How well do naturalisation applicants have to know the German language?

A naturalisation applicant is required to have sufficient command of the German language. Sufficient command is considered being able to cope linguistically with daily life in Germany, including dealing with the authorities, as well as being able to follow and take part in a conversation in line with the applicant's age and education. This also means, as a rule, that the applicant can read, understand and orally reproduce a German text with an everyday content.

Command of the German language is absolutely necessary for naturalisation applicants, because it is an indispensable cornerstone of social and economic integration.