After Brandenburg: Will the pledge soon be mandatory in Berlin too?
This makes Brandenburg the second federal state after Saxony-Anhalt to take this step. Saxony-Anhalt links the Naturalization to an explicit commitment to Israel's right to exist since 2023.
Such a regulation is now also being considered in Berlin. The governing mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) is openly in favor of adopting the Brandenburg model. He announced that he would enter into talks with the SPD in order to implement a similar regulation in the capital.
Brandenburg's Minister of the Interior, René Wilke, made it clear that the commitment should not be understood as approval of all of Israel's political decisions. Rather, it is about a clear stance against anti-Semitismand for the protection of Jewish life.
"It is a commitment to the right of the state of Israel to exist," said Wilke in parliament. "It is not a commitment that everything that any head of government in Israel has ever done and will ever do will also receive solidarity and approval."
In which federal states is the declaration of allegiance to Israel compulsory?
- Saxony-Anhalt: mandatory since 2023
- Brandenburg: mandatory since June 2025
- Berlin: Takeover under review
Such a regulation has also been discussed in other federal states. Currently, however, a commitment to the State of Israel is not a prerequisite for Naturalization outside of Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt.
However, the commitment to the free democratic basic order and to Germany's special responsibility for the Nazi past and the protection of Jewish life is binding nationwide.
What is the free and democratic basic order?
Regardless of the federal state, anyone wishing to obtain German citizenship must be committed to the free and democratic basic order (FDGO). It is the foundation of German democracy - and safeguards the freedom, equality and dignity of every individual.
The most important principles of the FDGO:
- Human dignity: Every person has an equal, inviolable value. The state protects the individuality and rights of every individual.
- Democracy: All state power comes from the people. Citizens elect their representatives in free, equal and secret elections.
- Rule of law: The government, police and courts are bound by law and order. Arbitrariness is excluded.
- Separation of powers: Power is divided between the legislative (parliament), executive (government) and judicial (courts) branches.
- Freedom of opinion and freedom of the press: Everyone is free to express their opinion - as long as they respect the rights of others.
- Multi-party system and opposition: Political diversity is expressly desired. Every party can stand for election democratically.
- Replaceability of the government: Governments can be voted out of office and replaced by democratic elections.
- Independence of the courts: Judges decide independently - without the influence of the government or political parties.
Since the reform of the Citizenship Act in June 2024, an explicit acknowledgement of responsibility for the Nazi past and the protection of Jewish life has also been mandatory.
Important: Before Naturalization , applicants must make a declaration of loyalty to the FDGO. This declaration must be submitted in person to the responsible Foreigners' office . In many cases, a signature is required on site in the presence of an employee.
