Notice to applicants for the acquisition of German nationality. Berlin plans to introduce questions on the Holocaust, Israel and Judaism into its tests, in particular in response to the rise in anti-Semitism, the Interior Minister said.
“Anti-Semitism, racism and any form of contempt for humanity exclude the possibility of being naturalized,” declared Nancy Faeser, in an interview with the weekly Der Spiegel.
“Assume this responsibility for Germany”
Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, the country has experienced an increase in anti-Semitic acts. This is what pushed the government of Olaf Scholz to question the naturalization conditions that it has just relaxed this year.
“Germany has a special responsibility towards the Jews and the State of Israel after the Holocaust, a crime against humanity that it committed,” the minister underlined. Those who want to become Germans must know “what that means and commit to taking on this responsibility for Germany” which is part of the country’s “identity,” Nancy Faeser said. This commitment must be “clear and credible”, she added.
A relaxation of the conditions for obtaining nationality
The systematic extermination enterprise carried out by Nazi Germany led to the death of six million Jews. Among future questions included in the naturalization test, Der Spiegel quotes in particular: What is the name of the place of worship of the Jews? When was the State of Israel founded? Why does Germany have a special responsibility towards Israel?
On January 19, German deputies adopted a law relaxing the conditions for obtaining nationality. With the new legislation, it is possible to obtain a German passport after living in the country for five years and not eight as before. In the event of integration deemed particularly successful (related to work or voluntary commitment), naturalization becomes possible after a three-year stay in Germany.