The Leben in Deutschland test, explained in English
Leben in Deutschland (“Life in Germany”) is the exam that closes the orientation section of a German integration course. It uses exactly the same question catalog and the same 33-question, 60-minute format as the Einbürgerungstest — which is why one exam can sometimes do the work of both.
Everything on Passbereit is explained in English and the trainer's interface is English, but the questions and answers are shown in German first, exactly as they appear on the exam, with the English translation underneath. That is deliberate: the Einbürgerungstest is sat in German with no dictionary, so the German wording is what you need to recognise. You can also read this site in German.
The one thing worth knowing
Because the two exams are identical in content, a Leben in Deutschland result of 17 or more out of 33 is recognised as a pass for the Einbürgerungstest. If you are finishing an integration course and think you might apply for citizenship later, that single detail can save you an exam and a fee. The integration course certificate itself typically needs only around 15 correct answers — so people who aim only at the course requirement often pass, and then discover they have to sit the whole thing again for naturalisation.
Practical advice: the exam costs you nothing extra to do well in. Prepare to 17+ regardless of why you are taking it.
How the two exams compare
| Leben in Deutschland | Einbürgerungstest | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Closes the integration course | Naturalisation requirement |
| Question catalog | Identical — 300 general + 10 per state | |
| Format | 33 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, German only | |
| Typical pass mark | about 15/33 | 17/33 |
| Counts for citizenship | Only with 17+ correct | Yes |
| Certificate | Zertifikat Integrationskurs | Zertifikat Einbürgerungstest |
What is on it
The same three official areas as the citizenship test: how democracy in Germany works, German history and the responsibility that follows from it, and everyday life in society. In practice that means the constitution and basic rights, elections and parliaments, federalism, the twentieth century, and the rules of daily life such as work, school, renting and religion. Browse it by topic or start with your federal state's 10 questions.
How to prepare
- Learn your state's 10 questions — 3 are guaranteed on the day.
- Work through the 300 general questions by topic rather than in numerical order.
- Pick up the recurring German exam vocabulary; it does a lot of work.
- Sit timed mock exams and aim comfortably past 17.
Common questions
Is the Leben in Deutschland test the same as the Einbürgerungstest?
Same catalog, same 33-question format, same 60 minutes — different purpose. Leben in Deutschland concludes the orientation part of an integration course; the Einbürgerungstest is a naturalisation requirement. The certificates are different documents.
Can my Leben in Deutschland certificate count for citizenship?
Yes, if your score is high enough. A Leben in Deutschland result of at least 17 of 33 is recognised as an Einbürgerungstest pass, which means you do not have to sit a second exam. Below that it can still satisfy the integration course requirement while falling short for naturalisation.
What score do I need?
For the integration course certificate, around 15 of 33 correct is typically enough. To have the result count as an Einbürgerungstest pass you need 17. Since the exam is identical either way, aim for 17+ — it keeps the citizenship option open for free.
Do I have to attend an integration course to take it?
The test is designed as the closing exam of the orientation course, and course participants normally take it there. You can also register for it independently at an accredited test centre.
What does it cost?
If you are taking it as part of a publicly funded integration course, the cost is generally covered. Taken independently, expect a fee in the same range as the Einbürgerungstest (around €25).
Are the questions different from the citizenship test?
No. Both draw from the same BAMF catalog: 300 general questions plus 10 for your federal state. Practising for one prepares you for the other, so everything on this site applies to both.
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