Pass the Einbürgerungstest with the official questions
To become a German citizen you usually need B1 German and a passed Einbürgerungstest: 33 multiple-choice questions (30 general, 3 about your federal state) in 60 minutes, with 17 correct answers to pass. Practise with real questions from the official BAMF catalogue and rehearse your appointment at the Einbürgerungsbehörde.
Checked against official sources · October 2026
Step by step
- 01
Check that you are eligible
In general you need five years of lawful, habitual residence in Germany, a qualifying residence status (for example a settlement permit, EU Blue Card or certain residence permits), clarified identity and nationality, the ability to support yourself and your dependants without Bürgergeld or social assistance, and no relevant criminal convictions. The three-year fast track that existed from June 2024 was abolished with effect from 30 October 2025. Ask your local Einbürgerungsbehörde for advice before you apply, since individual circumstances matter.
- 02
Get proof of B1 German
You must show German at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The usual proof is a B1 certificate, for example the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) result B1 from an integration course or another recognised B1 exam. German school or vocational qualifications may also count. Your authority decides which proof it accepts.
- 03
Pass the Einbürgerungstest (or show an exemption)
Register at a BAMF test centre (Prüfstelle), pay €25 and answer 33 questions in 60 minutes. You need at least 17 correct. A 'Leben in Deutschland' result of 17 or more from the integration course also counts. People with a German school-leaving qualification, and people who cannot take the test because of illness, disability or age, are exempt.
- 04
Collect documents and submit your application
Get the application form from your Einbürgerungsbehörde. Many cities and districts now accept online applications. Typical documents are your passport, residence permit, registration certificate, proof of income and pension or health insurance, the language certificate, the test certificate and civil-status documents such as birth and marriage certificates. The fee is €255 per adult and €51 for each minor child naturalised with a parent.
- 05
Sign the commitment and declarations
You declare your commitment (Bekenntnis) to the free democratic basic order of the Grundgesetz, together with a loyalty declaration. You also acknowledge Germany's special historical responsibility for the Nazi regime and its consequences, including the protection of Jewish life, the peaceful coexistence of peoples and the ban on wars of aggression. The authority may invite you to an appointment to discuss your application and these declarations.
- 06
Background checks and processing
The authority checks your documents, requests information from the Federal Central Criminal Register and makes security enquiries with other agencies. Processing times vary a lot between cities and can take many months. Tell the authority promptly about changes such as a new job, a move or a new child.
- 07
Receive your naturalisation certificate (Einbürgerungsurkunde)
Before the certificate is handed over you make a solemn declaration that you will respect the Grundgesetz and the laws of Germany and refrain from anything that could harm it. You become German at the moment the certificate is handed to you, often at a public naturalisation ceremony.
- 08
After naturalisation
Apply for a German ID card (Personalausweis) and passport at your Bürgeramt. Since 27 June 2024 Germany generally allows multiple citizenship, but your other country's law decides whether you keep that citizenship, so check with its authorities.
Who can apply
Five years of lawful residence
Generally at least five years of lawful, habitual residence in Germany (§ 10 StAG). The shortened three-year route for 'special integration achievements' was abolished with effect from 30 October 2025. Spouses, registered partners and minor children can sometimes be naturalised together with the applicant even if they have not lived in Germany as long.
Qualifying residence status and clarified identity
You need a permanent right of residence or one of the residence permits listed in the law (for example an EU Blue Card). Some temporary purposes, such as studying, do not qualify. Your identity and nationality must be clarified, usually with a valid passport.
Self-sufficiency
You must be able to support yourself and your dependants without benefits under SGB II (Bürgergeld) or SGB XII (social assistance), unless you are not responsible for needing them. The law contains exceptions, for example for certain former guest workers and for people who have worked full time for at least 20 of the last 24 months.
No relevant criminal convictions
Minor convictions are generally disregarded: fines of up to 90 daily rates, and suspended prison sentences of up to three months once probation has ended. This leniency does not apply when a court found an antisemitic, racist or otherwise inhuman motive. Foreign convictions and pending investigations must be declared.
German at B1 level
Proof of German at CEFR level B1. Easier rules apply to some former guest workers and their spouses, who need only spoken everyday German, and in hardship cases. People who cannot meet the requirement because of illness, disability or age are exempt.
Knowledge of the legal and social order
Usually shown by passing the Einbürgerungstest (17 of 33). A German school-leaving qualification also counts. People who cannot take the test because of illness, disability or age are exempt.
Commitment to the free democratic basic order
A personal commitment (Bekenntnis) to the free democratic basic order of the Grundgesetz and a loyalty declaration. Since the 2024 reform this includes acknowledging Germany's special historical responsibility for the Nazi regime and its consequences, especially the protection of Jewish life. The law states that antisemitic, racist or otherwise inhuman acts are incompatible with human dignity. Naturalisation is excluded if these declarations are untrue.
Equality and monogamy
Naturalisation is excluded if you are married to more than one person at the same time, or if your behaviour shows that you disregard the equality of men and women guaranteed by the Grundgesetz (§ 11 StAG).
Everything about the Germany process
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ReadDocuments for your application
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ReadCommon questions
Is there an oral citizenship interview in Germany?
There is no oral civics exam. Civic knowledge is tested in writing with the Einbürgerungstest. You will deal with the Einbürgerungsbehörde in German, though, and authorities may invite you to an appointment to go through your application and the commitment to the free democratic basic order. How this works differs from one authority to another.
How many questions are on the Einbürgerungstest and how many must I get right?
There are 33 questions: 30 general ones and 3 about your federal state. You have 60 minutes and need at least 17 correct answers. All questions come from the published BAMF catalogue of 310 questions (300 general plus 10 per state).
What does the test cost, and can I retake it?
The test costs €25 per attempt. If you get fewer than 17 correct, you can take it again.
Is the 'Leben in Deutschland' test the same thing?
It uses the same catalogue and format, but it is the final test of the integration course's orientation course, where 15 correct answers pass. For naturalisation you need 17 of 33. A 'Leben in Deutschland' result of 17 or more can be used as proof of civic knowledge.
Who does not have to take the Einbürgerungstest?
People with a German school-leaving qualification, and people who cannot meet the requirement because of illness, disability or age. Certain former guest workers (and spouses who joined them), people in hardship cases and children under 16 also do not need it. Your Einbürgerungsbehörde decides whether an exemption applies.
Can I still become German after three years?
No. The three-year fast track was abolished with effect from 30 October 2025, and the general minimum is five years of lawful residence again. Shorter periods may still apply in special cases, for example to family members naturalised together with the main applicant. Ask your authority.
Do I have to give up my current citizenship?
Under German law, generally not, since 27 June 2024. Your other country may still withdraw your citizenship when you naturalise, so check its rules first.
How much does naturalisation cost?
€255 per adult and €51 for each minor child naturalised with a parent. Add €25 for the test and the cost of a language exam if you need one. Reductions or instalments may be possible on low income.
Can a minor conviction stop my application?
Small convictions are generally disregarded, for example fines of up to 90 daily rates or suspended sentences of up to three months after probation. This does not apply if a court found an antisemitic, racist or otherwise inhuman motive. Above these limits, the authority decides case by case. Get individual advice if this applies to you.
When do I actually become German?
When the Einbürgerungsurkunde (naturalisation certificate) is handed to you, after you make a solemn declaration to respect the Grundgesetz and the laws of Germany. Handovers often take place at a naturalisation ceremony.