German Citizenship Test: all 300 general questions

The official BAMF catalog contains 460 questions: 300 general ones that apply across Germany, plus 10 extra questions for each federal state. You only need 310 of them — all 300 general questions plus the 10 for your own state. Every question below has its own page with the answer, an explanation in English, and the German wording you will see on exam day.

The topic areas at a glance

History and Responsibility is the largest block with 75 questions, so start there if you are short on time, then pick up Symbols and Public Holidays as quick, easy marks.

The fastest way through the catalog

1. Start with the 10 questions for your state — 3 of them are guaranteed to appear
2. Then work through the 300 general questions one topic at a time
3. Collect the ones you get wrong in My Focus and drill only those
4. Finish with timed mock exams until 33/33 feels routine

All questions by topic

📖 History and Responsibility 75 questions

The Weimar Republic, National Socialism, the division of Germany, the GDR, the fall of the Wall and reunification — the largest block in the catalog. Open topic page →

1. 59 How many years ago was there a Jewish community for the first time in the area of present-day Germany?
2. 66 Which cities have the largest Jewish communities in Germany?
3. 151 Who built the Berlin Wall?
4. 152 When were the National Socialists with Adolf Hitler in power in Germany?
5. 153 What happened on 8 May 1945?
6. 154 When did World War II end?
7. 155 When were the National Socialists in power in Germany?
8. 156 In which year did Hitler become Reich Chancellor?
9. 157 The National Socialists with Adolf Hitler established in Germany in 1933 …
10. 158 The "Third Reich" was a …
11. 159 What did not exist in Germany during the National Socialist era?
12. 160 Which war lasted from 1939 to 1945?
13. 161 What characterised the Nazi state? A policy …
14. 162 Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg became famous for …
15. 163 In which year did the National Socialists destroy synagogues and Jewish shops in Germany?
16. 164 What happened on 9 November 1938 in Germany?
17. 165 What was the name of the first Federal Chancellor of Germany?
18. 166 At which demonstrations in Germany did people chant "We are the people"?
19. 167 Which countries were called "Allied Occupation Powers" in Germany after World War II?
20. 168 Which country was not an "Allied Occupation Power" in Germany?
21. 169 When was the Federal Republic of Germany founded?
22. 170 What existed during the National Socialist era in Germany?
23. 172 In which occupation zone was the GDR founded? In the …
24. 173 The Federal Republic of Germany is a founding member of …
25. 174 When was the GDR founded?
26. 175 How many occupation zones were there in Germany after World War II?
27. 176 How were Germany's occupation zones distributed after 1945?
28. 177 Which German city was divided into four sectors after World War II?
29. 178 From June 1948 to May 1949, the citizens of West Berlin were supplied by an airlift. What circumstance was…
30. 179 How did World War II officially end in Europe?
31. 180 The first Federal Chancellor of Germany was …
32. 181 What did Willy Brandt want to express with his kneeling in 1970 at the former Jewish ghetto in Warsaw?
33. 183 When was the "economic miracle" in Germany?
34. 184 On what legal basis was the State of Israel founded?
35. 185 What did the expression "Iron Curtain" stand for? The isolation …
36. 186 In 1953, there was an uprising in the GDR that was commemorated for a long time by a public holiday in West…
37. 187 Which German state had a black-red-gold flag with a hammer, compass and wreath of grain?
38. 188 In which year was the Berlin Wall built?
39. 189 When did the GDR build the Berlin Wall?
40. 190 What does the abbreviation DDR stand for?
41. 191 When was the Berlin Wall opened for everyone?
42. 192 Which present-day German federal state formerly belonged to the GDR?
43. 193 From 1961 to 1989, Berlin was …
44. 194 On 3 October, Germany celebrates the Day of German …
45. 195 Which present-day German federal state formerly belonged to the GDR?
46. 196 Why is the time in autumn 1989 in the GDR called "The Turn"? During this time, the GDR changed politically …
47. 197 Which present-day German federal state formerly belonged to the GDR?
48. 198 Which present-day German federal state formerly belonged to the GDR?
49. 199 The abbreviation "Stasi" in the GDR referred to …
50. 200 Which present-day German federal state formerly belonged to the GDR?
51. 201 Which of the following lists contains only federal states that belonged to the former GDR?
52. 202 Who did the GDR belong to during the Cold War?
53. 203 What was the economic system of the GDR called?
54. 204 How did the Federal Republic of Germany and the GDR become one state?
55. 205 With the GDR's accession to the Federal Republic of Germany, the new federal states now also belong to …
56. 206 What do the so-called 'Stolpersteine' (stumbling stones) in Germany commemorate?
57. 207 In which military alliance was the GDR a member?
58. 208 What was the 'Stasi'?
59. 209 Which was the coat of arms of the German Democratic Republic?
60. 210 What happened on 17 June 1953 in the GDR?
61. 211 Which politician is associated with the 'Ostverträge' (Eastern treaties)?
62. 215 Who is referred to as the 'Chancellor of German Unity'?
63. 217 In which period did the German Democratic Republic (GDR) exist?
64. 218 How many federal states were added to the Federal Republic of Germany during reunification in 1990?
65. 219 The Federal Republic of Germany has had its current borders since …
66. 220 27 January is an official day of remembrance in Germany. What does this day commemorate?
67. 228 What is the GDR's accession to the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990 generally called?
68. 235 The then French President François Mitterrand and the then German Chancellor Helmut Kohl commemorate the dead…
69. 237 In 2007, the 50th anniversary of the 'Treaty of Rome' was celebrated. What was the content of the treaties?
70. 239 Through which treaties did the Federal Republic of Germany join with other states to form the European…
71. 240 Since when has cash payment been made with the euro in Germany?
72. 288 What is Germany's special responsibility for Israel based on?
73. 298 In the GDR, the migrants mainly came from …
74. 299 Foreign workers who were recruited by the Federal Republic of Germany in the 1950s and 1960s were called …
75. 300 From which country did the first guest workers come to the Federal Republic of Germany?

