Leben in Deutschland Test

English Guide

The Life in Germany Test,
explained in English

Everything English speakers need to know about the German citizenship and integration test „Leben in Deutschland“ – and how to pass it.

Short answer: The „Leben in Deutschland“ (Life in Germany) test is Germany's official civic knowledge exam, run by the BAMF. It has 33 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, costs €25, and is taken at approved test centers (usually a Volkshochschule). You pass with 15 correct answers – or 17 if the result should count toward German citizenship. The exam is in German only, but all 460 official questions are public and can be practiced free of charge.

What's on the test?

Every exam draws from a public catalog of 460 questions: 300 general questions plus 10 for each of the 16 federal states. Your paper contains 30 general questions and 3 about the state where you take the test. There are no secret questions – if you know the catalog, you know every question that can appear.

The general questions cover seven areas:

  • Politics & democracy – Bundestag, elections, political parties
  • Constitutional principles – the Grundgesetz (Basic Law), rule of law
  • Basic rights – freedom of speech, religion, equality (Articles 1–19)
  • State & order – federalism, courts, social insurance
  • Elections – who may vote, first and second vote, the 5% threshold
  • Civil society – religious diversity, family, volunteering
  • History & responsibility – National Socialism, divided Germany, reunification

Browse all questions sorted by topic or by federal state (German interface).

One exam, two pass marks: residency vs. citizenship

The same exam serves two purposes, distinguished only by the score you need:

  • 15 of 33 correct → „Leben in Deutschland“ certificate: completes the integration course's orientation module and proves the civic knowledge required for permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
  • 17 of 33 correct → counts as the Einbürgerungstest (naturalization test) for your German citizenship application.

Practical advice: always study to reach 17+. The certificate never expires, so one well-prepared attempt covers residency today and citizenship later. Note that citizenship itself has further requirements – residence duration, B1 German, secured livelihood – summarized (in German) in our requirements guide.

How to register, step by step

  1. Find a test center: BAMF-approved centers exist in every region – usually the local Volkshochschule (adult education center). Directory of 400+ centers by state.
  2. Book a date: register 4–6 weeks ahead; popular cities fill up early. Current dates.
  3. Pay €25 directly to the test center (usually included if the test concludes your integration course).
  4. On exam day: bring a valid passport or ID plus your registration confirmation. No dictionaries or phones are allowed.
  5. Results: answer sheets are graded centrally by the BAMF; the written result arrives after roughly 3–6 weeks via your test center.

How to practice when German isn't your first language

The exam is in German, so the winning strategy is: understand in your language, then memorize the German wording. Two free tools help:

  • This website – all 460 questions with correct answers and explanations, a realistic exam simulator (33 questions, 60 minutes) and a learning mode with spaced repetition. Interface in German.
  • The free Android app „Einbürgerungstest erklärt 2026“ – translates every question, answer and explanation into English, Turkish, Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, French, Hindi and 7 more languages. It also explains why each answer is correct, works completely offline, and has no ads. Details & download.

Typical study time: 3–4 weeks at 30–45 minutes per day from scratch, or 1–2 weeks after an integration course. Over 90% pass on the first attempt.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Life in Germany test in German or English?
The official test is in German only — there is no English version of the exam itself. The questions use simple, formal German (roughly B1 level). You can, however, prepare with translations: the free Android app "Einbürgerungstest erklärt 2026" translates every question, answer and explanation into English and 13 other languages, so you understand first and then memorize the German wording.
How many questions are on the test and how many do I need to pass?
The exam has 33 multiple-choice questions (30 general + 3 about your federal state) and lasts 60 minutes. You need 15 correct answers to pass the "Leben in Deutschland" test (orientation course certificate, permanent residency) and 17 correct answers if the result should count for German citizenship (Einbürgerung). All questions come from a public catalog of 460 questions.
Where do I register for the test?
At a test center approved by the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) — in most cities this is the local adult education center (Volkshochschule). Register 4–6 weeks in advance. A directory of 400+ test centers by federal state: https://www.leben-test.de/pruefstellen
How much does the test cost?
25 euros per attempt, paid directly to the test center. If you take it as the final exam of an integration course (Orientierungskurs), the first attempt is usually included. You can retake the test as often as needed — only the passed attempt counts.
Is the Life in Germany test the same as the German citizenship test?
Yes — same questions, same format, same answer sheet. Only the pass mark differs: 15/33 for the orientation-course certificate and permanent residency, 17/33 for citizenship. If you study to reach 17+, one exam covers both purposes.
How long should I study, and where can I practice for free?
With no prior preparation, plan 3–4 weeks at 30–45 minutes per day; after an integration course, 1–2 weeks usually suffice. All 460 official questions with correct answers can be practiced free at leben-test.de — including a realistic exam simulator (33 questions, 60 minutes). Over 90% of test takers pass on the first attempt.
All 460 questionsExam simulatorGuide auf DeutschAndroid app (14 languages)