What is the LiD test (Leben in Deutschland)?

The Leben in Deutschland (LiD) test is the official German citizenship and naturalization exam administered by BAMF. It consists of 310 questions covering democracy, history, law, society, and geography. The actual exam draws 33 questions randomly from the pool.

How many questions are in the LiD Einbürgerungstest?

The official pool has 310 questions: 300 general and 10 state-specific per federal state. The exam you sit has 33 questions — 30 from the general pool and 3 specific to your state.

What score do you need to pass the LiD test?

You need at least 17 out of 33 correct (approximately 51%) to pass the Leben in Deutschland Einbürgerungstest.

How long does it take to prepare for the LiD Einbürgerungstest?

Most people prepare for 4–8 weeks. The BAMF integration course covers the material, but self-study using all 310 official questions — grouped by topic — is the most effective approach. Practising timed 33-question mock tests in the final week helps build exam confidence.

What happens if you fail the LiD test?

You can retake the LiD Einbürgerungstest. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts. The BAMF test centre will schedule a new date for you.

Is the LiD test the same as the A1, A2, or B1 German language test?

No. The LiD test is a civics exam about German society, history, and law. A1, A2, and B1 tests measure German language proficiency. B1 German is a separate prerequisite for citizenship alongside the LiD test.

Who needs the German A1 language test?

The A1 exam is required for family reunification and spouse visas (§ 30 AufenthG). It covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The exam lasts 65 minutes and requires 60% (36/60 points) to pass.

Is there a free A1 German mock test online?

Yes. GetGermanReady offers a free A1 German mock test mirroring the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 and telc Deutsch A1 format, with all four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. No account required.

Is there a free A2 German mock test online?

Yes. GetGermanReady provides a free A2 mock test covering reading (notices, advertisements), writing, listening, and speaking — matching the Goethe-Zertifikat A2 and telc Deutsch A2 format. Free, no sign-up needed.

What German language level is needed for citizenship?

German citizenship (Einbürgerung) requires B1 German language level. This can be demonstrated via a Goethe-Zertifikat B1, telc Deutsch B1, or ÖSD Zertifikat B1. You must also pass the LiD Einbürgerungstest separately.

What does the A2 German exam test?

The A2 exam tests understanding of sentences about familiar topics, communication in routine situations, and describing immediate environment. It covers reading (signs, emails, notices), writing (short messages), listening (announcements, conversations), and speaking (describing yourself and daily life).

What topics does the LiD test cover?

The Leben in Deutschland Einbürgerungstest covers three official BAMF Themenbereiche (topic areas) of 100 questions each: (1) Politik in der Demokratie — democracy, rights, elections, rule of law; (2) Geschichte und Verantwortung — German history, National Socialism, post-war development; (3) Mensch und Gesellschaft — society, integration, religion, family. Plus 10 questions specific to your federal state, for a total of 310 questions in the pool.

Frequently asked questions

Everything about GetGermanReady, the Einbürgerungstest, and the A1–B1 German language exams. Can't find your answer? .

About the platform

Yes. You can read every Einbürgerungstest question, take timed mock tests, and study our guides without paying or signing up. An optional one-time Pro upgrade unlocks unlimited AI-graded A1–B1 mock exams and the Speech Coach — there is no subscription.

No account is needed to browse questions, read the guides, or take a LiD mock test. Signing up (free) lets us save your progress across devices, show the correct answers and explanations inside the interactive test, and unlock the daily language exams.

No. GetGermanReady is an independent study tool. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the BAMF, Goethe-Institut, telc, or ÖSD. The Einbürgerungstest questions are the official public BAMF catalogue; our language mock exams are modelled on the official formats and produced with AI, then reviewed. A passed practice test does not guarantee passing the official exam.

Both. The questions and exams are in German (as in the real tests), but we provide English translations and explanations throughout so you understand what you are learning. You can pick your native language for the LiD translations.

The Einbürgerungstest (Leben in Deutschland)

It is the citizenship test (also called 'Leben in Deutschland'). You answer 33 multiple-choice questions about German society, history, politics, and the laws and rules of everyday life. You pass with at least 17 correct answers.

The official catalogue has 300 general questions plus 10 state-specific questions for each of the 16 Bundesländer — 310 for your state. Your actual test draws 33 questions from that pool: 30 general and 3 from your state.

17 out of 33. You have 60 minutes. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so always answer every question.

Three of your 33 questions come from a fixed set of 10 questions about your Bundesland — its capital, flag, coat of arms, state parliament, and government. We have a free practice page for every state; pick yours from the state overview.

The official test fee is usually 25 euros. You take it at an approved test centre, such as a Volkshochschule (VHS) or another licensed provider. Practising with us is free.

In most cases, yes — alongside German at B1 level and the other naturalisation requirements. Some people are exempt (for example, certain older applicants or those who cannot take it for health reasons). Check with your local naturalisation authority (Einbürgerungsbehörde) for your situation.

The A1, A2 and B1 language exams

It depends on your goal: A1 is typically required for a spouse/family-reunion visa, A2 or B1 for a permanent residence permit, and B1 for citizenship. Our A1, A2 and B1 overview pages explain each one in detail.

They are modelled on the Goethe-Zertifikat and telc formats and cover all four parts: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. They follow the real structure and timing so practice feels like the exam.

For writing and speaking, our AI evaluates your answer against the task and the level's criteria, gives a score, and explains what to improve. It is a practice aid, not an official result — treat the feedback as guidance, not a guarantee.

An AI speaking partner ('Sprich'). You pick a level and a real-life scenario — or just chat — speak out loud, and get a coaching report at the end. It is designed to build confidence before the speaking part of the exam.

Account, data and pricing

We keep it minimal. We use privacy-friendly, consent-based analytics (EU-hosted) with all input fields masked, and we never sell your data or use it for advertising profiles. Full details are in our privacy policy.

Use the Help Center contact form or email contact@getgermanready.com. If you spot a wrong answer or a typo, tell us — we fix reported issues quickly.