How the maths section works
Mathematics is one of the three areas the Bundeswehr names for its computer test, and its Musterung page describes solving simple sums under time pressure (“einfache Rechenaufgaben unter Zeitdruck”). A Musterung candidate interviewed by the Bundeswehr lists “Mathe-Basics”.
Candidates report fractions (Bruchrechnen), percentages (Prozentrechnung), proportion (Dreisatz), the four basic operations and short word problems. Calculators and phones are not allowed; you work on paper.
The test adapts to your answers, and a Musterung candidate says the questions are longer or harder depending on the career track and length of service you are applying for.
A weak maths result is not automatically the end. The head of selection at the Karrierecenter Berlin says a poor result on the day is weighed against your school maths grade.
How to solve the word problems
Without a calculator, method matters more than speed:
- Read to the end and note the unit the answer needs before you calculate.
- Estimate first, then cross out options that are far too big or too small.
- Turn minutes into fractions of an hour: 15 minutes is 0,25 hours, not 0,15.
- For proportion, ask whether more of one thing means more or less of the other. More workers means less time, so that ratio runs the other way.
- For percentages, write down what 100 percent is before any other step.
Worked example
A convoy covers 180 km in 2 hours 15 minutes. At the same speed, how far does it travel in 3 hours? The options are 225 km, 240 km, 250 km and 270 km.
2 hours 15 minutes is 2,25 hours, and 180 ÷ 2,25 = 80 km per hour. In 3 hours that is 3 × 80 = 240 km. If you ignore the 15 minutes you get 270 km, and if you read the time as 2,15 hours you land near 250 km. Both are there to catch you.
Tips for the real maths section
- Practise without a calculator for a few weeks: times tables, long division and converting fractions to decimals.
- Get used to German number writing: 2,5 is two and a half, and 12.000 is twelve thousand.
- Use the paper on your desk for every step you would otherwise hold in your head.
- If a problem is taking far too long, pick the most plausible option and move on.
- Expect the questions to get harder as you get them right. The test adapts, so a tough run is normal.
Practise Rechnen on CogniPrep
Our Rechnen drill gives you 16 problems with four options each on a 14-minute clock, written with German number conventions. It covers basic operations, fractions, proportion, percentages, units, averages, area and speed. It adapts over five levels, starting at level 3 and moving one level per answer, and items the clock cuts off count as wrong. You get a score out of 100 based on the level you hold in the second half of the run. The count, clock and multiple-choice format are ours; the real answer format and timing are not published.