German citizenship: the language test and the Einbürgerungstest
To become a German citizen through naturalisation, you usually need two certificates: German at level B1 and a pass in the Einbürgerungstest. Here is the path step by step, with links to the official rules.
The path to German citizenship
Check the general conditions
Naturalisation has several conditions, for example how long you have lived in Germany. They are set out in § 10 of the Nationality Act (StAG) and depend on your situation. Your local naturalisation authority (Einbürgerungsbehörde) tells you what applies to you.
Prove German at level B1
Recognised certificates include the DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) at B1, telc Deutsch B1, the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and ÖSD B1. School or university qualifications from Germany can also count; your authority decides.
Pass the Einbürgerungstest
33 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes. You pass with 17 correct answers. The test costs €25.
Apply to your naturalisation authority
Submit your application with your certificates to the naturalisation authority where you live. The fee is set by law: €255 per adult and €51 for a child without income who is naturalised at the same time (§ 38 StAG). Required documents and processing times vary between authorities, so check their website or ask them directly.
Official sources
- Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG) § 10 — Bundesministerium der Justiz — gesetze-im-internet.de, checked 17 October 2026
- Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG) § 38 — Bundesministerium der Justiz — gesetze-im-internet.de, checked 17 October 2026
- Einbürgerungstestverordnung (EinbTestV) — Bundesministerium der Justiz — gesetze-im-internet.de, checked 17 October 2026
- Online-Testcenter für den Test "Leben in Deutschland" und den Einbürgerungstest — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF), checked 17 October 2026