Naturalization Test and "Leben in Deutschland" Test: Practice Online for Free

In brief: how to practice for free

You can practice the naturalization test and the “Leben in Deutschland” test free of charge through the official BAMF Online Test Center (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees). There you answer real exam questions from the fixed question catalogue, see the correct answer immediately, and can repeat the practice test as many times as you like. Practicing costs nothing. Only the real exam costs 25 euros.

Important to know: the naturalization test and the “Leben in Deutschland” test use the same question catalogue. Anyone who practices one automatically practices the other.

What is the difference between the two tests?

Both tests check knowledge about politics, history, and society in Germany. The questions are identical. The difference lies in their purpose:

• “Leben in Deutschland” test: the final exam in the orientation course at the end of an integration course.
• Naturalization test: the same test for people who are applying for German citizenship and have not attended an integration course.

Good to know: if you have passed the “Leben in Deutschland” test with at least 17 correct answers, you can use that certificate directly for your naturalization application. You do not need to take the naturalization test again.

How is the test structured?

The question catalogue contains 310 general questions plus 10 questions for each federal state. In your actual exam you receive 33 questions: 30 general ones and 3 about your federal state (for example Baden-Wurttemberg, Bavaria, or Berlin).

The questions come from three topic areas:

1. Living in a democracy (fundamental rights, elections, political system)
2. History and responsibility (German history, especially from 1933 onwards)
3. People and society (everyday life, religion, living together)

Each question has four answer options. Only one is correct. You tick the answer, so there are no writing tasks.

The key figures at a glance

• 33 questions in the real exam
• 17 correct answers to pass
• 60 minutes time allowed
• 25 euros exam fee
• 310 + 10 questions per federal state in the catalogue
• Repeatable as often as you like, with no waiting period
• The certificate is valid indefinitely

Preparing in 5 steps

1. Choose your federal state. Set your federal state in the Online Test Center so you learn the right 10 state-specific questions.
2. Work through all questions. Go through the entire catalogue at least once and mark difficult questions.
3. Take practice tests. Practice complete test runs with 33 questions under timed conditions. This gets you used to the real feeling.
4. Repeat mistakes. Study specifically the questions you often answer incorrectly. That is the fastest way to pass.
5. Register and book your date. Sign up at an approved examination centre (often a Volkshochschule or another educational provider), usually 3 to 4 weeks in advance.

Where do I register?

You can register directly at an approved examination centre. These are frequently Volkshochschulen (VHS), but other educational providers also offer the exam. Ask about available dates and the exact registration deadline, as places fill up quickly.

Note: the test is not the language certificate

A common misunderstanding: the naturalization test checks knowledge, not your German. For naturalization you also need a language certificate at level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). These are two separate requirements.

B1 means: you understand the main points in conversations about everyday life, work, and leisure, you can manage in most everyday situations, and you can talk about experiences and plans. You provide this proof for example with the DTZ (Deutsch-Test fur Zuwanderer, a test with two possible results: A2 or B1), with telc Deutsch B1, or with the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

If your German is not yet securely at B1, a structured course is worthwhile. In the V-IZ B1 online course you learn with a real teacher and the Hueber coursebook “Schritte plus Neu” exactly the language you need for the B1 exam and everyday life in Germany. An AI trainer also helps you with speaking, pronunciation, and writing letters. If you are starting at A1 or A2, the complete learning path from A1 to B1 takes you step by step to the naturalization level.

Conclusion

Practice for free and with focus in the BAMF Online Test Center. With 17 out of 33 correct answers you pass, and a passed “Leben in Deutschland” test counts directly towards naturalization. But remember: you can pass the test by memorizing answers; for naturalization you also need your B1 German. Both together will take you safely to your goal.