🗳️ Living in a Democracy 58 questions

Elections, political parties, the Bundestag, the Bundesrat, and how political power in Germany is divided and held in check. Open topic page →

1. 5 Elections in Germany are free. What does that mean?
2. 13 In parliament, the term "opposition" refers to …
3. 28 Who elects the members of the Bundestag in Germany?
4. 30 What is NOT a feature of our democracy?
5. 31 The cooperation of parties to form a government is called in Germany …
6. 41 Why are there more than one party in a democracy?
7. 42 Who passes a new law in Germany?
8. 43 When can a party be banned in Germany?
9. 44 Whom can citizens in Germany NOT directly elect?
10. 52 What does "popular sovereignty" mean? All state authority emanates from the …
11. 57 Who is usually elected President of the German Bundestag?
12. 61 What does "popular sovereignty" mean?
13. 62 When the parliament of a German federal state is elected, it is called …
14. 65 It is NOT a task of the German Bundestag to …
15. 73 The two largest parliamentary groups in the German Bundestag are currently …
16. 74 What is the parliament for all of Germany called?
17. 76 What does the abbreviation CDU stand for in Germany?
18. 78 What does the abbreviation SPD stand for?
19. 79 What does the abbreviation FDP stand for in Germany?
20. 81 Who elects the Chancellor in Germany?
21. 83 Who elects the German Chancellor?
22. 86 Who elects the Federal President in Germany?
23. 88 The parliamentary opposition in the German Bundestag …
24. 89 What is the association of members of parliament from one party called in Germany?
25. 92 What does the abbreviation CSU stand for in Germany?
26. 93 The more "second votes" a party receives in a federal election, the …
27. 94 From what age can you participate in the election to the German Bundestag?
28. 98 When members of the German Bundestag switch their parliamentary group, …
29. 103 What is referred to as a "traffic light coalition" in Germany? The cooperation …
30. 105 What is a task of election helpers in Germany?
31. 106 In Germany, volunteer election helpers assist with elections. What is a task of election helpers?
32. 107 For how many years is the Bundestag elected in Germany?
33. 108 In a federal election in Germany, everyone may vote who …
34. 109 How often are there normally federal elections in Germany?
35. 110 For how many years is the Bundestag elected in Germany?
36. 112 Elections in Germany are …
37. 113 In Germany, the party that wins elections is the one that …
38. 114 Participating in democratic elections in Germany is …
39. 115 What does "active suffrage" mean in Germany?
40. 116 If you are allowed to vote in a federal election in Germany, that is called …
41. 117 What minimum percentage of second votes must parties receive to be elected to the German Bundestag?
42. 119 Elections in Germany are free. What does that mean?
43. 120 The electoral system in Germany is a …
44. 121 A party wants to enter the German Bundestag. But it must have a minimum share of voter votes. This is called …
45. 122 What principle do elections in Germany follow? Elections in Germany are …
46. 123 What is the "5% threshold" in Germany?
47. 124 The federal election in Germany is the election …
48. 125 In a democracy, one function of regular elections is …
49. 126 What do eligible voters in Germany receive before an election?
50. 127 Why does the 5% threshold exist in Germany's electoral law? It exists because …
51. 128 Members of parliament who are elected by the citizens are called …
52. 129 In Germany, the people directly elect …
53. 130 Which ballot would be valid in a federal election?
54. 133 What is allowed in federal and state elections in Germany?
55. 134 They want to abolish the bus line you always use to get to work. What can you do to keep the bus line?
56. 230 The European Parliament is elected regularly, namely every …
57. 232 Who is elected in the European election?
58. 282 Which voluntary office must German citizens take on when asked to do so?

