General information on the naturalization test
The legal requirement for the naturalization test is knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany. Successful completion of the naturalization test fulfils these requirements.
Basically, you can use the test simulator on our website to prepare for the naturalization test. You also have the option of finding the test center responsible for you and can make an appointment for the test there if you are sure you will pass the test.
Why are there 10 new questions on the naturalization test?
Legal requirements for the new questions on the naturalization test
The specification for the new questions on the naturalization test is in Section 10 sentence 1 number 1a StAG
"A foreigner who has been legally resident in Germany for five years and is capable of acting in accordance with § 34 sentence 1 or is legally represented shall be naturalized upon application if his identity and nationality have been clarified and he....
acknowledges Germany's special historical responsibility for the National Socialist reign of injustice and its consequences, in particular for the protection of Jewish life, as well as for the peaceful coexistence of peoples and the prohibition of waging a war of aggression."
Justification of the Federal Government
In the run-up to the introduction of the new Naturalization Act, the German government had considered expanding the questions on the naturalization test. The new questions deal with Jewish life in Germany. The aim is to highlight the importance of Jewish life in Germany for values.
At the end of March, the magazine "Spiegel", among others, reported on the expansion of the list of questions in an article. Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser made it clear in this article: "Anyone who does not share our values cannot get a German passport. We have drawn a crystal-clear red line here. Anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of contempt for humanity rule out Naturalization ."
The trigger for the decision on the new questions was October 7, 2023 in Israel and the subsequent war between Israel and Hamas. Added to this is Germany's historical responsibility as a result of National Socialism and the Holocaust.
Back in November, the governing parties SPD, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and FDP submitted a motion calling for the naturalization test to be expanded to include questions about Jewish life in Germany. This motion was implemented at the end of March.
Commitment to Jewish life
You may also have to make a declaration of commitment to Jewish life in Germany. This has nothing to do with the test. It is part of the declaration of loyalty that you must sign for Naturalization .
The questions on the new naturalization test
The 10 new questions on the naturalization test are divided into 3 subject areas. The subject areas are as follows:
- Jewish life in Germany
- Israel's right to exist
- Anti-Semitism
We have listed all the questions for you here. The correct answers are marked in green.
4 questions about Jewish life in Germany
The questions on the topic of Jewish life in Germany are as follows:
1. how many years ago was there a Jewish community in what is now Germany for the first time?
a) About 300 years ago
b) About 700 years ago
c) About 1150 years ago
d) About 1700 years ago
2. who can become a member of the 40 or so Jewish Maccabi sports clubs?
a) Germans only
b) Israelis only
c) Only religious people
d) All people
3. which cities have the largest Jewish communities in Germany?
a) Berlin and Munich
b) Hamburg and Essen
c) Nuremberg and Stuttgart
d) Worms and Speyer
4. what is the name of the Jewish house of prayer?
a) Basilica
b) Mosque
c) Synagogue
d) Church
2 Questions about Israel's right to exist
The following two questions deal with Israel's right to exist:
5 On what legal basis was the State of Israel founded?
a) A resolution of the United Nations
b) A resolution of the Zionist Congress
c) A proposal by the Federal Government
d) A proposal from the USSR
6 What is the reason for Germany's special responsibility for Israel?
b) From the National Socialist crimes
c) From the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany
d) From the Christian tradition
4 questions on anti-Semitism
The following questions relate to the topic of anti-Semitism:
7 What is an example of anti-Semitic behavior?
a) attend a Jewish festival
b) criticize the Israeli government
c) deny the Holocaust
d) play soccer against Jews
8. what do the so-called Stolpersteine in Germany commemorate?
a) to famous German politicians
b) to the victims of National Socialism
c) to traffic fatalities
d) to well-known Jewish musicians
9 How can someone who denies the Holocaust be punished?
a) Reduction of social benefits
b) up to 100 hours of community service
c) not at all, Holocaust denial is allowed
d) a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or a monetary penalty
10. which act relating to the state of Israel is prohibited in Germany?
a) publicly criticize Israel's policies
b) the hanging of an Israeli flag on private property
c) a discussion about Israel's policy
d) the public call for the destruction of Israel
You have to learn all the questions for the naturalization test. It is not known in advance which of the 10 new questions on the naturalization test will appear in your test. This is decided by the examination board of the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) and is not announced in advance!
Subsequent questions at the naturalization appointment?
Yes, you may be asked some of the 10 new questions on the naturalization test at your naturalization appointment if you took the naturalization test before 2023
So you are perfectly prepared:
- Prepare yourself well for the questions, then nothing will happen!
- You should know why the questions were introduced (we have described it in the section above).
- Don't worry: We will support you with all your questions and will be happy to assist you if the naturalization test is your main problem. We'll get it done!
Get help with your German passport now
We at Migrando have years of experience in assisting clients with the naturalization process and in communicating with German authorities. Let's embark on the journey to successful Naturalization together!
FAQ - The most important questions and answers about the new questions on the naturalization test
There are new questions on 3 different topics: Jewish life in Germany, Israel's right to exist and anti-Semitism.
Yes, it is not clear in advance which questions the BAMF examination commission will ask you in the written naturalization test. That's why you have to learn all the questions.
The new questions on the naturalization test are a reaction to the events of 7 October 2023 in Israel and because of Germany's historical responsibility for National Socialism and the Holocaust.
Yes, it is possible that you will be asked questions about Jewish life at your naturalization appointment despite having passed the naturalization test before 2023. Prepare for the 10 questions and explain why there are new questions. If you stick to this, everything will work out for you.
Yes, if you have certain exceptions or belong to the guest worker or contract worker generation, you are exempt from the test, for example. Then you can go to Naturalization without a naturalization test.
