The German government has released the official structure of the naturalisation test required for foreigners seeking citizenship, detailing the three core subject areas, the number of questions, and the passing score. According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), the test lasts 60 minutes and consists of 33 multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options. A candidate must answer at least 17 questions correctly to pass, and those who score lower are permitted to retake the test.
Three Subject Areas of the Naturalisation Test
The 33 questions are divided into two groups. Thirty questions are drawn from three broad subject areas: "Living in a democracy," "History and responsibility," and "People and society." These general questions assess the applicant's understanding of Germany's political system, historical context, and social norms.
The remaining three questions are specific to the federal state where the applicant has their primary residence. This state-specific portion makes the test unique for each candidate, depending on where they live in Germany. The BAMF provides a complete catalogue of all possible questions for both the general "Life in Germany" test and the naturalisation test through its official online test centre, allowing candidates to review every topic that may appear.
Passing the Test and Certificate Issuance
Applicants who achieve the minimum score of 17 correct answers receive an official certificate from BAMF confirming their individual result. This certificate is then submitted to the naturalisation authority as proof that the applicant possesses the required civic knowledge under German law. It is important to note that the certificate does not guarantee citizenship approval on its own, as naturalisation involves additional requirements, but it is a key component of the application process.
In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported that Germany had published the official questions foreigners can study to prepare for the citizenship test. These questions are published under the Naturalisation Test Regulation (Einbürgerungstest-Verordnung, or EinbTestV) and appear as Annex 1 to the Federal Law Gazette I 2008 No. 35. The catalogue remains in force in 2026, with amendments incorporated over the years since its original publication.
Retaking the Test and Next Steps
Candidates who do not reach the passing score can retake the citizenship test. The BAMF does not impose a limit on the number of retakes, allowing applicants multiple attempts to achieve the required score. Once passed, the certificate is valid for the naturalisation process, which also requires meeting other criteria such as residency duration and language proficiency.
The naturalisation test is a critical step for foreigners seeking German citizenship, ensuring they have a foundational understanding of the country's democratic values, history, and societal structures. As of 2026, the test structure remains unchanged, with the three subject areas and the state-specific questions forming the core of the assessment.
