Germany in Europe - Leben in Deutschland Test

Germany as part of the European Union

Module: History and Responsibility

Number of Questions: 21

All questions in this category:

1. Question 173: The Federal Republic of Germany is a founding member ...

   Answer Options:

   1. A) of the North Atlantic Pact (NATO)
   2. B) the United Nations (VN)
   3. C) the European Union (EU) ✓ (Correct Answer)
   4. D) of the Warsaw Pact

   Explanation:

   Germany is a founding member of the European Union. This membership is a cornerstone of its post-war foreign policy, aiming for peace and cooperation on the continent, as enshrined in the foundational treaties of the EU. Option A, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is incorrect because while Germany is a member, it joined in 1955, not as a founding member. Option B, the United Nations (UN), is also incorrect; Germany became a member in 1973. Option D, the Warsaw Pact, is definitively wrong as Germany was divided during its existence, and West Germany was part of the opposing bloc. The establishment of the European Economic Community, the precursor to the EU, in 1957 with the Treaty of Rome, marks Germany's role as a founding member of what is now the European Union.

   Study Tip:

   Germany's post-war focus was on European integration and peace, making EU membership a founding principle.

2. Question 213: How many inhabitants does Germany have?

   Answer Options:

   1. A) 70 million
   2. B) 78 million
   3. C) 84 million ✓ (Correct Answer)
   4. D) 90 million

   Explanation:

   The correct answer is C, 84 million. This figure reflects the most recent official population estimates for Germany, aligning with demographic data typically used in civic education. Understanding Germany's population is fundamental to grasping its scale and societal structure. Option A, 70 million, is too low for current German population figures. Option B, 78 million, also falls short of the actual population. Option D, 90 million, is significantly higher than the current number of inhabitants in Germany. The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides the most accurate and up-to-date figures on Germany's population, which are essential for understanding the country's current demographic situation.

   Study Tip:

   Think of 84 million as roughly 80 million plus a bit more, a common approximation for Germany's population.

3. Question 221: Germany is a member of the Schengen Agreement. What does this mean?

   Answer Options:

   1. A) Germans can travel to many countries in Europe without passport control ✓ (Correct Answer)
   2. B) All people can enter Germany without personal control
   3. C) Germans can travel to every country without passing control
   4. D) Germans can pay with the euro in any country

   Explanation:

   Option A is correct because the Schengen Agreement establishes an area without internal border controls. This allows citizens of member states, such as Germans, to travel freely within this zone without passport checks. Option B is incorrect because while Schengen facilitates travel for citizens of member states, it does not grant all people the right to enter Germany without any checks; there are still immigration regulations. Option C is incorrect because while Germans can travel without passport control to many European countries, this freedom does not extend to *every* country worldwide. Option D is incorrect as the Schengen Agreement is about border-free travel, not currency; the Euro is a separate economic union.

   Study Tip:

   The Schengen Agreement means border-free travel within many European countries.

4. Question 222: Which country is a neighboring country of Germany?

   Answer Options:

   1. A) Hungary
   2. B) Portugal
   3. C) Spain
   4. D) Switzerland ✓ (Correct Answer)

   Explanation:

   Switzerland is a direct neighbor of Germany. The German Basic Law, specifically Article 29, defines Germany's territory, and neighboring countries are geographically determined by this. Hungary is located further east in Central Europe and is not adjacent to Germany. Portugal and Spain are Iberian Peninsula countries, situated in southwestern Europe and far from Germany's borders.

   Study Tip:

   Remember the Central European neighbors: Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France.

5. Question 223: Which country is a neighboring country of Germany?

   Answer Options:

   1. A) Romania
   2. B) Bulgaria
   3. C) Poland ✓ (Correct Answer)
   4. D) Greece

   Explanation:

   Option C, Poland, is correct because Germany shares a direct border with Poland. This is a fundamental aspect of its geographical and political landscape, as defined by international borders and treaties. Option A, Romania, and Option B, Bulgaria, are located in Southeastern Europe and do not share a border with Germany. Similarly, Option D, Greece, is situated in Southern Europe and is geographically distant from Germany, thus not a neighboring country.

   Study Tip:

   Remember that Germany's neighbors are the countries it physically touches on a map.

