The Einbürgerungstest explained for Indians in Germany

Naturalisation is the last step of a long journey. The test itself is the easy part once you practise: 33 questions about democracy, history, society and your federal state. This page explains the rules, the costs and the order of the paperwork, in plain language.

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Naturalisation step by step

The order that saves the most time and repeat appointments.

  1. 1

    Check that you meet the residence, income and language conditions for naturalisation.

  2. 2

    Book and pass the Einbürgerungstest at a licensed centre for 25 euro.

  3. 3

    Collect your B1 certificate, payslips, pension record, rental contract and passports.

  4. 4

    File the application at your Einbürgerungsbehörde and pay the 255 euro fee.

  5. 5

    Attend the interview if invited, then receive the Einbürgerungsurkunde at a small ceremony.

  6. 6

    Renounce Indian citizenship as required by Indian law and apply for an OCI card.

Common questions

Who has to take the Einbürgerungstest?

Almost everyone applying for German citizenship by naturalisation. You are exempt if you hold a German school leaving certificate, a German university degree, or cannot take it for health or age reasons.

What does the test cost and where do I book it?

The fee is 25 euro. You book at a licensed test centre, usually your local Volkshochschule (VHS), the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge list of centres, or an approved language school.

How many questions do I need right?

You answer 33 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes and pass with 17 correct answers. Thirty questions are national, three are about your federal state.

Can I keep my Indian passport?

Germany allows multiple citizenship since June 2024, but India does not. Indian law requires you to give up Indian citizenship when you naturalise. Most people then apply for an OCI card. Check the current rules with the Indian mission before you file.

How long must I live in Germany first?

Usually five years of lawful residence, or three years with strong integration and C1 German. You also need a secure livelihood, a clean record and B1 German for the standard route.

What if I fail?

You can repeat the test as often as you like. You pay the fee again each time, and you keep your result letter for the citizenship file once you pass.

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