The German Ministry of the Interior has updated the citizenship test questionnaire to include new questions on topics such as anti-Semitism, Israel, and National Socialism. The revised questionnaire includes ten new questions and updates to two existing questions, focusing on the history of Jewish communities in Germany, the legal basis for the founding of the State of Israel, and Germany’s special responsibility towards Israel. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that those seeking German citizenship must adhere to the values of protecting Jews and Israel, with a clear and credible commitment to these principles. The purpose of the changes is to encourage test takers to engage with these important topics in their preparation for the test.
The Bundestag factions of the SPD, Greens, and FDP had called on the federal government to evaluate the citizenship test with regard to topics of anti-Semitism and Jewish life in Germany. These themes are now being incorporated into the test, with plans to further modernize the test from 2013 in terms of quality, difficulty, and relevance. Recent legislation has made it easier to become a German citizen after three years of residency, but clauses exist to prevent the naturalization of individuals engaged in anti-Semitic or racist activities. The specific commitment to the liberal-democratic order is now a prerequisite for citizenship, and actions or statements violating this order can lead to the revocation of citizenship within ten years.
The new questions in the citizenship test cover various aspects of Jewish life in Germany, such as the history of Jewish communities, the significance of Jewish synagogues, and the legal foundation of the State of Israel. The questions also address the responsibility and consequences of Germany’s historical role in the National Socialist regime, as well as restrictions on behaviors related to anti-Semitism and the denial of the Holocaust. Applicants must correctly answer a minimum of 17 out of 33 questions from a pool of around 100 questions to pass the test, proving their knowledge of German laws, society, and history.
While a CDU proposal requiring applicants to acknowledge Germany’s special responsibility towards Israel was not adopted, candidates are now expected to declare their understanding of Germany’s historical responsibility for the Nazi regime’s atrocities and the protection of Jewish life. Additionally, individuals convicted of anti-Semitic or racist crimes will be barred from citizenship, with authorities able to check with prosecutors for evidence of such motivations. The citizenship test seeks to ensure that candidates not only possess knowledge of German society but also demonstrate a commitment to the values and principles underlying German citizenship.
