Want to be German? Then learn about Jewish life and history
PEOPLE WANTING to become German citizens will now have to face questions relating to Jewish life, Israel and the Nazis.
The initiative, spearheaded by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, comes in response to mounting concerns over the alarming surge in antisemitic incidents in Germany.
Under the revamped citizenship questionnaire, applicants will now be tested on topics such as the history of Jewish communities in Germany and what constitutes antisemitic behaviour. They will also be quizzed on the foundation of the state of Israel and the consequences of Holocaust denial.
Faeser (right) told Der Spiegel magazine: “Anyone who doesn’t share our values can’t get a German passport. We have drawn a crystal-clear red line here.” The move follows a parliamentary motion passed last year, urging the government to evaluate the naturalisation test’s adequacy in addressing antisemitism and Jewish life in Germany.
Subsequently, the test underwent a comprehensive overhaul, aligning with contemporary societal concerns and historical imperatives. Recent legislative amendments have reinforced the stringent criteria for naturalisation, emphasising the unequivocal rejection of antisemitic, racist, or inhumane behaviour. Prospective citizens must not only demonstrate a commitment to Germany’s democratic ethos but also acknowledge the nation’s historical responsibilities, particularly concerning the Holocaust and the protection of Jewish communities.
Despite calls for even more stringent measures, such as explicit recognition of Germany’s special responsibility for Israel’s right to exist, certain proposals have not been incorporated into the revised naturalisation framework.