Procedure for the naturalization appointment
The naturalization appointment takes place after the naturalization authority has processed your documents. The naturalization authority will arrange a personal appointment with you. At the appointment, in addition to the naturalization authority checking your documents, there will be a personal naturalization interview. You may be asked further questions during this interview.
Note 1: Take all originals with you to the naturalization appointment
Even if you or your lawyer have already submitted all documents, we strongly advise you to do so, bring all documents in the original to the naturalization appointment to be on the safe side. This will ensure that there are no delays if the clerk wants to see a particular document in the original after all.
Often only a few or even no originals need to be submitted. Nevertheless you avoid the riskthat a second appointment will be necessary, for which you may have to wait months again.
Note 2: Commitment to Germany's historical responsibility
Since June 2024, the Naturalization Act has been amended and § 10 para. 1a StAG was introduced. This new section requires naturalization applicants to commitment to the special historical responsibility of Germany. The aim is to rule out any doubts about your loyalty to the constitution.
- Some authorities have a new "Declaration of loyalty" which has been extended by a number of points.
- Simply sign the declaration of loyalty, even if you have already made a declaration of loyalty.
- If you have any questions about the content of the declaration of loyalty, we have prepared the most important questions for you in the next section.
Note 3: New questions and answers at the naturalization appointment
You may be asked the following questions at your naturalization appointment. The questions concern the constitution, Jewish life and wars of aggression.
Question: What do you understand by democracy?
Answer: Democracy means that all people in Germany have the same rights and can have a say. There are regular elections and every vote counts. In a democracy, people are allowed to express their opinions freely and assemble peacefully. The government must observe the law and respect the fundamental rights of all.
Question: What is separation of powers?
Answer: Separation of powers means that the power of the state is divided between 3 different areas - the executive the executive (authorities), the legislature (lawmakers) and the judiciary (courts). In this way, no one can usurp too much power and the rights of citizens remain better protected. Most importantly, the three powers control each other and are not allowed to interfere in each other's duties.
Question: What is human dignity?
Answer: Human dignity means that every person is valuable and must be treated with respect. It must not be violated by anyone. All other fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of property are derived from human rights. Human dignity is enshrined in Article 1 of the Basic Law guaranteed.
Question: What do you understand by National Socialist injustice?
Answer: That was the dictatorship under Adolf Hitler in Germany. There people were persecuted because of their and many terrible crimes were committed. Most of the crimes were committed against Jews.
Question: What is your position on the anti-Semitic and anti-Israel demonstrations and riots that have taken place in Germany and other countries?
Answer: Rallies and demonstrations are permitted if the rights of others are violated. If the purpose of the rally is that Jewish life is not accepted, these rallies are not permitted.
Question: What is your position on Israel's right to exist?
Answer: Israel is an independent statewhich has the right to exist in peace and security. Israel must not be threatened or destroyed, just as all other states have the same right.
Question: Explain in your own words why equal rights for women and men are necessary.
Answer: Women and men should equal opportunities and rights and rights. That is fair and good for society as a whole. Equal rights for women and men are also guaranteed in Article 3 of the German Basic Law.
Question: How do you assess the wars of aggression, such as Russia's against Ukraine?
Answer: Wars of aggression are generally rejected. War is never a good solution, as many people will die in any case.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the naturalization appointment
With the new Naturalization Act there is a change according to § 10 para. 1a StAG, which concerns the naturalization date. It may happen that you are asked about Confession of historical responsibility or you may be asked questions on this topic at your naturalization appointment.
There is no different level of difficulty for naturalization questions. You need not not be afraid of the 8 questions on the declaration of historical responsibility. If you prepare well, the 8 questions will not be a problem for you. The questions are an additional check that was introduced with the new Naturalization Act.
At the naturalization appointment you will have a personal interview at the naturalization office. It makes sense to take all the originals of your documents with you in case the employee needs them. It is also important that you are prepared for the questions on the declaration of historical responsibility.
