Who Is Exempt From the Einbürgerungstest? (Age, School, Illness, Children)
Not everyone has to take the German citizenship test. Here are the exemptions for school qualifications, children, age, illness, and disability, and what proof you need.
Most people applying for German citizenship have to pass the Einbürgerungstest, but not everyone does. The law sets out several exemptions, and if one applies to you, it can save you the fee, the appointment, and the preparation. Here is who does not have to take the test, and what you need to show.
People with a German school-leaving qualification
If you completed your schooling in Germany, you may not need to take the test at all. Holders of a German school-leaving qualification, such as a Hauptschulabschluss or a higher qualification, are generally exempt. The reasoning is that someone who passed through the German school system has already demonstrated knowledge of German society and the legal order. If this applies to you, bring your school certificates to the naturalisation authority rather than booking a test.
Children and young people under 16
Children and adolescents under the age of 16 do not have to provide proof of civic knowledge, so they do not sit the test. This matters mainly when children are naturalised together with a parent. The exemption is based purely on age.
People who cannot take it due to illness or disability
If you cannot meet the requirement because of a physical, mental, or psychological illness or a disability, the test can be waived. This exemption exists so that the requirement does not exclude people who are genuinely unable to complete it. You normally need a medical certificate confirming the situation, and the authority decides based on that evidence.
Older applicants
Age can also be a ground for relief. Where an older applicant cannot reasonably be expected to meet the requirement, the test can be set aside, again decided case by case. The same logic applies to the language requirement: from age 65, the language proof can fall away entirely. These age-related exemptions are not automatic at a fixed birthday for the test itself, so confirm your position with your naturalisation authority.
Everyone else still takes it
If none of these apply to you, the test is part of your path to citizenship. That covers the large majority of adult applicants. The good news is that it is the most predictable requirement, because the questions are public and fixed. There are 33 questions drawn from the official catalogue, and you need 17 correct to pass.
Not sure if you qualify for an exemption?
Exemptions are decided by your naturalisation authority on the evidence you provide, so if you think one might apply, ask them directly before assuming you must sit the test. If you do need to take it, preparation is straightforward. PassCitizen has the full official question catalogue, sorted by topic and with the state-specific questions, plus mock exams in the real format. It is free and needs no account.
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