Einbürgerungstest 2026: How to Prepare and What to Expect
A practical guide to preparing for the German citizenship test. What the test covers, how many questions you need to get right and the best way to study.
The German citizenship test has a reputation for being difficult, but most people who take it say it was more manageable than they expected. The key is knowing what the test actually looks like and giving yourself enough time to prepare properly.
This guide covers everything you need: the format, the topics, and a study approach that works.
What the test looks like
The Einbürgerungstest is run by the BAMF, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. It consists of 33 questions drawn from a fixed pool of 310. Of those 310 questions, 300 are the same for everyone across Germany, and 10 are specific to the state you live in.
You have 60 minutes to answer all 33 questions and you need at least 17 correct to pass. All questions are multiple choice with four options, so you never have to write anything from scratch.
The full list of 310 questions with correct answers is publicly available on the BAMF website. There are no surprises. Everything that can appear on your test is already known in advance.
What topics come up
The questions fall into three main areas.
The first is "Living in Democracy." This covers the German constitution, fundamental rights, how the government is structured, how elections work and the role of political parties and parliament. It is the largest section and the one worth spending the most time on.
The second is "History and Responsibility." Questions here focus on German history, particularly the Nazi period, World War Two and the division and reunification of Germany. These topics require genuine understanding rather than just memorisation.
The third is "People and Society." This section covers topics like freedom of religion, gender equality, social welfare systems and life in a diverse society.
The 10 state-specific questions come at the end and vary depending on where you live. They cover the history, culture and politics of your particular state, so make sure you know which questions apply to you.
The most effective way to study
A common mistake is trying to read through all 310 questions in one go. It feels productive but very little sticks.
A better approach is to work through one topic area at a time. Start with "Living in Democracy" because it is the largest section and many of the questions build on each other. Once you understand how the Bundestag works, the questions about elections and party roles become much easier to follow.
After going through each section, test yourself on it before moving on. Quizzing yourself is what actually moves information into long-term memory. Reading without testing gives you a false sense of how much you have retained.
In the week before your test, take a few full mock exams. Pick 33 questions at random, set a 60-minute timer and work through them as if it were the real thing. This tells you where you still have gaps and also gets you used to the pace of the test.
Can you retake it if you do not pass?
Yes. There is no waiting period between attempts and no limit on how many times you can take the test. That said, most people who prepare properly pass on the first try.
What happens on the day
Bring your passport or national ID card. The test is done on paper, not on a computer. You mark your answers on a form and receive your result on the same day.
There is no reason to rush through the questions. Sixty minutes is enough time to read carefully and check your answers once.
Where to practice
PassCitizen has all 310 questions available for free, organised by topic so you can study chapter by chapter. You can also run a full mock test for your specific state. No account required.
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