The short answer
- The Einbürgerungstest is a knowledge test about life, law and society in Germany. It is multiple choice and the same everywhere in Germany.
- The Sprachtest zur Einbürgerung is a German language test at level B1, offered by the Berlin Volkshochschulen.
Naturalization usually needs both: proof of German at level B1 and the knowledge test (or an accepted equivalent). The Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) tells you what applies to you.
Comparison table
| Einbürgerungstest | Sprachtest zur Einbürgerung | |
|---|---|---|
| What it tests | Knowledge about life in Germany | German language at level B1 |
| Where | Nationwide | Berlin (at a VHS) |
| Format | 33 multiple-choice questions | Reading, writing and an individual speaking interview |
| Time | 60 minutes | 65 minutes |
| To pass | At least 17 correct answers | At least 18 of 30 points, plus at least 7.5 of 15 in both the written and oral part |
| Questions | From the official BAMF question catalogue | Not public; a free model test shows the format |
The Einbürgerungstest (knowledge test)
The Einbürgerungstest checks what you know about Germany: politics, history, law, society and your federal state. It has 33 multiple-choice questions, and you need 17 correct answers to pass. You have 60 minutes. The questions come from a public question catalogue of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
The Sprachtest zur Einbürgerung (language test)
The Sprachtest zur Einbürgerung checks your German. It has reading (30 minutes), writing (20 minutes) and speaking (15 minutes). It was developed by the Berlin Volkshochschulen for people who need to prove B1 German for naturalization in Berlin and do not already have a recognised certificate. Full details: exam overview.
Alternatives to the Berlin Sprachtest
The Berlin Sprachtest is not the only way to prove B1 German. A recognised B1 certificate can also be accepted, for example:
- DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) at level B1,
- telc Deutsch B1,
- Goethe-Zertifikat B1.
Which certificates are accepted in your case is decided by the LEA. If you already have one of these, ask the LEA whether you still need the Berlin test.
Which test should I take first?
There is no fixed order. Many people start with the test that feels harder for them, because it may need more preparation time. Check with the LEA which documents you need for your application.
- Berlin VHS: Sprachtest zur Einbürgerung (berlin.de)
- Service Berlin: Sprachtest zur Einbürgerung (service.berlin.de)
- Official model test (Modelltest), PDF (berlin.de)