The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to the Medborgerskabsprøven (2025 Edition)

If you’re planning to apply for permanent residency in Denmark, the word Medborgerskabsprøven will soon enter your vocabulary. For many candidates, it feels like a mystery exam—short, official, and quietly decisive in your PR application. This guide will take you from zero to clarity, so you understand what the test is, why it matters, and how to prepare with confidence.


What Is the Medborgerskabsprøven?

The Medborgerskabsprøven (literally “citizenship test,” though it applies to permanent residency) is a multiple-choice exam that checks your knowledge of Danish society, culture, history, and democratic life.

Unlike the Indfødsretsprøven (citizenship test), it does not include current events or “mandatory values” questions. But don’t be fooled: many people underestimate the content and fail because they think general knowledge will be enough.


Why Do You Need to Take It?

Passing the Medborgerskabsprøven is a legal requirement if you want permanent residency in Denmark. Alongside language skills, residence time, and integration conditions, this test serves as proof that you’ve gained a basic civic understanding of the society you’re building your life in.

Fail the test, and your PR application stalls. Pass it, and you’ve cleared one of the decisive hurdles.


Test Format at a Glance

  • 25 questions (all multiple-choice)

  • Passing score: 20 correct answers

  • Time limit: 30 minutes

  • Language: Danish

  • Cost: ~DKK 825 (check medborgerskabsproven.dk for updates)

The questions cover broad areas:

  • Danish democracy and political system

  • Civic rights and obligations

  • History and cultural heritage

  • Everyday knowledge of Danish society


How Often Is It Held?

The Medborgerskabsprøven is offered twice a year at designated test centers across Denmark. Registration usually closes 6–8 weeks before the exam date, so planning ahead is essential.

Official updates and test dates are always published on medborgerskabsproven.dk.


What Happens If You Fail?

You can retake the test, but only at the next official session—meaning you might wait up to six months. That delay can seriously slow down your permanent residency timeline.

That’s why preparation is not optional—it’s the insurance policy for your PR application.


How Hard Is It, Really?

On paper, 25 questions sound manageable. In reality:

  • The topics are wide-ranging.

  • The test is in Danish, which challenges non-native speakers.

  • Some questions are subtle, requiring precise knowledge rather than general familiarity.

Candidates who “just skim the material” often score 17–19 out of 25—close but below the pass mark.

The difference between 19/25 and 20/25 is not luck—it’s structured preparation.


A Realistic Prep Timeline

Your ideal prep time depends on your Danish level and your familiarity with Danish society:

  • 2–3 weeks (intensive): Daily practice, 2–3 hours per day.

  • 4–6 weeks (standard): 4–5 study sessions per week, 1–2 hours each.

  • 8+ weeks (comfortable): Light but consistent pace, with plenty of review.

The most effective approach is to combine thematic study (history, politics, culture) with exam simulation (25-question timed practice). That’s exactly what we offer at testdk.com.


Building Your Study Stack

The key is balance: don’t drown in scattered information. Instead, rely on 2–3 trustworthy sources and practice actively.


Test-Day Checklist

  • Bring valid ID (passport or residence card).

  • Arrive early—test centers don’t allow late arrivals.

  • Don’t bring books, notes, or electronics.

  • Answer every question—there’s no penalty for guessing.


Why Structured Training Pays Off

Most candidates don’t fail because the test is “too hard.” They fail because they underestimate it and don’t prepare in a systematic way.

By training with realistic 25-question simulations and reviewing weak areas, you ensure that your PR application isn’t delayed by something as avoidable as a failed test.

Ready to start? Explore our full Medborgerskabsprøven Training Program at testdk.com.