What are the general requirements to obtain German citizenship?

Whoever intends to for a German citizenship and passport should now beforehand if he / she qualifies or not. Below is the overview on the general requirements and minimum criteria to file a German citizenship application.

As a rule, the following requirements must be met for naturalization:

•     Clarified identity and citizenship
•     Residence permit for permanent residence in Germany. Permanent right of residence or a residence permit for purposes other than those listed in §§ 16a, 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, 17, 18f, 19, 19b, 19e, 20, 22, 23 paragraph 1, §§ 23a, 24, 25 paragraph 3 to 5 of the Residence Act, Swiss nationals and their family members require a residence permit on the basis of the Agreement of June 21, 1999 between the EC and its member states and the Swiss Confederation on the free movement of persons.
•     Commitment to the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany
•     no anti-constitutional activities
•     secure livelihood (as a rule, no receipt of public benefits such as unemployment benefit II and basic income support)
•     impunity (with the exception of petty offenses)
•     generally loss/abandonment of previous citizenship
•     Sufficient German language skills
•     Knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany