Luxembourg · Vivre ensemble
Luxembourg Vivre Ensemble: The 40-Question Test That Replaces 24 Hours of Class
2026-07-28 · UniPrep2Go Blog
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, the passing score, and the CAI shortcut that waives one-third of the content.
Drill rights, institutions, and history with the free Luxembourg Vivre ensemble readiness check (Prep2Go-sourced). Join the Anki waitlist before your sitting in Esch-Belval — and remember Sproochentest is the harder half.
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 | 28 of 40 (70%) |
| Cost | Free or low-cost through SFA | Exam fee only |
| Language | Luxembourgish, French, German, English (course) | Likely Luxembourgish/French — confirm with SFA |
| Certificate | Issued upon completion | Issued upon passing |
The exam is run by Service de la formation des adultes (SFA) at a CBT centre in Esch-Belval. Register via the SFA website.
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, and the state’s relationship to the 102 communes.
The CAI Shortcut: Exempt From History
The Welcome and Integration Contract (CAI — Contrat d’Accueil et d’Intégration) is optional for legal residents 16+ planning to stay permanently. Completing CAI can exempt you from the history / European integration module (6 hours / 10 exam questions) at citizenship time.
A CAI holder sitting Vivre ensemble then focuses on rights (10) + institutions (20). History is waived — effectively a 28/30 target instead of 28/40.
Trade-off: CAI itself needs orientation, language (up to A1), and an integration course — months of work. If you are close to eligibility and never started CAI, studying the full 40-question exam is usually faster.
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: CJEU, EP, EIB, ECB. Communes: 102, mayors, councils.
Week 2: Fundamental rights (10 Q)
Constitution basics: speech, equality, suffrage, secularism. ECHR relationship to Luxembourg law.
Week 3: History (10 Q) — skip if CAI
963, 1815, 1867, 1890, WWI/WWII occupations, 1957 Rome, 1985 Schengen, 1999 Euro. Figures: Henri, Jean, Charlotte.
Week 4: Practice and mock
Full timed 40-question mock. Target 32/40 for buffer above 28/40.
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?
28 out of 40 (70%).
Can I take the Luxembourg citizenship test in English?
24-hour courses are offered in English (including online). Exam language is often Luxembourgish or French — confirm with SFA before registering.
How much does the Luxembourg citizenship test cost?
Vivre ensemble fees are typically low (often under €100) but not always prominently listed. Sproochentest has a separate INLL fee.
What is the CAI in Luxembourg?
Contrat d’Accueil et d’Intégration — a voluntary newcomer programme. Completing it can exempt you from the history module of Vivre ensemble at citizenship.
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. CAI holders may only need 30. The real bottleneck is usually Luxembourgish — not Vivre ensemble.
Drill rights, institutions, and history with the free Luxembourg Vivre ensemble readiness check (Prep2Go-sourced). Join the Anki waitlist before your sitting in Esch-Belval — and remember Sproochentest is the harder half.
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