Leben in Deutschland vs. Naturalization Test: What Is the Difference?

Leben in Deutschland (LiD) and the naturalization test use the same BAMF question catalogue and the same 33-question format. The main difference is why you take the test and which score you need as proof.

What both tests have in common

In either exam you receive 30 general questions and 3 questions about your federal state. You have 60 minutes. The preparation catalogue contains 300 general questions and 10 relevant questions for your state.

LiD is commonly taken at the end of the orientation course. The naturalization test is used to prove knowledge of Germany’s legal and social order for a citizenship application.

Why 15 and 17 are both mentioned

• 15 correct answers pass the Leben in Deutschland test.
• 17 correct answers are required when the result is used as proof for naturalization.

This means a LiD certificate with at least 17 correct answers can normally provide the required civic-knowledge evidence. The citizenship authority decides which documents it accepts in an individual application.

How to prepare

You do not need two different sets of learning material. Study the 300 general questions, select your federal state and add its 10 questions. Then practise the 33-question format until you regularly score clearly above 17.

The BAMF information page is the binding starting point for the exam rules.