🗺️ The State and Federalism 50 questions

Federal government, states and municipalities: who is responsible for schools, police or foreign policy — and why Germany is a federal state at all. Open topic page →

1. 6 What is the name of the German constitution?
2. 11 What is the constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany called?
3. 22 What form of government does Germany have?
4. 24 How many federal states does the Federal Republic of Germany have?
5. 25 Which is NOT a federal state of the Federal Republic of Germany?
6. 26 Germany is …
7. 27 Germany is …
8. 33 Which statement is correct? In Germany …
9. 34 What is Germany NOT?
10. 37 What are the heads of government of most German federal states called?
11. 38 The Federal Republic of Germany is a democratic and social …
12. 39 What does every German federal state have?
13. 46 The German state has many tasks. Which task is among them?
14. 47 The German state has many tasks. Which task is NOT among them?
15. 48 Which body is NOT a constitutional organ of Germany?
16. 49 Who determines education policy in Germany?
17. 55 What does this image show?
18. 56 Which office in Germany belongs to the municipal administration?
19. 58 Who appoints the ministers of the federal government in Germany?
20. 60 In Germany, the Bundestag and the Bundesrat belong to the …
21. 64 The Federal Republic of Germany is today divided into …
22. 67 What is primarily a task of the federal states in Germany?
23. 69 The Federal Republic of Germany has a three-tier administrative structure. What is the lowest political level…
24. 70 German Federal President Gustav Heinemann hands Helmut Schmidt the certificate of appointment as German…
25. 71 Where does the German Chancellor spend most of their time? Most often they are …
26. 72 What is the name of the current Chancellor of Germany?
27. 75 What is the name of Germany's current head of state?
28. 77 What is the Bundeswehr?
29. 82 Who leads the German federal cabinet?
30. 84 What is the main task of the German Federal President? He/She …
31. 85 Who makes up the German Bundesrat?
32. 87 Who is the head of state of the Federal Republic of Germany?
33. 90 The German federal states participate in federal legislation through …
34. 91 In Germany, a change of government in a federal state can affect federal politics. Governing becomes …
35. 102 What honour can one receive in Germany for outstanding achievements in political, economic, cultural…
36. 131 In Germany, a mayor is …
37. 212 What is Germany's full name?
38. 213 How many inhabitants does Germany have?
39. 221 Germany is a member of the Schengen Agreement. What does that mean?
40. 222 Which country is a neighbouring country of Germany?
41. 223 Which country is a neighbouring country of Germany?
42. 224 What does the abbreviation EU stand for?
43. 225 In which other country is there a large German-speaking population?
44. 227 Which country is a neighbouring country of Germany?
45. 229 Which country is a neighbouring country of Germany?
46. 231 What does the term 'European integration' mean?
47. 233 Which country is a neighbouring country of Germany?
48. 234 Where is a seat of the European Parliament?
49. 236 How many member states does the EU have today?
50. 238 At which locations does the European Parliament work?

