The German citizenship test 2026 — how it actually works

33 questions, 60 minutes, 17 correct to pass, €25. Every figure checked against the ordinance, with source and check date.

Questions in the test

33

Split

30 + 3

Pass mark — naturalisation

17 / 33

Pass mark — "Leben in Deutschland"

15 / 33

Time

60 min

Options per question

4

Fee

25 €

Question catalogue

460 / 310

Three numbers get confused constantly. 460 is the published catalogue: 300 federal questions plus 10 for each of the 16 states. 310 is what you personally study: the 300 federal questions plus the 10 for your own state — the other 15 states’ questions never appear in your test. 33 is how many you actually answer on the day: 30 federal and 3 from your state.

Two pass marks — read this

It is the same paper, but there are two pass marks. Naturalisation requires 17 of 33 correct. The "Leben in Deutschland" test at the end of an orientation course requires 15. So a score of 15 or 16 passes the orientation course and does not meet the naturalisation requirement. If you are sitting this for naturalisation, 17 is your number.

17 or 15 correct? Two pass marks, one exam paper

Practice tests

Practice tests · States