Citizenship Law and Einbürgerungstest: Current Status
Since the 2024 reform, naturalization is faster and dual citizenship is possible — but requirements on democratic values are stricter. The question catalog was updated; the exam format stayed the same.
Key takeaways
- StARModG in force since 27 June 2024: naturalization after 5 instead of 8 years.
- Multiple citizenship is generally allowed — no renunciation required.
- 3-year fast-track naturalization abolished (in force since 30 October 2025).
- Since 1 July 2024: updated questions on antisemitism, Jewish life, Israel.
- Einbürgerungstest unchanged: 33 questions, 60 min, 17/33, €25 — still mandatory.
What changed in citizenship law?
| Rule | Before | Current (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard waiting period | 8 years | 5 years |
| Fast-track naturalization | 3 years (2024–2025) | Abolished since 30 Oct 2025 |
| Dual citizenship | Renunciation usually required | Generally allowed |
| Language level | B1 | B1 (unchanged) |
| Citizenship test | Required | Required (unchanged) |
| Livelihood | Secured | Secured (without social benefits) |
Stricter values requirements
The modernized nationality law requires commitment to the free democratic basic order. Acts motivated by racism, antisemitism, or contempt for human dignity exclude naturalization — regardless of sentence length.
The Einbürgerungstest itself tests these values through the question catalog. Since the EinbTestV amendment on 1 July 2024, the catalog includes updated and new questions on:
- antisemitism and Jewish life in Germany,
- Holocaust remembrance (27 January),
- Israel's right to exist and UN Resolution 181,
- prohibited acts (e.g. public calls to destroy Israel).
The current full catalog is published by the BAMF (as of 26 May 2025, 300 general + 160 state-specific questions).
What did not change about the test
Despite the law reform, format and pass mark stay the same:
- 33 questions in 60 minutes
- Pass with 17 of 33
- Fee €25 per attempt
- German only, at test centres in person
- Study 310 questions for your path (300 + 10 state)
The reform affects when you can naturalize and which questions are in the catalog — not the exam format.
Fast-track naturalization: what abolition means
The option to naturalize after only 3 years with exceptional integration (former § 10 Abs. 3 StAG) was abolished with effect from 30 October 2025. Since then, the 5-year period applies to all regular applications.
Pending applications are assessed under the new law. Anyone who has not yet met 5 years must wait — even if the application was submitted earlier.
Dual citizenship remains generally possible. That is independent of the abolition of the fast track.
Practise the updated questions
Passbereit includes the full current question catalog with explanations — including topics updated since 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to give up my old passport?
Generally no. Multiple citizenship has been allowed since the reform. Exceptions apply where another country contractually requires renunciation — that depends on your other nationality.
Is the old question catalog still valid?
No. Since 1 July 2024 the updated catalog applies. Anyone studying old material misses the new questions on antisemitism and Israel.
Do I still need the Einbürgerungstest despite the reform?
Yes. The test remains mandatory (§ 10 Abs. 1 Nr. 7 StAG) unless an exemption applies. The reform did not change that.
Related guides
- Einbürgerungstest vs. Leben in Deutschland: What Is the Difference?
- 14-Day Study Plan for the Einbürgerungstest
- Register for the Einbürgerungstest: Dates, Costs and Process
Passbereit is a free, independent study aid. It is not affiliated with the BAMF or with any test centre, and practice results carry no legal weight. The official BAMF question catalog is always the authoritative source. FAQ · Impressum · Datenschutz