⚖️ Law and the Rule of Law 45 questions

The Rechtsstaat, separation of powers, the courts, the Federal Constitutional Court, and what happens when someone wants to enforce their rights. Open topic page →

1. 3 Germany is a constitutional state (Rechtsstaat). What does that mean?
2. 10 What is compatible with the German Basic Law?
3. 17 German laws prohibit …
4. 20 A party in Germany pursues the goal of establishing a dictatorship. It is then …
5. 32 What is NOT a state power in Germany?
6. 51 It is NOT part of a democratic constitutional state that …
7. 53 What does "Rechtsstaat" (rule of law) mean in Germany?
8. 54 What is NOT a state power in Germany?
9. 63 What does NOT belong to the executive branch in Germany?
10. 80 Which court in Germany is responsible for interpreting the Basic Law?
11. 96 How can someone who denies the Holocaust be punished?
12. 111 Which actions relating to the State of Israel are prohibited in Germany?
13. 136 In Germany, you go to the labour court for …
14. 137 Which court in Germany is responsible for conflicts in the workplace?
15. 138 What can I do in Germany if my employer has wrongfully terminated my employment?
16. 139 When does a court trial take place in Germany? When someone …
17. 140 What does a lay judge do in Germany? They …
18. 141 Who advises people in Germany on legal questions and represents them in court?
19. 142 What is the main task of a judge in Germany? A judge …
20. 143 A judge in Germany belongs to the …
21. 144 A judge in Germany belongs to the …
22. 145 In Germany, state power is divided. For which branch of government does a judge work? For the …
23. 146 What do you call a proceeding before a court in Germany?
24. 147 What is the work of a judge in Germany?
25. 148 What is a task of the police in Germany?
26. 150 A court lay judge in Germany is …
27. 245 Who may not live together as a couple in Germany?
28. 246 At what age does one become of legal age in Germany?
29. 247 A woman is pregnant. She is specially protected by law shortly before and after the birth of her child. What…
30. 251 If you hit a child in Germany, …
31. 252 In Germany …
32. 253 Where must you register when you move in Germany?
33. 254 In Germany, married couples may get divorced. Usually they must observe the 'separation year'. What does this…
34. 256 A married couple wants to open a restaurant in Germany. What do they absolutely need for this?
35. 260 In Germany, a child at school has …
36. 263 In Germany, young people from the age of 14 are criminally responsible. This means: young people who are 14…
37. 265 Where must one go first in Germany if one wants to get married?
38. 266 When does the legal night-time quiet period begin in Germany?
39. 272 Which form of living is not allowed in Germany?
40. 275 What do you need for a divorce in Germany?
41. 279 In most apartment buildings in Germany there is a 'house rules' document. What is in such 'house rules'? It…
42. 280 If you want to contest an incorrect tax notice in Germany, you must …
43. 283 What do you do if you receive an incorrect bill from a German authority?
44. 287 You want to end your employment at a company in Germany. What must you observe?
45. 290 You bought a television in Germany. At home you unpack the television, but it doesn't work. The television is…

👥 People and Society 44 questions

Everyday life, work, family, school, religion and living together: your rights and obligations in day-to-day German life. Open topic page →