6. Question 224: What does the abbreviation mean EU?

   Answer Options:

   1. A) European companies
   2. B) European Union ✓ (Correct Answer)
   3. C) Uniform union
   4. D) Euro Union

   Explanation:

   The correct answer is "Europäische Union" because the abbreviation EU directly stands for the European Union, a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. This union is established by treaties that form its legal basis. Option A, "Europäische Unternehmen," is incorrect as it refers to businesses operating within Europe, not the political entity itself. Option C, "Einheitliche Union," is not a recognized term for the EU; while unity is a goal, this is not its official name or abbreviation. Option D, "Euro Union," is also incorrect because while the Euro is a currency used by many EU members, it does not represent the entirety of the union's purpose or name. The European Union is a foundational concept in German civics, representing a significant aspect of Germany's international relations and democratic framework. Understanding its full name is key to grasping its role.

   Study Tip:

   EU is short for European Union.

7. Question 225: In which other country is there a large German -speaking population?

   Answer Options:

   1. A) Czech Republic
   2. B) Norway
   3. C) Spain
   4. D) Austria ✓ (Correct Answer)

   Explanation:

   Option D, Österreich, is the correct answer because it is a sovereign nation where German is the official language and a significant portion of the population speaks German as their native tongue, as established by the principle of national self-determination and linguistic homogeneity. Option A, Tschechien, while having a historical German-speaking minority, does not have a large German-speaking population as its primary demographic. Option B, Norwegen, and Option C, Spanien, are countries where German is not an official language and there is no substantial German-speaking population. Therefore, only Österreich fulfills the criteria of having a large, established German-speaking population.

   Study Tip:

   Austria is the most obvious answer, as German is its official language.

8. Question 226: What is the flag of the European Union?

   

   Answer Options:

   1. A) Image 1
   2. B) Image 2 ✓ (Correct Answer)
   3. C) Image 3
   4. D) Image 4

   Explanation:

   The correct answer is Image 2 because it accurately depicts the flag of the European Union, which features twelve golden stars arranged in a circle on a blue background. This design symbolizes unity, solidarity, and harmony among the peoples of Europe, as established by the EU itself. Image 1 does not represent the EU flag; it is the flag of Germany. Image 3 is the flag of France, and Image 4 is the flag of the United States of America, neither of which are official symbols of the European Union.

   Study Tip:

   The EU flag's circle of stars represents unity and harmony among European nations.

9. Question 227: Which country is a neighboring country of Germany?

   Answer Options:

   1. A) Finland
   2. B) Denmark ✓ (Correct Answer)
   3. C) Norway
   4. D) Sweden

   Explanation:

   Denmark is a direct neighbor to Germany. The Grundgesetz, Germany's constitution, implicitly acknowledges neighboring states through principles of international cooperation and border integrity. Finland is located in Northern Europe, far from Germany's borders. Norway and Sweden are also Scandinavian countries situated to the north of Germany, without a direct land border. Therefore, only Denmark shares a geographical boundary with Germany.

   Study Tip:

   Denmark shares a land border with Germany.

10. Question 229: Which country is a neighboring country of Germany?

    Answer Options:

    1. A) Spain
    2. B) Bulgaria
    3. C) Norway
    4. D) Luxembourg ✓ (Correct Answer)

    Explanation:

    Luxemburg is correct because it shares a direct border with Germany, as outlined in geographical and political maps of Europe. Its location places it as a neighboring state, fulfilling the criteria of the question. Spain is incorrect as it is located much further southwest and does not share a border with Germany. Bulgaria is also incorrect; it lies in southeastern Europe, far from Germany's borders. Norway is incorrect because it is situated in Scandinavia, to the north of Germany, and is separated by the Baltic Sea and Denmark.

    Study Tip:

    Remember that Luxemburg is a small country nestled between Germany, France, and Belgium.

