The German Citizenship Test: What to Expect and How to Pass
How the Leben in Deutschland test works — 33 questions, the pass mark, what it costs, which German level you need, and how to prepare efficiently.
The Leben in Deutschland test is the part of German naturalisation that people worry about most and prepare for least efficiently. The good news: the entire question pool is public, and the pass mark is generous.
How the test works
| Questions | 33 (30 general + 3 about your federal state) |
| Drawn from | An official catalogue of 460 published questions |
| Format | Multiple choice, four options, one correct |
| Time | 60 minutes |
| Pass mark | 17 of 33 correct |
| Cost | Around €25 |
| Result | Usually 4–6 weeks by post |
The pass mark is the key fact
You need 17 of 33 — just over half. You can get 16 questions wrong and still pass. Most people who prepare at all pass comfortably.
What the questions cover
- Politics and democracy — the Grundgesetz, elections, how the Bundestag works.
- History — the Weimar Republic, the Nazi period, division and reunification.
- Society and everyday life — rights and duties, work, school, religion.
- Your federal state — 3 questions specific to where you live.
The questions are knowledge-based, not opinion-based, and the German used is plain. This is not a language exam in disguise.
Free practice with genuine questions from the official catalogue — no account needed.
Try 5 real questions now →The most efficient way to prepare
- Do a diagnostic run of 33 random questions to find your baseline. Many people are already close to passing.
- Work through the 300 general questions in blocks of 30, marking only the ones you get wrong.
- Revisit only your wrong answers. Repeating questions you already know is wasted time.
- Learn your state's 10 questions separately — they are quick, factual wins.
- In the final week, do full 33-question mock runs under time.
Two to three weeks of short daily sessions is enough for most people. Cramming the whole catalogue in one weekend is not necessary and rarely sticks.
The other requirements
The test is one piece of naturalisation. You will generally also need:
- German at B1 level — usually proven with a recognised certificate.
- A qualifying period of legal residence in Germany.
- The ability to support yourself financially.
- No relevant criminal record, and commitment to the constitution.
Check current rules
Naturalisation requirements change with the law, and details vary by state and personal situation. Always confirm the current criteria with your local Einbürgerungsbehörde or the BAMF before applying.
The B1 requirement is the real work
For most applicants the language certificate takes far longer than the citizenship test. B1 means holding a conversation on familiar topics, handling most situations while travelling, and explaining your opinions and plans.
If you are still working toward B1, prioritise speaking practice. Reading and listening are usually the easier halves of a B1 exam; the speaking module is where prepared candidates lose marks — and it is the only part you cannot cram.
Listening, reading, writing and grammar exercises — plus conversation practice with an AI tutor when you sign up.
Practise German free →Frequently asked questions
How many questions do you need right to pass the German citizenship test?
You need at least 17 correct answers out of 33 questions. The test lasts 60 minutes and uses multiple-choice questions with four options each.
How many questions are in the Einbürgerungstest catalogue?
There are 460 official questions in total: 300 general questions plus 10 questions for each of the 16 federal states. Your test draws 30 general questions and 3 from your state.
What German level do I need for German citizenship?
You generally need German at B1 level of the Common European Framework, proven with a recognised certificate, in addition to passing the Leben in Deutschland test.
How much does the German citizenship test cost?
The Leben in Deutschland test costs around €25. Practising with the official question catalogue beforehand is free.
How long should I study for the Einbürgerungstest?
Two to three weeks of short daily practice is enough for most people, since the entire question pool is published and the pass mark is 17 of 33.