay.de offers tests, exercises, and explanations that support structured preparation for the Einbürgerungstest.