German citizenship is a legal status that grants individuals the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen of Germany. It can be acquired through various means, including birth to a German parent, naturalization, or by fulfilling specific residency requirements. Citizens enjoy rights such as voting, access to social services, and protection under German law. To apply for German citizenship through naturalization, applicants typically need to have lived in Germany for at least eight years, demonstrate proficiency in the German language, and pass a citizenship test. Additionally, they must show financial stability and a commitment to the values of the German Constitution.