CILS B1 Cittadinanza key terms

The legal status of belonging to a state, which brings rights such as voting, a passport and returning freely to the country. The B1 Cittadinanza exam tests language through texts about this procedure.

An official card that lets a non-EU citizen live in Italy for a stated reason and period, for example work or family. It must be renewed before the date printed on it.

The address where a person normally lives, recorded in the files of the local comune. It decides which office you contact for certificates and which municipality you belong to.

The smallest unit of local government in Italy, led by a mayor. It keeps records of births, families and addresses, and issues certificates to residents and citizens.

A paper issued by a public office proving a fact, such as birth, residence or family status. In many procedures a signed self-declaration can take its place.

The date by which something must be done, or after which a document stops being valid. Missing a deadline can mean a fine or having to start the whole procedure again.

The process of extending a document that is about to expire, such as a residence permit or an identity card. You usually apply before the expiry date and pay a fee.

The local police headquarters that deals with documents for foreigners, including residence permits and fingerprints. Applicants may be called there for an interview or to collect a card.

The office that represents the national government in each province. It handles citizenship files and organises the ceremony at which the new citizen takes the oath.

The formal promise made at the end of the Italian citizenship procedure, usually in the comune. After swearing it, the new citizen can request Italian identity documents.

The counter or window in a public office where a clerk serves people. Spoken announcements often say which number or which sportello you should go to.

An arrangement made in advance so you can be served at a certain office, doctor or restaurant. On the phone you give your name and choose a day and time.

A meeting fixed for a particular day and time. Offices often give appointments by phone or online and ask people to arrive a few minutes early.

An official letter or message calling you to an office on a set date. It usually states what to bring, such as documents or photographs, and where to go.

A short public notice with information or instructions, for example about changed opening hours or a cancelled service. Notices like this appear in stations, offices and on websites.

A message, spoken or written, that tells the public about something, such as a train departure, a job or an event. Listening tasks often use short announcements of this type.

A recorded message left when nobody answers the phone. It usually gives the caller's name, the reason for calling and a number to ring back.

A linking word such as perché, quindi, però or inoltre that joins ideas and shows cause, contrast or addition. Using them correctly makes written and spoken texts easier to follow.

A verb form used after expressions of opinion, wish, doubt or necessity, for example 'penso che sia giusto'. Candidates should recognise and produce common regular and irregular forms.

A verb form used to be polite or to describe a hypothetical situation, for example 'vorrei un'informazione' or 'potresti aiutarmi'. It is very common in phone calls and polite requests.

The main past tense for finished actions, formed with avere or essere plus a past participle, as in 'ho presentato la domanda'. With essere the participle must agree with the subject.

A past tense used for habits, descriptions and background, as in 'quando ero bambino'. Choosing correctly between imperfetto and passato prossimo is a typical grammar task.

Forms made by joining a preposition to a definite article, such as al, dalla, negli or sulle. They are needed constantly to talk about places, times, offices and documents.

Small words such as mi, ti, gli, le, ci and vi that show to whom something is said, given or written, as in 'gli ho scritto'. They appear often in messages and dialogues.

A construction with si that makes a general statement without naming the person who acts, as in 'in questo ufficio si parla solo italiano'. It is frequent in rules and public notices.

A written request sent to an office, for example for citizenship or a residence permit. It normally contains a form, supporting documents, a signature and sometimes a tax stamp.

A printed or online form with empty spaces to fill in, used to ask for something or give information. Reading the instructions first helps you complete every required field correctly.

To write the requested information in the empty spaces of a form or document. In the writing test you may have to do this clearly and correctly.

A document attached to an application or an email as proof or support, such as a copy of a passport. It is usually listed at the end of the message.

A signed statement in which you declare facts about yourself, such as your address or income, instead of showing a certificate. You are legally responsible for its accuracy.

A message written to an office or to someone you do not know, with a polite opening, a clear request and a closing formula such as 'Cordiali saluti'. It should be short and well organised.

A short text giving the main points of a longer text in your own words, without minor details or personal opinion. Writing one shows that you have understood the original.

The instruction or topic you must write about in an exam. It describes the situation, the reader and the points to include, and often gives a word limit.

The polite way of speaking to strangers and officials, using Lei with third-person verbs, as in 'Scusi, può dirmi...?'. It is expected at offices and in formal conversations.

A short talk given alone on a topic, without a partner, lasting one or two minutes. In the oral test you may be asked to describe, narrate or give your opinion.

A two-way conversation in which you ask and answer questions, for example with an examiner playing an official. Short questions and full answers keep the exchange going.

The opening part of the oral test where you give basic information about yourself, such as your name, work, family, studies and interests. Simple, fluent sentences matter more than long words.

What you think about a topic, usually introduced by phrases such as 'secondo me' or 'penso che'. In the oral test you are often asked to agree or disagree and give a reason.