Exam finder

Leben in Deutschland test

The civics test for the settlement permit: 33 questions in 60 minutes. You need 15 correct answers for permanent residency (17 for citizenship). Outside an integration course you take it as the Einbürgerungstest: the same questions and the same certificate from BAMF.

Cost

€25, paid at the test centre.

How to book

Call or email a test centre to get a date, then register there with your passport or ID card. Bring the same ID on the test day.

Results

BAMF marks the tests and sends your certificate by post. On 28 September 2026, BAMF was marking tests taken up to 9 July 2026, so expect about 12 weeks.

In an integration course?

Then you take the test free of charge as part of the course.

Practise the official questions

German certificate

Most routes to permanent residency need B1 German; the EU Blue Card route with 27 months needs A1. Certificates from the Goethe-Institut, telc and ÖSD, and the DTZ, are the usual proof.

• Goethe-Zertifikat

  Levels: A1, B1

  At the 12 Goethe-Institutes in Germany and at licensed partners. Each institute lists its dates, fees and registration deadlines.

  All Goethe exam locations

• telc Deutsch

  Levels: A1, B1

  At many adult education centres (Volkshochschulen) and language schools. You register with the centre, which sets the dates and the fee.

  Find a telc exam centre

• ÖSD Zertifikat

  Levels: A1, B1

  The Austrian German exam, accepted in Germany. There are fewer centres; choose Germany in the search.

  Find an ÖSD exam centre

• Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ)

  Levels: A2, B1

  The final exam of the integration course (A2 or B1). You can only take it through an integration course; your course provider registers you.

Book early: popular dates fill up weeks ahead, and registration usually closes 2 to 3 weeks before the exam. Each centre sets its own fees and dates.

Prepare with the A1 path