Citizenship for Children: Do They Need to Take the Test?

When applying for German citizenship as a family, one of the most common questions is about the children. Are young kids expected to answer those difficult questions?

Exemption for Under 16s

As a general rule, children under the age of 16 do not need to take the "Einbürgerungstest" (Citizenship Test). They are included in the process through their parents' application.

Is There a Language Requirement?

Yes, children are also expected to have a certain level of German. However, for school-aged children, this is usually proven by school report cards. Attending school in Germany is considered sufficient proof of language skills, and a separate B1 certificate is not asked for.

Children Born in Germany

With the new law, if one parent has been legally living in Germany for at least 5 years, a child born here automatically becomes a German citizen at birth. In this case, no test or application process is needed.