Deciphering the “Leben in Deutschland” test: the guide to its approval
Are you studying in Germany and are you dreaming of permanent residence? The “Leben in Deutschland” (Living in Germany) test is your gateway to this goal. This official exam may seem intimidating at first glance, but with the right preparation, you can master it completely.
Thousands of Brazilians have already earned this certificate and paved the way for a stable life in the country. The good news? The test is completely transparent. All questions are public and you can study each one before the test.
What exactly is the “Leben in Deutschland” test?
The “Leben in Deutschland” is a standardized exam created by the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees). It assesses your knowledge about:
- German political system
- Recent history of the country
- Citizens' rights and duties
- Fundamental values of society
Why take the test?
This certificate is required for:
- Apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
- Apply for German citizenship (naturalization)
- Complete the official integration course
Many students who choose study and work in Germany discover that this test is fundamental to building a solid future in the country.
Unraveling the exam structure
Test format
The test has a simple and straightforward structure:
- 33 questions Multiple-choice
- 60 minutes To answer everything
- 4 alternatives per question (A, B, C, D)
- Evidence on paper (nothing digital)
Crucial scoring system
Here's the detail that a lot of people don't know:
15 correct answers = Passed the orientation course (but not valid for immigration)
17 correct answers = Approved for permanent residence and naturalization
That difference is critical! Getting 16 points means retaking the entire exam. Your goal should always be to exceed 17 correct answers with ease.
Distribution of questions
Of the 33 questions:
- 30 questions from the general catalog (valid for the whole of Germany)
- 3 questions specific to your federal state
State questions generally address:
- State coat of arms
- Capital (Landeshauptstadt)
- Location on the map
- Head of government
- Flag colors
- Minimum age to vote locally
The three pillars of syllabus
1. Leben in der Demokratie (Life in Democracy)
This is the most extensive axis. You need to master:
Constitution and fundamental rights
- The Grundgesetz (Basic Law)
- Article 1: “Human dignity is inviolable”
- Basic Freedoms: Expression, Religion, Press
- Principle of equality before the law
Political system
- Germany as a democratic federal republic
- Separation of powers (Legislative, Executive, Judicial)
- Federalism (relationship between federal government and states)
- National symbols
Bodies and elections
- Bundestag (federal parliament)
- Bundesrat (federal council)
- Bundeskanzler (federal chancellor)
- Bundespräsident (federal president)
- German electoral system
2. Geschichte und Verantwortung (History and Responsibility)
Germany takes its “memory culture” very seriously:
National Socialism and the Second War
- Hitler's rise to power
- Characteristics of the Nazi dictatorship
- The regime's racial policy
- End of the war in 1945
Division and reunification
- Occupation by the Allies
- Founding of the FRG (West Germany) and GDR (East Germany)
- Cold War in Germany
- Construction of the Berlin Wall (1961)
- Peaceful demonstrations of 1989
- German reunification (October 3, 1990)
3. Mensch und Gesellschaft (Person and Society)
This section assesses your knowledge of practical life:
Social welfare system
- Compulsory health insurance
- Retirement system
- Long-term care insurance
- How they are funded (contributions from employers and employees)
Education and work
- Education system (responsibility of the states)
- Types of German schools
- Dual vocational training
- Basic labor rights
Family and society
- Equality between men and women
- Religious freedom in practice
- Child education (parental right and duty)
- Prohibition of corporal punishment
- Important holidays (Easter, Pentecost)
- Nightly Silent Period (Nachtruhe)
Effective preparation strategy
Phase 1: Initial Diagnosis
Start by reading all 310 questions from the official BAMF catalog. Don't worry about getting it right now. The objective is to:
- Familiarize yourself with the format
- Identify topics you already know
- Map areas that need more study
Phase 2: Focused thematic study
Group the questions along the three thematic axes. Study each area in a concentrated way. This helps because:
- The related information is contextualized
- Memorization becomes more natural
- Do you understand the logic behind the questions
Phase 3: Intensive Simulations
Practice with complete 33-question tests in 60 minutes. The BAMF offers a free official simulator that exactly replicates the actual exam experience.
Phase 4: Strategic Review
Focus on the questions you missed in the simulations. Use apps that track your errors and create customized review lists.
Practical aspects of the exam
Enrollment process
Cost: €25 (national fixed amount)
where: Volkshochschulen (VHS) or licensed integration centers
as: In-person registration with identity document
Deadline: Usually 4 weeks before the exam date
Required documents
On test day, take:
- Valid Brazilian passport
- Confirmation of enrollment
- Pen (blue or black ink)
Tips for exam day
Strategy from the past two
- First lap: Answer every question you know for sure
- Second lap: Focus on the marked questions, use the remaining time
Attention to pranks Beware of words like “nicht” (no) or “kein” (none) that may reverse the meaning of the question.
Time management With 60 minutes for 33 questions, you have almost 2 minutes per question. Use that generous time to your advantage.
After the exam: next steps
Waiting for the result
- Deadline: 8 to 12 weeks for correction
- Follow-up: BAMF website publishes correction status weekly
- delivery: Certificate sent by post or picked up at the test center
Using the certificate
The “Leben in Deutschland” certificate is valid for:
- Request for permanent residence
- Naturalization application (does not expire for this purpose)
- Proof of civic knowledge in official processes
Many Brazilians who Are they working in Germany in 2025 discovered that having this certificate in advance greatly facilitates future bureaucratic processes.
Connecting the test to your objectives
For college students
If you are studying German universities, taking the test while studying is an intelligent strategy. You will have:
- Study discipline already established
- Developing knowledge of German
- Time available before professional responsibilities
For qualified professionals
Who seeks the Blue Card EU or you already work in the country, you can use the certificate as a differential in the permanent residence process.
For those planning to immigrate
If you're in the phase of learning German online preparing for the change, studying for the test is an excellent way to get to know German society in depth.
Why the test is worth the effort
The “Leben in Deutschland” is more than a bureaucratic formality. During preparation, you:
- Understands the fundamental values of German society
- Learn about rights and duties as a future resident
- Understand the historical context that shapes the country today
- Develop confidence to actively participate in civic life
With the Minimum wage in Germany in constant appreciation and growing opportunities for Brazilians, investing in passing this test is investing in their future.
Be Easy
Do you dream of building a solid career in Germany? A Be Easy offers full support for your journey, from academic preparation to permanent residence planning. Our experienced team knows all the challenges of the process and can guide you through every step. Contact us and make your life project in Germany a reality, with the security and support you deserve!