1. 2 In Germany, parents can decide until their child's 14th birthday whether the child participates in …
2. 23 In Germany, most employed people are …
3. 35 How does the German state finance social insurance?
4. 36 Which measure provides social security in Germany?
5. 45 To which insurance system does long-term care insurance belong?
6. 50 The economic system in Germany is called …
7. 68 Why does the state control the school system in Germany?
8. 95 What applies to most children in Germany?
9. 97 What do you automatically pay in Germany when you have a permanent job?
10. 99 Who pays for social insurance in Germany?
11. 100 What does NOT belong to the statutory social insurance?
12. 101 Trade unions are interest groups of …
13. 118 Who may become a member of the roughly 40 Jewish Maccabi sports clubs?
14. 132 Many people in Germany do volunteer work in their free time. What does that mean?
15. 135 Whom do trade unions represent in Germany?
16. 149 What is an example of antisemitic behaviour?
17. 171 Social market economy means the economy …
18. 182 What is the Jewish house of prayer called?
19. 241 Mrs Seger is having a child. What must she do to receive parental allowance?
20. 242 Who decides whether a child in Germany goes to kindergarten?
21. 244 What school qualification is normally needed to begin studying at a university in Germany?
22. 248 The upbringing of children in Germany is primarily the responsibility of …
23. 249 Who is mainly responsible for child-rearing in Germany?
24. 250 In Germany, one has the best chances of a well-paid job if one …
25. 255 For child-rearing problems, parents in Germany can get help from the …
26. 257 An adult woman wants to obtain her Abitur in Germany after the fact. She can do this at …
27. 258 What is the youth welfare office in Germany allowed to do?
28. 259 The career information centre (BIZ) at the Federal Employment Agency in Germany helps with …
29. 261 A man wants to obtain his Abitur at the age of 30 in Germany. Where can he do this? At …
30. 264 At which festival do people in Germany wear colourful costumes and masks?
31. 268 A young woman wants to get her driving licence. She is afraid of the test because her mother tongue is not…
32. 269 In Germany, children from the age of three until starting school have a right to …
33. 270 The adult education centre (Volkshochschule) in Germany is an institution …
34. 271 What is a Christmas tradition in Germany?
35. 273 For child-rearing problems in Germany, you go to …
36. 284 What one needs to know for work is changing very quickly in the future. What can one do?
37. 285 Mrs Frost works as a permanent employee in an office. What does she not have to pay from her salary?
38. 286 Which organisation in a company helps employees with problems with the employer?
39. 291 Why must one state in the German tax return whether one belongs to a church or not? Because …
40. 293 What is an Easter tradition in Germany?
41. 294 Whitsun (Pentecost) is a …
42. 295 Which religion has shaped European and German culture?
43. 296 In Germany, the last four weeks before Christmas are called …
44. 297 From which country have most migrants come to Germany?

🕊️ Basic Rights 22 questions

Articles 1 to 19 of the Grundgesetz: human dignity, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and equality before the law. Open topic page →

1. 1 In Germany, people may openly speak against the government because …
2. 4 Which right is one of the basic rights (Grundrechte) in Germany?
3. 7 Which right is guaranteed by the German constitution as a basic right? The right to …
4. 8 What is NOT in the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz)?
5. 9 Which basic right in Germany applies only to foreigners? The basic right to …
6. 12 A party in the German Bundestag wants to abolish freedom of the press. Is that possible?
7. 14 Freedom of expression in Germany means that I …
8. 15 What does the German Basic Law prohibit?
9. 16 When is freedom of expression restricted in Germany?
10. 18 Which basic right is guaranteed in Article 1 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany?
11. 19 What does the right of "freedom of movement" (Freizügigkeit) mean in Germany?
12. 104 A woman in Germany loses her job. What must not be the reason for this dismissal?
13. 243 Maik and Sybille want to hold a street demonstration with friends at their German place of residence. What…
14. 262 What does the principle of equal treatment mean in Germany?
15. 267 A young woman in Germany, 22 years old, lives with her boyfriend. The woman's parents do not approve because…
16. 274 You have intentionally opened a letter addressed to another person in Germany. What have you not respected?
17. 276 What should you do if you are treated badly by your contact person at a German government office?
18. 277 A woman with a two-year-old child applies for a job in Germany. What is an example of discrimination? She…
19. 278 A man in a wheelchair has applied for a position as an accountant. What is an example of discrimination? He…
20. 281 Two friends want to go to a public swimming pool in Germany. Both have dark skin and are therefore not…
21. 289 A man with dark skin applies for a position as a waiter in a restaurant in Germany. What is an example of…
22. 292 People in Germany live according to the principle of religious tolerance. What does that mean?

🇩🇪 Symbols and Public Holidays 6 questions

The flag, the coat of arms, the national anthem and the Day of German Unity — a small block, and free marks if you learn all of it. Open topic page →

1. 21 Which is the coat of arms of the Federal Republic of Germany?
2. 29 Which animal is the heraldic animal of the Federal Republic of Germany?
3. 40 With which words does the German national anthem begin?
4. 214 What colours does the German flag have?
5. 216 Which symbol can be seen in the plenary hall of the German Bundestag?
6. 226 Which is the flag of the European Union?

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