How to Register for the Einbürgerungstest

What is the Einbürgerungstest?

The Einbürgerungstest (also called the "Leben in Deutschland" test) is a standardised multiple-choice exam on German society, history, and the legal system. Most citizenship applicants have to pass it, unless they're exempt (for example, because they already hold a German school-leaving certificate in social studies, or completed an integration course that included the equivalent test).

Where do you register?

You don't register with the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) or with BAMF directly. Instead, you sign up with a BAMF-approved test centre (Prüfstelle). That's usually a local adult education centre (Volkshochschule / VHS), but it can also be a Goethe-Institut branch or a private language school. You can take the test at any approved centre in Germany, not just where you live.

Step-by-step registration

1. Find an approved test centre near you. Most cities have their Volkshochschule listed as a Prüfstelle: search "VHS + your city + Einbürgerungstest", or use your state's official list above.
2. Contact the centre and book a slot. Registration is usually done online, by email, or by phone. Test dates fill up, so register about 3–4 weeks before you want to take it.
3. Pay the exam fee. The test costs 25 € per attempt, paid directly to the test centre. If you take it as part of a state-funded integration course, the fee is often waived.
4. Bring valid photo ID on test day. Your passport or residence permit is enough. No separate application form is needed beforehand.
5. Take the test. You'll answer 33 multiple-choice questions (30 general + 3 about the state you live in) in 60 minutes. You need at least 17 correct answers to pass.
6. Wait for your certificate. If you pass, the official certificate arrives by post, usually within 4–6 weeks. You'll need it for your citizenship application.