Naturalization test

The need for basic knowledge

For successful naturalization, it is necessary that you have knowledge of the legal and social order as well as the living conditions in Germany. This is to ensure that you are familiar with the basic rules of living together in Germany.

Commitment to the free democratic basic order

This knowledge is also an important basis for you to be able to make a credible commitment to the free democratic basic order. This commitment is a central component of the naturalization process.

Proof through the naturalization test

As a rule, you prove that you have the required knowledge by passing the naturalization test.

Test format and implementation

Structure of the test

The test consists of a questionnaire with a total of 33 questions. There are four possible answers to each question, one of which is correct. To pass the test, you must answer at least 17 questions correctly within 60 minutes.

Contents of the test

The questions in the test are taken from a standardized national catalog. This comprises 300 general questions on the following topics:

• Living in democracy
• History and responsibility
• People and society

In addition, the questionnaire contains three questions that relate specifically to the federal state in which you reside.

Preparation for the test

Special naturalization courses are offered to prepare for the naturalization test. However, participation in these courses is voluntary and is not a prerequisite for taking the test.

Alternatives to the naturalization test

In certain cases, you do not have to take the naturalization test, as it is assumed that you have already acquired the required knowledge by other means.

Proof through educational qualifications

A successful naturalization test is not required if you can provide proof of one of the following qualifications:

• A degree from a German secondary school
• A comparable or higher school-leaving qualification from a German general school

Proof through studies

A successfully completed degree at a German university or university of applied sciences can also replace the test. If you are studying law or political science, it is generally assumed that you have the necessary knowledge. For other subjects, it depends on the respective combination of subjects.

Exemptions from the obligation to test

The law provides for situations in which the need to prove knowledge of the legal and social order is waived.

Minors under the age of 16

If you have not yet reached the age of 16 at the time of naturalization, you do not have to take a naturalization test.

Personal obstacles

The test requirement is also waived if you are unable to acquire the required knowledge for one of the following reasons:

• a physical, mental or psychological illness
• a disability
• Age-related restrictions

In addition, the test is also waived for certain groups of guest workers and in cases of particular hardship, in which relief is already granted for language skills.

Legal basis

The Federal Ministry of the Interior is authorized to regulate the details of the naturalization test, such as the examination modalities and the learning content of the preparation courses, by means of a statutory order. The basis for the content is the orientation course as provided for in the Residence Act.