Guide
Luxembourg Vivre Ensemble: The 40-Question Test That Replaces 24 Hours of Class
Luxembourg offers two paths for civic knowledge: 24 hours in a classroom, or a 1-hour computer-based MCQ. Most applicants never hear about the exam. “Vivre ensemble au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg” covers the same material as the course in a single sitting. This guide covers format, the three topic areas, what is (and is not) published about the pass mark, and why the CAI exemption only applies to the course — not the exam.
Sit the Vivre ensemble exam simulation — 40 questions (free 25-question version), 60 minutes, the official 10/20/10 split, scored per module. Then drill the misses with the FR + EN Anki pair (subdecks per official module, a key point on every card) — and remember Sproochentest is the harder half.
Free 25-question diagnostic · full mocks $5 for 5 attempts
The Two Paths: Course vs. Exam
Course vs exam
| 24-hour course | 1-hour exam | |
|---|---|---|
| Time commitment | 24 hours (often 4×6 hours) | 1 hour |
| Format | Classroom instruction | Computer-based multiple-choice |
| Questions | None — attendance-based | 40 multiple-choice |
| Passing score | Attendance only | Not stated in the 2017 regulation — prep sites cite 28/40 (70%); confirm with SFA |
| Cost | Free registration (lux.men.lu) | Free registration (lux.men.lu) |
| Language | Luxembourgish, French, German or English | Luxembourgish, French, German or English (règlement grand-ducal of 7 April 2017) |
| Certificate | Issued upon completion | Issued upon passing |
The exam is run by the Service de la formation des adultes (SFA) at a CBT centre in Esch-Belval. Register on lux.men.lu — the site is only reachable from a Luxembourg connection.
The 40 Questions: Exact Topic Split
Topic split
| Topic area | Questions | Hours in course | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamental rights of citizens | 10 | 6 hours | Human rights, constitution, rule of law, equality, democratic participation |
| State and municipal institutions | 20 | 12 hours | Grand Duke, government, Chamber of Deputies, courts, communes, EU institutions |
| History of Luxembourg and European integration | 10 | 6 hours | 963 to present, EU founding, Schengen, Euro |
Heavy section: institutions are half the exam. Know the Grand Duke, Prime Minister, 60-member Chamber of Deputies, Council of State, the courts, and the state’s relationship to the 100 communes.
The CAI Exemption: Course Only, Not the Exam
The Welcome and Integration Contract (CAI — Contrat d’Accueil et d’Intégration) is optional for legal residents 16+ planning to stay permanently. Since the law of 23 August 2023 it has been replaced by the citizens’ pact (pacte citoyen du vivre-ensemble interculturel). A CAI civic-course certificate, or the pact’s 6-hour “overview of Luxembourg” module, exempts you from the history / European integration module of the course — so you attend 18 hours instead of 24.
The exemption does not carry over to the exam. Guichet.lu is explicit: if you choose to sit the exam instead of attending the course, you must take and pass the full test, history included. There is no “30-question” version.
Rule of thumb: if you already hold a CAI or pact certificate and prefer class, the 18-hour course is the shortest route. If you want one sitting, prepare all three modules for the 40-question exam.
The Language Requirement (Separate and Harder)
Civics vs Sproochentest
| Test | Level | Skills tested |
|---|---|---|
| Sproochentest | A2 oral expression, B1 oral comprehension | Speaking and listening |
| Vivre ensemble | N/A (content test) | Civic knowledge |
Sproochentest (INLL) is harder for most applicants than Vivre ensemble. A2 speaking means daily conversation; B1 listening means radio-style audio. INLL offers prep courses.
Exemption: more than 20 years legal residence may waive both Sproochentest and Vivre ensemble — you may still need 24 hours of Luxembourgish courses. Confirm current rules before you rely on this.
Study Strategy for the Exam Path
Week 1: State and municipal institutions (20 Q)
Grand Duke, PM, Chamber of Deputies (60), Council of State, Constitutional Court. EU bodies in Luxembourg: Court of Justice of the EU, European Court of Auditors, EIB, European Parliament General Secretariat. Communes: 100, bourgmestre and échevins, communal councils.
Week 2: Fundamental rights (10 Q)
2023 Constitution: equality, freedom of expression and religion, separation of churches and state, voting rights (compulsory voting), petitions and citizens’ initiatives. ECHR relationship to Luxembourg law.
Week 3: History and European integration (10 Q)
963, 1815, 1839, 1867, 1890, WWI/WWII occupations, 1942 general strike, 1951 ECSC, 1957 Rome, 1985 Schengen, 1999/2002 Euro. Figures: Charlotte, Jean, Henri, Guillaume; Robert Schuman, Joseph Bech, Pierre Werner.
Week 4: Practice and mock
Sit the 40-question / 60-minute simulation (free 25-question version) (same 10/20/10 split), then drill every miss. Aim for 32/40+ so you clear the commonly cited 28/40 with a buffer.
FAQ
How many questions are on the Luxembourg Vivre ensemble test?
40 multiple-choice: 10 rights, 20 institutions, 10 history and European integration.
What is the passing score for the Vivre ensemble exam?
The règlement grand-ducal of 7 April 2017 and the MEN exam page do not publish a pass mark. Prep sites commonly cite 28 out of 40 (70%) — aim higher and confirm with SFA (sfa@men.lu).
Can I take the Luxembourg citizenship test in English?
Yes. Since the 2017 regulation, both the course and the exam can be taken in Luxembourgish, French, German or English.
How much does the Luxembourg citizenship test cost?
Registration for the Vivre ensemble course or exam is free on lux.men.lu. Sproochentest is booked separately with INLL.
What is the CAI in Luxembourg?
Contrat d’Accueil et d’Intégration — a voluntary newcomer programme. Now replaced by the citizens’ pact. A CAI civic-course certificate (or the pact’s 6-hour Luxembourg module) exempts you from the history module of the course only — exam candidates still sit all 40 questions.
Do I need to speak Luxembourgish to become a citizen?
Yes for most pathways: Sproochentest at A2 oral expression and B1 oral comprehension, separate from Vivre ensemble.
How long does it take to get Luxembourg citizenship?
Typically 5 years legal residence (sometimes 3 if married to a Luxembourger or under specific conditions). After eligibility, applications often take 6–12 months.
Can I retake the Vivre ensemble exam if I fail?
Yes. No published hard retake cap in typical guidance — contact SFA to reschedule.
Where is the Vivre ensemble exam held?
CBT centre in Esch-Belval. Courses: Luxembourg-Hollerich, Esch-Belval, Diekirch, with more northern locations planned from late 2026.
What is the hardest part of the Luxembourg citizenship test?
Usually Sproochentest, not Vivre ensemble. Language needs months; civic MCQ can be prepped in 2–3 weeks for strong self-learners.
Bottom Line
Luxembourg lets you choose: 24 hours in class or 1 hour at a computer. Strong self-learners can skip the course, study three topics for 2–3 weeks, and sit 40 questions. The CAI exemption shortens the course, not the exam. The real bottleneck is usually Luxembourgish — not Vivre ensemble.
Sit the Vivre ensemble exam simulation — 40 questions (free 25-question version), 60 minutes, the official 10/20/10 split, scored per module. Then drill the misses with the FR + EN Anki pair (subdecks per official module, a key point on every card) — and remember Sproochentest is the harder half.
Free 25-question diagnostic · full mocks $5 for 5 attempts
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