B1 Certificate for German Citizenship: Where to Get It

You want German citizenship. Many applicants are not sure which language test to take or where to find a test center.

This article gives you clear answers.

Why B1 German Is Required

German law requires proof of German language skills for naturalization. This is written in §10 Abs. 1 Nr. 6 StAG (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz).

The minimum level is B1. This level is defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

At B1 level you can:

• understand the main points of everyday conversations
• talk about work, family, and travel in German
• write simple messages and short texts

Many people who live in Germany reach B1 naturally over time. But you still need an official certificate.

Which Certificates Are Accepted

Not every language certificate is valid for the naturalization application. The Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalization authority) only accepts recognized certificates.

These are the most commonly accepted options:

Certificate	Provider
Goethe-Zertifikat B1	Goethe-Institut
telc Deutsch B1	telc GmbH and licensed schools
ÖSD Zertifikat B1	ÖSD partner schools
Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD)	older format, still valid in most states

Important: The TestDaF certificate is not valid for naturalization. It is designed for university admission only.

If you are unsure about your certificate, contact your local Einbürgerungsbehörde directly.

Where to Register for the Test

Goethe-Institut

The Goethe-Institut offers the Goethe-Zertifikat B1. You can register online at goethe.de. Test centers are available in Germany and abroad.

Approximate cost in Germany: €150–€200.

telc

telc offers tests at licensed language schools across Germany. Many Volkshochschulen (adult education centers) are official telc test centers.

Approximate cost: €130–€180.

Volkshochschule (VHS)

The local VHS is often the most affordable option. Many VHS locations offer B1 preparation courses and connect you to test centers. Find your nearest VHS at vhs.de.

How to Prepare

A preparation course helps if your German is not yet stable at B1. Many language schools offer intensive courses lasting 4–8 weeks.

Practical tips:

• Practice every day. Even 30 minutes of listening or reading helps.
• Use official materials. Goethe-Institut and telc publish free practice tests on their websites.
• Do a mock test. This helps you manage time and understand the format.
• Find a conversation partner. Speaking practice is essential for the oral part.

What the B1 Test Includes

All major B1 tests have four parts:

1. Reading — read short texts and answer questions
2. Listening — listen to audio recordings and answer questions
3. Writing — write a short letter or message in German
4. Speaking — have a short conversation with another test candidate

Total test time: approximately 3–4 hours. Results arrive within 4–6 weeks.

When You Do Not Need a New Certificate

Some applicants already have proof of B1 German. The authority also accepts:

• A school certificate from a German school (minimum 4 years of instruction in German)
• A university degree from a German-language institution
• A certificate from an official integration course (Integrationskurs) at B1 or higher

Check with your local authority before you book a test. Rules can differ between German states.

The Second Requirement: Einbürgerungstest

The B1 certificate covers your language skills. But you also need to pass the Einbürgerungstest.

This is a civics test about Germany. The test has 33 questions from an official pool. You need at least 17 correct answers to pass.

Topics include German politics, history, law, and society. Here are five example questions:

Question 60: "In Germany, the Bundestag and the Bundesrat belong to the …"
Answer: Legislative — the part of government that makes laws.

Question 74: "What is the name of the parliament for all of Germany?"
Answer: Bundestag

Question 127: "Why does the 5% threshold exist in German election law?"
Answer: Because many small parties make it harder to form a stable government.

Question 134: "The bus line you use to get to work will be cancelled. What can you do to keep it?"
Answer: You can join a citizens' initiative — or start one yourself.

Question 138: "What can you do if your employer fires you unfairly in Germany?"
Answer: You can file a Kündigungsschutzklage — a legal case at the labor court.

The test also includes 10 questions specific to your German state. Regular practice makes a real difference.

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Ready for the test? Practice all 460 questions with explanations in your language.

Start practicing now — or see pricing.

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