German for citizenship (Einbürgerung)
Naturalisation in Germany has two separate language and knowledge hurdles: German at B1 level, and the Einbürgerungstest — 33 multiple-choice questions on law, history and society. They are different exams with different preparation. Most people over-prepare one and get surprised by the other.
Sound familiar?
- Two exams, two formats, two booking processes — easy to leave one until too late.
- The B1 writing and speaking parts are the usual stumbling block for long-term residents who learned German by ear.
- The Einbürgerungstest question pool is large and dry, and rote reading does not stick.
- Naturalisation files get delayed for months when one certificate is missing.
How we help
B1 mocks with real audio
Five full telc or Goethe B1 papers, sat in the browser on the official clock, scored per module the moment you submit.
A dedicated Einbürgerungstest trainer
Our sister site drills the official question catalogue with mock tests, so both requirements are covered.
Know which certificate your Amt accepts
telc B1, Goethe-Zertifikat B1 and a DTZ result at B1 all satisfy the language requirement in the standard case.
Study on your own schedule
Everything runs in the browser — start a mock when you have two free hours, and retake it as many times as you want.
Frequently asked questions
+Do I need B1 or C1 German for citizenship?
B1 is the standard requirement for naturalisation. C1 only comes up for the faster naturalisation route available to applicants with special integration achievements.
+Is the Einbürgerungstest in German?
Yes, all 33 questions are in German. The language is simpler than B1 exam texts, but the vocabulary is specific — Grundgesetz, Bundestag, Meinungsfreiheit and so on.
+Can I use an old B1 certificate?
German language certificates for naturalisation do not normally expire, but individual authorities can ask for recent proof if the certificate is very old. Ask your Einbürgerungsbehörde.