How Many Mistakes Are Allowed in the Citizenship Test?
The Short Answer
You are allowed to answer a maximum of 16 questions incorrectly in the citizenship test. This means you must answer at least 17 out of 33 questions correctly to pass.
The Math Behind It
The test consists of 33 questions:
- 30 general questions
- 3 state-specific questions
The passing threshold is 51.5% (17 out of 33 questions). This is intentionally set low to give people with lower German proficiency a fair chance.
Practical Examples
| Correct Answers | Wrong Answers | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | 16 | ✅ Passed (51.5%) |
| 20 | 13 | ✅ Passed (60.6%) |
| 25 | 8 | ✅ Passed (75.8%) |
| 16 | 17 | ❌ Failed (48.5%) |
Important to Know
All questions count equally - There is no weighting. A difficult question counts as much as an easy one.
No partial points - Each question is either right or wrong. There are no half points.
Failure Rate in Reality
Statistics show that about 95% of participants pass the test on their first attempt. The low failure rate is because:
- Questions come from a known pool of 310 questions
- The passing threshold is relatively low
- Most candidates prepare well
What Happens If You Fail?
If you don't pass the test:
- No waiting period - You can book a new appointment immediately
- New fee - You pay 25 euros again
- Unlimited attempts - There's no limit to how many times you can retake the test
Tips for a Safe Passing Score
To ensure you achieve more than the minimum:
- Aim for 25+ correct answers - Give yourself a buffer
- Practice all 310 questions - Go through them at least 2-3 times
- Use simulation mode - Get used to exam conditions
- Focus on weak areas - Identify and practice problem topics
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to answer all state-specific questions correctly?
No, the 3 state-specific questions count the same as general questions. You just need 17 correct answers total.
Can I skip questions?
Yes, but unanswered questions count as wrong. It's better to guess than leave a question blank.
Are there negative points for wrong answers?
No, there are no negative points. When in doubt, guess!
Conclusion
With proper preparation, the passing threshold of 17 questions is easily achievable. Most well-prepared candidates achieve 25-30 correct answers.