Exam Day: What to Expect and What to Bring
There's no oral part and no surprises in format. Here's what the day itself actually looks like, from arrival to getting your result.
Before you go
Bring a valid photo ID: your passport or residence permit is enough. Get to the test centre at least 20 minutes before the start time. Latecomers are sometimes turned away, since the whole group starts and finishes together.
During the test
You'll get a printed test booklet (Testheft) with 33 multiple-choice questions, four answer options each, only one correct. You have 60 minutes. As with any formal exam, keep phones and notes out of reach during that time. Answer the ones you're sure of first, then come back to the rest. There's no penalty for wrong answers, so leave nothing blank.
After the test
You need 17 correct answers out of 33 to pass. If you pass, the certificate arrives by post, usually within 4–6 weeks; you'll need the original for your citizenship application. If you don't pass, you can simply book another attempt at 25 € and try again.
Good to know
- 60 minutes for 33 questions works out to under two minutes each. Most people finish early.
- The room is usually mixed: people taking the Einbürgerungstest sit alongside people taking the general "Leben in Deutschland" test. Same questions, different purpose.
- A timed mock exam on this site uses the same 33-question, 60-minute format, which is the closest you can get to a dry run before the real thing.
Official links
- BAMF – Musterbogen Einbürgerungstest — a sample answer sheet showing the exact format you'll see on the day.
This site is an independent practice tool and not affiliated with BAMF. For binding information, always check the official sources above or your local Einbürgerungsbehörde.