LID vs. Einbürgerungstest: What is the Difference? - Leben in Deutschland Test
Many applicants confuse the "Leben in Deutschland" (LID) test with the standalone Citizenship Test (Einbürgerungstest). We clarify which exam you actually need for your German passport.
LID vs. Einbürgerungstest: What is the Difference?
Updated: Dec 2025 • 5 min read
Many candidates confuse the Integration Course Final Test ("Leben in Deutschland") with the standalone Citizenship Test ("Einbürgerungstest"). While they are highly similar, they serve different initial administrative purposes.
1. The "Leben in Deutschland" (LID) Test
The LID test is taken at the end of the official Integration Course (Integrationskurs) provided by language academies. It covers both the language/civic curriculum. Passing with at least 15/33 correct answers satisfies the integration course requirements. Passing with at least 17/33 correct answers acts as a valid equivalent to the citizenship test for naturalization.
2. The "Einbürgerungstest" (Citizenship Test)
The Einbürgerungstest is a standalone test taken by individual applicants who did not participate in an official integration course. It consists of the identical 33 multiple choice questions, and requires a score of 17/33 correct answers to pass. It is overseen directly by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
3. Identical Question Catalog
Both tests draw from the exact same pool of 310 questions (300 general questions + 10 questions specific to each federal state). If you prepare using our simulator, you are studying the exact same questions for both exams!