The reform of citizenship law has been in effect since June 27th. In order to become a German citizen, you usually have to pass the naturalization test. Can you answer the questions?
Note: With the entry into force of the new nationality law, the traffic light coalition has implemented one of its central projects in migration policy. The new rules, which have been in force since Thursday, provide for shorter deadlines and allow dual citizenship for everyone with immediate effect. To mark this occasion, we are publishing this quiz again.
When the test was introduced in 2008, State Secretary of the Interior Peter Altmaier (CDU) promised that the naturalization test would be “no more difficult than a driving test.” Ten years later, criticism of the test, which the opposition and some migrant associations saw as unnecessary harassment, has largely died down. Perhaps also because the test is designed in such a way that hardly anyone fails. The success rate has been stable nationwide for years, between 98.2 and 98.8 percent. The participation fee of 25 euros is not an insurmountable obstacle either.
In 2022, 168,500 people became German through naturalization. Syrians made up the largest group of naturalized citizens in 2022, with a share of 29 percent. A total of 48,300 Syrian nationals were naturalized.
Test can be repeated as often as desired
The idea behind the test, which must be taken at a testing center of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees: Anyone who wants to become German should have an idea of the rules and customs that govern the lives of their new compatriots. To ensure this, since September 1, 2008, every new citizen has been required nationwide not only to speak German, but also to successfully complete a written “naturalization test.” Three of the 33 questions relate to the federal state in which the foreigner has his or her primary residence. The success rate hardly varies between federal states.
The good test results are certainly also due to the fact that all the questions and answers can be found on the Internet for practice. And to the fact that anyone who applies for naturalization can repeat the test as often as they like. When taking the test, the foreigner has to answer 33 questions. They have passed the test if they have selected the correct answer at least 17 times.
“Naturalization test has proven its worth”
Without successfully taking the test, only people who cannot meet this requirement due to a “mental or psychological illness or disability or due to age” are naturalized. This also applies to immigrants who have obtained a German school leaving certificate or who have achieved a certain number of points in the language and integration course. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, there are no exceptions for illiterate people. According to the Nationality Act, those who cannot read will only be naturalized “for reasons of public interest or to avoid particular hardship.”
Ten years after its introduction, the ministry is drawing a positive conclusion and no changes are planned. A spokesperson says: “Given that the test participants had to deal intensively with questions of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany, the naturalization test has proven its worth.”
Replay the naturalization test: How many points will you get?
Source of questions: Federal Office for Migration and Refugees,
Source of the images in the test: Wikimedia,
Text: Anne-Béatrice Clasmann / DPA / wue / km
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
