In the Canton of Bern you have to pass the citizenship test before you file the application with your commune. The test is written, lasts 90 minutes and is passed with at least 60 percent correct answers; in the City of Bern it has 48 multiple-choice or matching questions. The commune organises it, usually through an educational institution, in the official language of your administrative district, so in German or French.
This page sums up what the Canton of Bern, its citizenship ordinance and the guidance for communes officially require: residence periods, proof of language, the test format and exemptions, the procedure and the fees. Every figure is tied to its source and was checked on 4 September 2026. Further down you will find our Bern lessons with practice questions on the canton's history, politics and geography.
Facts checked on 4 September 2026.
According to the citizenship ordinance the test covers three blocks: geography, history, languages, religions and public holidays of Switzerland and the Canton of Bern; political and social conditions, democracy, federalism and the rights and duties of citizens; and social security, health, work and education. The questions are written so that they can be understood at language level A2, and the answers are judged by that standard.
You take the test before filing, at the provider your naturalising commune designates; a test taken in another commune or at another school is not recognised. Providers run it at least three times a year. After passing you receive a confirmation of unlimited validity, which is part of the application documents. Passing the test does not relieve the commune of checking in the naturalisation interview whether you are familiar with Swiss and local life.
Failing is not the end: the test may be repeated without limit, and the commune then recommends a naturalisation course, which remains voluntary. In the case of a disability, a serious illness or a pronounced reading or writing difficulty, the commune can grant relief in justified cases, such as more time, an oral test or a course instead of the test.
For preparation the canton recommends the Federal Chancellery brochure Der Bund kurz erklärt, ECHO, Informationen zur Schweiz by HEKS, Die Schweiz verstehen by hep Verlag and the hep PLUS app. Our Bern lessons cover the Bern topics and come with practice questions.
Your commune of residence is the first point of contact. It examines, interviews and promises communal citizenship; the cantonal civil status and citizenship service then obtains the federal permit and grants cantonal citizenship.
Before filing the application you pass the citizenship test at the provider designated by your commune, unless you are exempt. The confirmation is part of the application documents.
The commune gives you the official forms and the list of documents: among others proof of residence, the language certificate, the test confirmation, debt enforcement and criminal record extracts and the declaration on social assistance. Minor children can be included in their parents' application; from the age of 12 they are heard in a way suited to their age.
The commune checks the requirements, holds an individual, minuted naturalisation interview with you and records everything in the official report. The competent communal body normally decides on the promise of communal citizenship within twelve months. The commune then invoices the communal and cantonal fees together; the procedure only continues once they are paid.
The canton's civil status and citizenship service examines the application, makes further enquiries if needed and obtains the federal naturalisation permit from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The federal government invoices its fee separately.
With the federal permit the canton grants cantonal citizenship; with it you acquire communal, cantonal and Swiss citizenship. The commune informs you of the decision and you can apply for a passport and identity card. If you move to another commune before the promise, the application lapses; after the promise the Canton of Bern remains competent.
This is what the practice questions in our lessons look like. The correct answer is marked and the explanation gives the background.
Bern joined the Swiss Confederation in 1353 as the eighth canton, completing the 'Eight Old Cantons' (Acht Alte Orte). Bern brought significant military and economic power to the alliance, becoming the largest and most powerful member of the medieval Confederation.
Canton Jura separated from Bern in 1979 to become Switzerland's 26th canton. The French-speaking, Catholic northern Jura region had felt dominated by German-speaking, Protestant Bern. After referendums in the 1970s, the separation was achieved peacefully, demonstrating Switzerland's commitment to self-determination.
The Aare River forms a dramatic bend around Bern's old town peninsula, creating a natural fortification with water on three sides. This was one reason Duke Berchtold V chose this location in 1191. The turquoise Aare is popular for swimming in summer, including the Aareböötle floating tradition.
The Bern Grosser Rat (Grand Council) has 160 members elected every 4 years by proportional representation. It serves as the legislative body for the canton, passing cantonal laws and approving the budget. The council meets in the Rathaus (Town Hall) in the city of Bern.
The full federal course plus Bern in depth — lessons, canton-specific questions and key procedural facts. PDF + EPUB, CHF 19.90.
Procedure, topics and preparation for Bern: our full guide goes beyond this overview.