Which Religions Exist in Germany? A Guide for Your Citizenship Test

Are you preparing for German citizenship? Then you need to understand German society. Religion is part of that. Germany has many different religions. And the law protects your right to believe — or not believe — anything.

Freedom of Religion: Your Legal Right

The German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) protects religious freedom. Article 4 says: no one can be forced to practice a religion. No one can be punished for their beliefs. This right applies to everyone in Germany — citizens and residents alike.

Germany has no official state religion. But the state and churches work together in some areas. Churches can run schools, hospitals, and social services. This relationship is regulated by Grundgesetz Article 140.

Christianity: The Largest Religion

About 55% of Germans are Christian. Christianity has shaped German culture, history, and holidays for over 1,000 years.

There are two main Christian groups:

Church	Approx. Share of Population
Roman Catholic Church	~27%
Protestant (Evangelical) Church	~25%

Catholic communities are mainly in the south and west. Bavaria and the Rhineland are traditionally Catholic regions.

Protestant communities are mainly in the north and in eastern Germany.

Church Tax (Kirchensteuer)

Church members may pay church tax (Kirchensteuer). This is an extra charge added to your income tax. The state collects it on behalf of the church. You can officially leave your church to stop paying. This requires a formal registration step at the local registry office.

Islam: The Second Largest Religion

About 5 million Muslims live in Germany. That is around 6% of the population. Most Muslim communities have roots in Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Muslims have the same legal rights as any other religious group. They can build mosques and practice their faith freely. Employers must respect your religious needs — for example, allowing time for prayer (§ 1 AGG — Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, the General Equal Treatment Act). Halal food is available in most large German cities.

Judaism: A Long and Difficult History

About 100,000 Jews live in Germany today. Jewish communities have existed in Germany for over 1,700 years.

The Holocaust (1933–1945) nearly destroyed Jewish life here. The Nazi government murdered six million Jews across Europe. After World War II, Jewish communities slowly rebuilt. Many Jewish families arrived from the former Soviet Union in the 1990s.

Germany takes this history very seriously. Anti-Semitism is a serious crime. The state actively supports Jewish cultural life and institutions.

Other Religions in Germany

Germany is home to many more religious communities:

• Orthodox Christianity: Many followers from Greece, Russia, Serbia, and other Eastern European countries
• Buddhism: Around 300,000 followers
• Hinduism: Around 100,000 followers
• Jehovah's Witnesses: An officially recognized religious community
• Yazidis: A significant Yazidi community lives in Germany, mainly from Iraq

People Without Religion

About 38% of Germans have no religious affiliation. They are called konfessionslos (non-religious or non-denominational). This share is especially high in eastern Germany.

The reason is historical. East Germany (DDR, 1949–1990) was a socialist state. Religion was officially discouraged. Today, the five former East German states have the highest share of non-religious people in Germany. These states are: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, and Thüringen.

Religion in Everyday German Life

Religion appears in daily life in Germany in several ways:

• Public holidays: Most German public holidays have Christian roots. Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost are official days off.
• Sundays: Most shops are closed by law. This tradition has legal backing, not just cultural roots.
• School: Religious education (Religionsunterricht) is available in most German schools. Participation is voluntary.
• Food: Halal and kosher products are available in cities. Some supermarkets carry certified products.
• Prayer rooms: Many universities and larger workplaces offer quiet rooms for prayer.

What You Need to Know for the Citizenship Test

The German citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest) includes questions about religion, society, history, and politics. Religion appears in the Leben in Deutschland section.

Here is what you should know:

• Freedom of religion is guaranteed by Grundgesetz Article 4
• Germany has no official state religion
• The main religious communities are Christianity, Islam, and Judaism
• About 38% of Germans have no religious affiliation
• The five former DDR states have the highest share of non-religious people

The test also covers many other topics about German identity and institutions. Here are some questions you may encounter:

• Question 214: What colors does the German flag have? → Black, red, and gold
• Question 216: What symbol is displayed in the plenary hall of the Bundestag? → The Bundesadler (federal eagle)
• Question 36: Which measure creates social security in Germany? → Health insurance (Krankenversicherung)
• Question 225: Which other country has a large German-speaking population? → Austria
• Question 201: Which states belonged to the former East Germany (DDR)? → Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, and Thüringen

---

Ready for the test? Practice all 460 citizenship test questions with explanations in your language. Start training now →

Not sure which plan fits you? See our pricing →

---

This article provides general information only, not legal advice.