German Citizenship Test — FAQ
Everything you need to know about the official BAMF citizenship test at a glance.
How many questions are in the German citizenship test?
The official BAMF citizenship test consists of 33 questions: 30 general questions that are the same for all federal states, and 3 questions specific to your state (Bundesland).
How many questions do I need to get right to pass?
You need to answer at least 17 out of 33 questions correctly — that is approximately 51.5%. Achieving 17 or more points means you pass.
How long does the citizenship test take?
You have 60 minutes to complete the citizenship test. Most participants finish well within that time.
Who creates the citizenship test questions?
The questions are created by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). The full question catalog comprises 460 questions — 300 general and 160 state-specific (10 per state).
Are all 460 questions in the BAMF catalog official?
Yes, all 460 questions are officially published by BAMF (as of 07.05.2025). The actual test draws 30 randomly selected general questions plus 3 state-specific questions.
Can I take the citizenship test in English?
No, the citizenship test is conducted exclusively in German. Sufficient German language skills are a prerequisite for naturalisation.
How many times can I retake the citizenship test?
There is no legal limit on the number of attempts. You can retake the test as many times as needed.
What happens if I fail the citizenship test?
If you fail, you can retake the test after adequate preparation. Failing does not permanently prevent naturalisation — it simply delays the process.
Do I need to register for the citizenship test?
Yes, you must register at an authorised testing centre (usually a Volkshochschule) and pay the examination fee.
How is GoGermany different from the official BAMF test?
GoGermany is a study platform to help you prepare for the citizenship test. You can practise all official BAMF questions for free and take mock exams — but the official test must be taken at an authorised testing centre.
What topics are covered in the citizenship test?
The test covers German fundamental rights, history, democracy, federal institutions, the European Union, society, and state-specific topics. The full question catalog is freely available on this website.
Is GoGermany free to use?
Yes, you can browse the question catalog and topic pages without an account. A free account is required to practise with answers, track your progress, and take mock exams.
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