Germans Push Citizenship Tests

(Berlin) What a splendid idea! Make sure, through testing, that applicants for citizenship can speak the language and that they are familiar with the laws, customs, and history of the nation they desire to join.

From Expatica.com:

The German state of Hesse plans to introduce a 'citizenship' test for foreigners wanting to become German.

The test, which has been proposed by the Hesse interior minister Volker Bouffier, consists of a six-point program. Applicants for citizenship should demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the German language, assert their loyalty to the country and answer a comprehensive questionnaire.

The questionnaire features 100 questions on German politics and culture, which range from relatively simple ones such as "What is the population of Germany?" and "What are the colours of the German flag?" to more challenging ones like "The German painter Caspar David Friedrich painted on one of his most famous paintings a landscape on the Baltic island Rugen - what is the picture's motif?" and "The film 'The Wonder of Bern' had its cinema release in 2004 - which sporting event was it about?"

Another German state, Baden-Wurttemberg, started testing Muslim applicants in January which prompted harsh criticism. Opponents didn't like questions about homosexuality and Islamist terrorism. Regarding the Hesse test, opponents believe the test is too long and too hard. It's believed that many Germans couldn't pass it.

In any event, I think a citizenship test is is a good idea. Maybe the U.S. would benefit by having newcomers know the language and history. Oh, wait a minute. I forgot. The U.S. doesn't have a language and the history hasn't yet been sufficiently revised.

Companion at In The Bullpen.