Einbürgerungstest Registration: How to Sign Up

You want to take the Einbürgerungstest and are wondering how registration works? Here you'll find out step by step where to register, what to bring, what the test costs, and how to prepare optimally.

Where do I register?

You can take the Einbürgerungstest at various authorized test centers. The most common are:

• Volkshochschulen (VHS): Most adult education centers in Germany offer the Einbürgerungstest. This is the most common option.
• Other test centers: Educational providers like the Goethe-Institut or private test centers authorized by BAMF.

Search the BAMF website for test centers near you, or use our test locations page to find a venue.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Find a test center

Find a test center near you. Most Volkshochschulen offer the test regularly; in larger cities often monthly, in smaller cities every few months.

Step 2: Choose a date and register

Register at the test center. This usually works:

• Online via the VHS website
• In person at the location
• By phone or email

During registration, you indicate your Bundesland; this determines which 3 state-specific questions appear in your test.

Step 3: Pay the fee

The exam fee is 25 euros per attempt. Payment is usually made during registration, by bank transfer, or in cash on site.

Step 4: Receive your invitation

After registration, you'll receive a written invitation with the date, time, and location of the exam. Keep this invitation safe; you'll need it on exam day.

What do I need to bring on exam day?

• Valid ID or passport: Without a valid identification document, you cannot participate in the exam
• Invitation letter: The document you received after registration

You don't need to bring your own pen; everything is provided on site. Mobile phones and electronic devices are not allowed in the exam room.

How does the test work?

On exam day, here's what to expect:

• ID check at the entrance of the exam room
• You receive your test booklet with 33 questions and an answer sheet
• You have 60 minutes to answer all questions
• Each question has 4 answer options; exactly one is correct
• You mark your answers on the answer sheet (paper test, not on a computer)
• After time is up, you hand in the test booklet

When do I get my results?

You'll typically receive your results 6 to 8 weeks after the exam by mail. You'll get a certificate stating how many questions you answered correctly.

• Passed (Einbürgerung): at least 17 out of 33 correct
• Passed (Niederlassungserlaubnis/Integrationskurs): at least 15 out of 33 correct

How often are test dates available?

This depends on where you live. In large cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, or Cologne, there are test dates almost every month. In smaller cities, tests may only be offered every few months. Register early to get a suitable date.

Waiting time for an appointment

Since the 2024 citizenship law reform, demand has increased significantly. In Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt, you can currently expect to wait 1 to 4 months for an available slot. In smaller cities it's usually faster; sometimes just 1 to 3 weeks.

Tip: Call multiple Volkshochschulen directly and ask about available slots; not all dates are listed online. You can also check neighboring federal states. The test is the same everywhere.

More info in the article Waiting times for the Einbürgerungstest and citizenship.