The naturalisation test (Einbürgerungstest) is one of the best-known hurdles in the naturalisation procedure. It checks knowledge of the legal and social order and of living conditions in Germany. The Naturalisation Test Regulation (Einbürgerungstestverordnung, EinbTestV) sets the scope, the pass mark, the duration and the fee, so you know the requirements before you register.
Short answer: The test consists of 33 questions with four answer options each, and exactly one answer is correct. You need at least 17 correct answers and have 60 minutes. The question catalogue contains 310 questions. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) charges a flat fee of 25 euros at its test centres. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points in brief
- The test has 33 questions, and you pass it with at least 17 correct answers.
- You have 60 minutes under supervision.
- The catalogue in the regulation contains 310 questions, of which 300 are general and 10 are state-specific.
- The BAMF test centres charge a flat fee of 25 euros.
- The certificate remains valid after a change of residence.
How the test is built
The EinbTestV regulates the test in a few paragraphs. The table below gives the central rules with the paragraph reference, so you can read them yourself.
| Feature | Rule under the EinbTestV | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Format | questionnaires with four answer options, exactly one correct | § 1 (1) |
| Scope | 33 questions per questionnaire, three of them state-specific | § 1 (2) |
| Pass mark | at least 17 correct answers | § 1 (3) |
| Duration | 60 minutes under supervision | § 1 (3) |
| Certificate | standard form, remains valid after a change of residence | § 1 (4) |
| Data deletion | no later than two years after the certificate is issued | § 4 |
The questionnaires themselves are not published. You therefore study the catalogue from which the questions are drawn, not individual forms.
The question catalogue: 310 official questions
The question catalogue is set out in Annex 1 of the regulation. It contains 300 general questions and 10 state-specific questions for each federal state, 310 in total. The regulation refers to the annex volume of the Federal Law Gazette from 2008 for its publication. From the catalogue, 100 questionnaires of 33 questions each are compiled, and every questionnaire includes three questions about your federal state.
For preparation this means that the general questions make up most of the material, while the state-specific questions must be learned for your own state. Working through the catalogue by topic helps you retain the connections better than memorising single answers.
Procedure and identity check
The test takes place under supervision at a test centre. The regulation requires that your identity is checked with an official identity document, both at BAMF test centres under § 2 and at state offices under § 3. Bring a valid document that shows your name and photograph.
The regulation distinguishes between BAMF test centres and state offices (Landesstellen). The fee under § 2 (1) relates to the BAMF test centres. For state offices, ask directly about the costs, because the regulation does not state an amount for them.
What does the test cost?
If you use a BAMF test centre, the office charges a flat fee of 25 euros per test participant (§ 2 (1) EinbTestV). The regulation was last amended by a change dated 21 June 2024.
| Office | Fee under the regulation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| BAMF test centre | 25 euros flat fee per participant (§ 2 (1)) | the flat fee covers the test, not the naturalisation procedure as a whole |
| State office (Landesstelle) | no fee stated in the regulation (§ 3) | ask the state office about its costs |
The test fee is only one part of the costs. The application itself triggers further fees that are not set out in this regulation. The article on requirements and the procedure for students explains these steps in more detail.
How to prepare
- Obtain the official question catalogue. The regulation refers to the annex volume of the Federal Law Gazette.
- Learn the catalogue by topic, for example history, politics, legal order, society and everyday life.
- Practise under time pressure with 33 questions in 60 minutes so that you can judge your pace.
- Pay attention to the state-specific questions for your federal state, because they make up three of the 33 questions.
Who takes the test
Under § 10 (5) StAG, the passed test is usually expected to prove knowledge of the legal and social order. Subsection 6 provides relief. The naturalisation office decides which relief applies and whether you are exempt. The article on naturalisation for students describes the general requirements.
Typical mistakes when registering
The most common mistake is to attend the appointment without an official identity document. The identity is checked before the test, so the ID belongs in your preparation from the start. It also matters whether you book a BAMF test centre or a state office, because the fee and the procedure can differ.
Many candidates learn only from summary lists. The official catalogue contains more detail than short versions, and the state-specific questions are often missing from them. Reviewing the original catalogue at least for the questions of your own federal state avoids unpleasant surprises.
Prepare organisationally as well. Plan the journey and the appointment so that you arrive rested and on time. The test lasts 60 minutes, and all 33 questions must be answered within that time. A calm preparation the day before helps more than last-minute reading at night.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions must I answer correctly?
At least 17 of the 33 questions. The threshold shows that the test checks a solid foundation rather than every detail. If you know the catalogue well, you usually clear the threshold with some margin.
How long is the certificate valid?
The regulation does not state an expiry period. The certificate in the standard form remains valid after a change of residence. Keep it safe, because you need it in the naturalisation procedure.
Is my data stored?
Only for a limited time. Under § 4 of the regulation, the data collected must be deleted no later than two years after the certificate is issued.
Is there a course that prepares me for the test?
The regulation refers in § 1 (5) to a framework curriculum for naturalisation courses, which is binding in Annex 2. Naturalisation courses therefore follow the same content. Ask the adult education centres (Volkshochschulen) or your naturalisation office whether a course is offered near you.
What to do now
- Ask your naturalisation office whether you have to take the test or whether relief applies.
- Choose the test centre and ask about the fee if you use a state office.
- Prepare with the official question catalogue and practise under time pressure.
- Bring an official identity document to the appointment.
Related articles
- Studying in Germany as an international student: the overview
- Naturalisation for students: requirements and procedure
- Abolished fast-track naturalisation: what applies to students
- Staying in Germany after your degree: which residence permit fits
- Applying for a student visa: procedure at the consulate
Sources: Naturalisation Test Regulation (EinbTestV), gesetze-im-internet.de (accessed 2 November 2026, last amended 2024), § 10 StAG, gesetze-im-internet.de (accessed 2 November 2026).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
