First: do you need the test?
The Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA), Berlin's immigration office, decides whether you need to prove your German with this test. If you already have a recognised B1 certificate, you may not need it. If you are unsure, ask the LEA before you register and pay. See also: Einbürgerungstest vs. Sprachtest.
How to register
You register at a Berlin Volkshochschule (VHS). According to the official information, there are three ways:
- online,
- with a written registration form, or
- in person at the VHS.
Each VHS describes its own process. Look at the page of the VHS where you want to take the test, for example VHS Pankow.
Fees
The fee is set by the VHS. For example, VHS Pankow lists €75. Check the current fee with your VHS, because fees can change and may differ between locations.
| Item | What we know |
|---|---|
| Fee | Example: VHS Pankow lists €75.00. Check your VHS. |
| Where | At a Berlin Volkshochschule |
| How to register | Online, written form or in person |
| Dates | Set by each VHS; registration windows vary |
Before test day
Your VHS tells you what to bring, for example which ID document. Read your registration confirmation carefully and follow the instructions there. If something is unclear, ask the VHS directly.
After the test: the certificate
If you pass, the certificate is given to you. The VHS does not send it to the authorities. You submit it yourself to the LEA with your naturalization documents. Keep a copy for yourself.
Who is exempt?
According to the official information, these people do not need to take the test:
- minors under 16,
- people who are legally incapacitated,
- people who cannot meet the language requirement because of illness, disability or age. You need medical documents for this.
The LEA decides about exemptions, not the VHS.
Use the time until your test
Between registration and the test date there are often several weeks. This is good preparation time. Start with the exam overview, then do the official model test under time limits.
- Service Berlin: Sprachtest zur Einbürgerung (service.berlin.de)
- Berlin VHS: Sprachtest zur Einbürgerung (berlin.de)
- VHS Pankow: Einbürgerungstest and Sprachtest (berlin.de)