Proving B1 German for citizenship
The law requires German at level B1 of the Common European Framework, proven by a language exam. There are exceptions.
Earliest application
January 2027
3 months to go, counted from October 2026.
| Deadline (s. 10 StAG: 5 years’ residence) | January 2027 |
| Length of residence | from January 2027 |
| Residence title | met |
| Livelihood | met |
| German B1 | still to prove |
| Citizenship test | still to prove |
| Criminal record | met |
| Fee per person | €255 |
The authority also checks your declaration of commitment to the Basic Law and that your identity and nationality are clear. Naturalisation after three years no longer exists. An estimate from the law, not legal advice.
Prepared by Radif Partners · Method · BAMF question catalogue of 7 May 2025 · laws checked on 22 October 2026
For naturalisation, section 10(4) StAG requires sufficient German: you have it if you meet the requirements of a language exam at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference, spoken and written. The usual proof is a certificate from a recognised exam, such as the German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) with a B1 result at the end of the integration course, telc Deutsch B1, the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or an ÖSD exam at that level. A higher certificate such as B2 or C1 obviously also counts. Many authorities also accept a German school-leaving certificate, vocational training or a degree completed in German. Children under 16 only need age-appropriate language development. Former guest workers and contract workers and their spouses only have to communicate orally in everyday life. If someone cannot reach B1 despite serious efforts, the authority can also limit the requirement to everyday German; illness, disability or age exempt you entirely.
What counts as proof
Section 10(4) StAG refers to the level, not to a specific exam. In practice most people submit a certificate. The overview shows the usual routes; whether a school or vocational qualification is enough is up to the authority.
| Proof | Enough for citizenship? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| German Test for Immigrants, result B1 | yes | End of the integration course |
| German Test for Immigrants, result A2 | no | Retake or another B1 exam |
| telc Deutsch B1, Goethe-Zertifikat B1, ÖSD B1 | yes | At recognised exam centres |
| B2, C1 or C2 certificate | yes | A higher level includes B1 |
| German school certificate, training or degree | usually | The authority decides |
| Children under 16 | age-appropriate development | Nursery or school reports |
The exceptions in the law
Subsection 4, third sentence, eases the proof for one group: people who came to West Germany under a recruitment agreement by 30 June 1974 or to East Germany as contract workers by 13 June 1990 only need to communicate orally in everyday life without significant problems, and the same applies to their spouses. Subsection 4a opens a route for hardship cases, where learning is impossible or permanently much harder despite serious and sustained effort. In both cases the citizenship test is also waived. Subsection 6 exempts people entirely from the language and knowledge proofs if illness, disability or age makes them impossible; a medical certificate is then usual.
What a B1 exam asks of you
At B1 you understand the main points of clear speech on familiar matters from work, school or leisure, cope with most everyday situations, write simple connected texts and can briefly explain experiences, plans and opinions. Exams usually have listening, reading, writing and a speaking part, often with a partner. Exam centres set their own prices, which vary, so we do not quote a figure.
If you are not sure whether the language proof is your last open point, enter your level in the calculator:
Earliest application
Earliest application
January 2027
| Deadline (s. 10 StAG: 5 years’ residence) | January 2027 |
| Length of residence | from January 2027 |
| Residence title | met |
| Livelihood | met |
B1 is not a formal entry condition for the citizenship test, but it helps a lot, because the paper is in German only. Practising with the question catalogue also builds the vocabulary that many language exams test on society topics.