THE QUESTION CATALOGUE
Citizenship test questions: format, topics and study plan
Understand the 300 general questions and the ten relevant to your federal state, with the official test format, a study method and common mistakes.
Facts checked on 28 August 2026
What you need to know about citizenship test questions
A total of 310 published catalogue questions are relevant to you: 300 general questions and ten for the federal state of your primary residence. The real test paper contains 33 questions. This page explains the official structure; it does not claim to reproduce original examination papers.
- 310
- relevant catalogue questions
- 33
- questions in the test
- 17
- correct answers
- 60 min
- time allowed
300 general + 10 for your federal state
30 general + 3 state-specific
the minimum required to pass
for the complete test paper
TEST FORMAT
How the German citizenship test is structured
Four figures explain the difference between the catalogue you study and the test paper you complete on the day.
- Catalogue relevant to you
- 310 questions
- You study 300 general questions and the ten questions for the federal state of your primary residence.
- Test paper
- 33 questions
- The paper contains 30 general and three state-specific questions, each with four answer options.
- Pass mark
- 17 correct
- You pass the citizenship test with at least 17 correct answers; general and state questions count together.
- Time allowed
- 60 minutes
- Allow an average of less than two minutes per question and leave time for a final check.
Study by topic
STUDY METHOD
From the catalogue to a confident test routine
Progress comes from understanding explanations, revisiting weak areas and practising under realistic conditions, not simply answering as many questions as possible.
- 1
Understand the structure
Distinguish between the 300 general questions, your state’s pool of ten and the way the 33-question paper is assembled.
- 2
Study in small groups
Work through related topics in short sessions and explain the correct answer in your own words.
- 3
Revisit mistakes deliberately
Collect incorrect and uncertain answers rather than restarting the entire catalogue every time.
- 4
Simulate the time limit
Test yourself regularly with 33 questions in 60 minutes, then review every topic you were unsure about.
Divide the general catalogue into study blocks
Ten manageable blocks of 30 make the workload easier to plan and support balanced review.
Ten questions depend on your federal state
The federal state of your registered primary residence applies. Three questions from its pool of ten appear on your test paper, and every correct answer counts towards the pass mark.
QUESTION CATALOGUE FAQ
The most important answers at a glance
Direct answers about the scope, language and current version of the citizenship test questions.
SOURCES AND REVIEW DATE
Traceable facts, not unsupported claims
Figures and test rules are checked against published BAMF material; study recommendations are clearly presented as our own educational guidance.
RELATED GUIDES
Your next preparation steps
Combine the question catalogue with the correct state questions, a suitable study period and reliable answers about the test procedure.
Questions for your federal state
Find the pool of ten that applies to your primary residence.
Questions for your federal stateCompare plans transparently
See what is included for free and which time-limited study access options are presented.
Compare plans transparentlyCitizenship test FAQ
Read concise answers about registration, test day, results and retaking the test.
Citizenship test FAQHow the study workflow works
See how to build knowledge, review mistakes and check your progress in simulations.
How the study workflow worksStart preparing today
Study with focus, find your weak points and enter the exam with a clear plan.
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