What is Leben in Deutschland test or Einbürgerungstest or Naturalisation test?

Introduction

Leben in Deutschland test or Einbürgerungstest is a mandatory examination for those who want to apply for Permanent Residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in some cities, German citizenship and to complete the German Integration course. This test is designed to evaluate the applicant's knowledge of German culture, laws, politics and history. The test was introduced in 2008 as part of the changes made to the Citizenship Act. The aim of the test is to ensure that the applicant has a basic understanding of the German language and is familiar with the country's values and traditions.

What is Leben in Deutschland Test or Einbürgerungstest

The test consists of 33 multiple-choice questions, it lasts for 60 minutes, and the applicant must answer at least 17 questions correctly to pass the Einbürgerungstest and 15 questions correctly to pass the Leben In Deutschland test. The questions are designed to test the applicant's knowledge of Germany's political system, history, geography, and social norms.

Leben in Deutschland test vs Einbürgerungstest

The "Leben in Deutschland" Test and the Einbürgerungstest are essentially the same test with same content but referred to by different names. However, it is important to know that, anyone can write the Einbürgerungstest and one has to practice the questions privately and register for this test. On the other hand, Leben in Deutschland can only be offered to those who have done the orientation course. The official name for the test is Einbürgerungstest, which translates to "naturalization test" in English and the "Leben in Deutschland" Test, which translates to "Living in Germany" Test. Either can be used to apply for PR or Naturalization, but in case if the officer ask for a specific test one has to submit that.

The content of the test are pretty much same. Some examples of questions on the Leben in Deutschland test or Einbürgerungstest are:

  1. Wann war der Zweite Weltkrieg zu Ende?
    When did World War II end?
  2. Wie heißt die deutsche Verfassung?
    What is the name of the German constitution?
  3. Mit welchen Worten beginnt die deutsche Nationalhymne?
    With which words does the German national anthem begin?
  4. Wer beschließt in Deutschland ein neues Gesetz?
    Who decides a new law in Germany?
  5. Die Wirtschaftsform in Deutschland nennt man …
    The economic system in Germany is called …
  6. Wer entscheidet, ob ein Kind in Deutschland in den Kindergarten geht?
    Who decides whether a child goes to kindergarten in Germany?

How to apply for Leben in Deutschland test or Einbürgerungstest or Naturalisation test?

To apply for the test, follow these steps:

  1. Eligibility Check: Make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria to take the test. In general, a person who is taking "Orientation course", "German Integration course" and applying for German citizenship are required to write the test. Also in some cities, individuals applying for Permanent Residency or Niederlassungserlaubnis should take the test.
  2. Collect Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents for the application. This may include identification documents like a Residence Permit (Afenthaltstitel) or Passport, proof of residency, and other documents if required by the relevant authorities.
  3. Contact the Authority: Reach out to the authorities who are responsible for handling the Leben in Deutschland test or Naturalisation test or Einbürgerungstest in your city/region. This can be the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in your city/region or Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge - BAMF). Also, some language institutes in your region are authorized to conduct the test you can contact them.
  4. Submit Application: Visit the official website of the relevant authority and submit the application online. You can also visit the authorized test center in your region and fill out the required forms and documents according to their instructions.
  5. Payment: Pay the required fee for the test, if applicable. The cost of the test is around €25 and may change depending on the individual circumstances and your location.
  6. Test Confirmation: After submitting your application will be processed and receive a confirmation which includes the information about the location, test date and time.
  7. Prepare for Test: To prepare for the Leben in Deutschland test or Einbürgerungstest or Naturalisation test, the applicant must learn 300 general questions that cover different areas like History, Constitution, Holidays, Religion, Culture, Political system, Judiciary system, Employment, Education, Family and European Union, and 10 state questions. You can practice the test here.
  8. Take Test: Arrive at the test center on time, along with the identification documents and other necessary documents if specified by the test center. The test consists of 33 multiple-choice questions in German.
  9. Test Result: After taking the test results are usually available within a few weeks/months (depending on the city and the test center). The applicant should score at least 17 for Einbürgerungstest and 15 for Leben In Deutschland test out of 33 to pass the test. If you do not pass you can retake the test.

Does Leben in Deutschland test or Einbürgerungstest or Naturalisation test certificate expires?

In general, the test certificate is valid for a longer period, often several years. But this might be vary depending on the regulations and requirements set by the authorities in your region.
For instance, when applying for German citizenship, the Leben in Deutschland test certificate is considered valid for an indefinite period. Once after passing the test, you will receive the test result, it will not expire and can be used any time in the future while applying for citizenship.
However, it's important to note that the Permanent residence or citizenship application processes can have their own requirements and time limits. At times you might need a test certificate which is not older than 2 years. Therefore, it's advisable to reach out to your immigration advisor or responsible authority to know the specific regulations and any potential changes to the Einbürgerungstest certificate expiry period that may apply in your case.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Leben in Deutschland test or Einbürgerungstest or Naturalisation test is an important and necessary requirement for completing the German Integration course and for those who want to apply for German citizenship and also for applying Permanent Residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in some cities. It is designed to ensure that the applicant has a basic knowledge of the German culture and language. By passing this test, the applicant shows that he/she is committed to integrating into German society and becoming a responsible citizen.