What Language Is the Citizenship Test In?

The German citizenship test is conducted exclusively in German. There are no translations into English, Turkish, Arabic, or other languages - neither for questions nor answers.

But don't worry: You don't need perfect German to pass. This guide explains exactly what language level you need and how to succeed even with intermediate German skills.

Why Is the Test Only in German?

BAMF has clear reasons for this policy:

1. Proof of Language Integration

The test should demonstrate you can live in Germany. This includes understanding German texts - like official letters, news, or employment contracts.

2. Uniformity

Translations could lead to varying difficulty levels. Some terms can't be translated 1:1 (e.g., "Bundestag", "Grundgesetz").

3. Legal Requirements

The Nationality Act requires sufficient German knowledge. The test in German is part of this proof.

What German Level Do I Need?

Officially: B1 Level Required

For naturalization, you need a B1 language certificate (e.g., telc, Goethe, TestDaF). You must submit this separately from the citizenship test.

For the Test Itself: A2-B1 Often Sufficient

Good news: Questions in the citizenship test are more simply worded than B1 language tests. Why?

• They're multiple-choice - you don't write anything
• Answers are provided - you only choose
• Many questions contain simple words like "vote", "state", "freedom"
• Technical terms like "Bundestag" or "Grundgesetz" repeat - you get used to them

Realistically: How Much German You Actually Need

You must be able to read:

• Simple sentences with 10-15 words
• Common political terms (which you learn while practicing)
• Understand "What/Who/When/How" structure

NOT necessary:

• ❌ Understanding complex grammar
• ❌ Reading long texts
• ❌ Writing texts yourself
• ❌ Speaking freely

Common Question Structures with Translation Help

Most questions follow simple patterns. Here are the most common formulations:

Structure 1: "Was ist...?" (What is...?)

Example: "Was ist die Hauptstadt von Deutschland?"

English: "What is the capital of Germany?"

• Keyword: Was (What)
• You must: Identify something

Structure 2: "Wer...?" (Who...?)

Example: "Wer wählt den Bundeskanzler?"

English: "Who elects the Chancellor?"

• Keyword: Wer (Who)
• You must: Name a person or group

Structure 3: "Wann...?" (When...?)

Example: "Wann wurde Deutschland wiedervereinigt?"

English: "When was Germany reunified?"

• Keyword: Wann (When)
• You must: Name a date or year

Structure 4: "Was ist NICHT...?" (What is NOT...?) (ATTENTION!)

Example: "Was gehört NICHT zur Sozialversicherung?"

English: "What is NOT part of social security?"

• Keyword: NICHT (NOT)
• You must: Find the wrong answer (not the right one!)

Tip: The word "NICHT" is often in capital letters. Mentally underline it!

The 50 Most Important Words for the Test

These vocabulary words appear in almost every exam. Memorize them:

Politics Vocabulary (20 words)

Deutsch	English	Meaning
Bundestag	Federal Parliament	German Parliament elected by people
Bundesrat	Federal Council	Represents the 16 federal states
Bundeskanzler	Chancellor	Head of government
Grundgesetz	Basic Law / Constitution	German constitution
Wählen	To vote / elect	Choose in elections
Wahlen	Elections	Voting events
Partei	Political party	Political organization
Regierung	Government	Ruling authority
Opposition	Opposition	Parties not in government
Gesetze	Laws	Legal rules

Can I Bring a Dictionary to the Exam?

No! The following aids are FORBIDDEN:

• ❌ Dictionaries (including electronic)
• ❌ Phone or smartphone
• ❌ Notes or cheat sheets
• ❌ Other people to translate

Only allowed:

• ✅ Your brain and preparation
• ✅ Pen and exam sheet

Strategies for People with Less German

Strategy 1: Practice with Our Practice Mode

If you see questions often enough, you get used to the language. After 2-3 rounds you know:

• Typical formulations
• Technical terms
• Question structures

Strategy 2: Read Aloud

While practicing: Read each question aloud. This trains:

• Pronunciation (helps understanding)
• Connection between word and meaning
• Your brain retains better

Strategy 3: Create a Vocabulary List

Write down all unknown words with:

• German text
• Translation in your language
• A simple example

Strategy 4: Focus on Keywords

You don't need to understand every word! Often 2-3 keywords are enough:

Example question:
"Der deutsche Bundestag ist das Parlament und wird vom Volk gewählt. Was ist seine Hauptaufgabe?"

Keywords:

• Bundestag = Parliament
• Hauptaufgabe = main task

→ Answer: Make laws!

Frequently Asked Questions About Language

Are there easier German versions?

No. All candidates get the same questions in the same wording. There's no "Easy Language" version.

Can I bring a translator?

No. This isn't allowed and would be considered attempted cheating.

What if I don't understand a word?

During the exam:

• Try to understand from context
• Look at answers - often this clarifies the question
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers
• Guess if unsure (no negative points!)

Success Stories: Passed with A2/B1!

Case 1: Ahmed from Syria

"My German wasn't perfect (B1 level). I practiced all 310 questions 3 times. By the third time, I could understand almost everything without a dictionary. Exam: 24 out of 33 correct!"

Case 2: Maria from Poland

"I was afraid of long words like 'Gewaltenteilung'. But after 100 practice questions, I knew all technical terms by heart. Passed with 26 points!"

Our Conclusion: German Is Manageable!

The test is in German - but that shouldn't discourage you. Why?

• ✅ Language is simpler than B1 language exams
• ✅ Multiple-choice makes it easier
• ✅ Through practice you get used to formulations
• ✅ Technical terms repeat constantly
• ✅ 95% pass rate - including non-native speakers!

Best way: Practice, practice, practice! With each round, your German improves AND you learn answers. Two birds with one stone!

Start free now on our platform. You'll see: After 50-100 questions, you already understand 80% without help!