The Zurich Knowledge Test: Format, Topics, Preparation
What the test is for
If you apply for ordinary naturalisation in the canton of Zurich, you must show that you know Switzerland, the canton and how Zurich communes work. The knowledge test (Grundkenntnistest) checks this. According to the canton’s 2025 study, all Zurich communes now use the cantonal test.
Who has to take it, and who does not
The canton lists these exemptions. You do not have to take the test if you:
- are under 12,
- are currently in compulsory school or in upper-secondary training in Switzerland (Gymnasium, apprenticeship),
- have completed five years of compulsory school in Switzerland, at least three of them at lower-secondary level,
- have an upper-secondary qualification from Switzerland.
Your commune decides whether an exemption applies to you. The canton offers a self-check.
What does the test look like?
The canton’s page gives no number of questions, no duration and no pass mark. It refers you to your commune.
A 2022 press report mentioned 50 questions in 60 minutes and 30 correct answers to pass. The canton has not confirmed this. We did not find it on any page of the canton. Do not rely on it. Ask your commune about the format, the time and the pass mark.
The canton publishes its question catalogue in German. Its page mentions no other languages. Expect the test to be in German and check this with your commune.
The topics
The canton’s question catalogue has four areas, with questions on the Confederation, the canton and the commune:
- Democracy and federalism
- Social state and civil society
- History (Confederation and canton)
- Geography (Confederation and canton)
How to prepare
On its page the canton provides, free of charge:
- a practice test,
- the brochure on naturalisation and the knowledge test (PDF, 76 pages, German; printed copies from your commune),
- the list of all questions (PDF, 78 pages, German).
The Federal Chancellery’s The Confederation in brief is an easy introduction to the political system. The canton also suggests a few books as optional reading.
We do not reproduce any question from the catalogue here. Read it on the canton’s page.
Registration and cost
You register through your commune. It tells you where and when. Depending on the commune, you can take the test before or after you file the application. The cost depends on the commune and the provider. The canton gives no figure. Ask your commune.
Questions about the test go to the Gemeindeamt, naturalisation section: grundkenntnistest@ji.zh.ch, telephone +41 43 259 83 81.
How our practice fits in
Our practice questions are original questions that we wrote. They cover the same topics as the test, but they are not the canton’s questions, and the real test may be worded differently. You first study in your own language, then practise in German. Translations are study aids. The real test is in German. This service is independent and not connected to the canton.
Next step
Try the free questions.