Leben in Deutschland test - the essentials

What the LiD test actually is, what's on it, and how to pass. The same question pool also serves the Einbürgerungstest (citizenship test).

What is the Leben in Deutschland (LiD) test?

A multiple-choice test on the German political and legal order, history, and society, run by the BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge). Passing it is required for German citizenship and helps with permanent residency.

How many questions are in the test?

33 questions: 30 from a federal pool plus 3 from a Bundesland-specific pool. The complete pool the questions are drawn from has 310 items (300 federal + 10 per Land).

How many do I need correct to pass?

17 out of 33.

Where do I take it?

At a registered test centre - most commonly a Volkshochschule (VHS). The BAMF site lists local centres.

How long is the test?

60 minutes for the multiple-choice sheet. You can take it as often as you want until you pass.

Where can I prepare?

The BAMF publishes the full question pool with answers as a free PDF and an online practice tool. VHS courses cover the material. The bpb has a free Android/iOS app.

Is the Einbürgerungstest different?

Same question pool. The certificate is recognised for both LiD and Einbürgerung (citizenship).