11. Question 230: The European Parliament is chosen regularly, namely all ...

    Answer Options:

    1. A) 5 years ✓ (Correct Answer)
    2. B) 6 years
    3. C) 7 years
    4. D) 8 years

    Explanation:

    The European Parliament is directly elected by the citizens of the member states. This regular electoral cycle ensures democratic legitimacy and allows citizens to hold their representatives accountable, as stipulated by Article 14 of the Treaty on European Union. Option B, "6 Jahre," is incorrect because the electoral term is not six years. Option C, "7 Jahre," and option D, "8 Jahre," are also incorrect as the established term for electing Members of the European Parliament is shorter. The established electoral cycle for the European Parliament is five years, a period designed to balance continuity with the need for periodic democratic renewal.

    Study Tip:

    The European Parliament is elected every 5 years.

12. Question 231: What does the term "European integration" mean? This means American immigrants in Europe

    Answer Options:

    1. A) This means American immigrants in Europe
    2. B) The term means the immigration stop to Europe
    3. C) This means European emigrants in the United States
    4. D) The term means the merger of European countries to the EU ✓ (Correct Answer)

    Explanation:

    The correct answer, "The term means the association of European states to form the EU," accurately reflects the core concept of European integration. This process, enshrined in foundational treaties like the Treaty of Rome, aims to foster cooperation and unity among European nations, ultimately leading to the formation and development of the European Union. Option A, "This refers to American immigrants in Europe," is incorrect because European integration is an internal European process, not about immigration from other continents. Option B, "The term means the immigration stop to Europe," is also incorrect; integration is about cooperation, not restriction of movement. Finally, Option C, "This refers to European emigrants in the USA," is wrong as it describes emigration, the opposite of the inward-looking cooperation that defines European integration.

    Study Tip:

    European integration is about European states coming together to form the EU.

13. Question 232: Who is chosen at the European elections?

    Answer Options:

    1. A) The European Commission
    2. B) The countries that may enter the EU
    3. C) The MPs of the European Parliament ✓ (Correct Answer)
    4. D) The European constitution

    Explanation:

    The correct answer is C, the Members of the European Parliament. This is because Article 14 of the Treaty on European Union states that the European Parliament is composed of representatives of the Union's citizens, who are directly elected. Option A, the European Commission, is incorrect because its members are appointed by national governments and approved by the Parliament, not directly elected by citizens. Option B, the countries that may join the EU, is incorrect as accession is a complex political and legal process, not a matter of direct election. Option D, the European constitution, is also incorrect; while a foundational document, it is not directly elected. Therefore, the direct election process at the European level specifically concerns the representatives who will sit in the European Parliament.

    Study Tip:

    Directly elected representatives form the European Parliament.

14. Question 233: Which country is a neighboring country of Germany?

    Answer Options:

    1. A) Czech Republic ✓ (Correct Answer)
    2. B) Bulgaria
    3. C) Greece
    4. D) Portugal

    Explanation:

    Tschechien is a neighboring country of Germany. This is a matter of geographical fact, and its borders are well-defined, making it a direct land neighbor according to the Federal Foreign Office's geographical classifications. Bulgarien is located in Southeast Europe and is not geographically adjacent to Germany. Similarly, Griechenland is also in Southeast Europe, far from Germany's borders. Portugal, situated on the Iberian Peninsula, is also not a direct neighbor.

    Study Tip:

    Remember the Central European neighbors of Germany: Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands.

15. Question 234: Where is a seat of the European Parliament?

    Answer Options:

    1. A) London
    2. B) Paris
    3. C) Berlin
    4. D) Strasbourg ✓ (Correct Answer)

    Explanation:

    The correct answer is Straßburg because it is designated as the seat of the European Parliament by the Treaty of Lisbon, which outlines the institutional framework of the European Union. This arrangement reflects historical ties and a commitment to shared European identity. London is incorrect as the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union. Paris is incorrect as, while it hosts other EU institutions, it is not the primary seat of the European Parliament. Berlin is incorrect as it serves as the seat of the German Bundestag, not the European Parliament.

    Study Tip:

    Straßburg is where the European Parliament meets, a key symbol of Franco-German cooperation and European integration.

16. Question 235: The then French President François Mitterrand and the then German Chancellor Helmut Kohl commemorate together in Verdun the dead of both world wars. Which goal of the European Union becomes clear at this meeting?

    

    Answer Options:

    1. A) Friendship between England and Germany
    2. B) Freedom of travel to all countries of the EU
    3. C) Peace and security in the countries of the EU ✓ (Correct Answer)
    4. D) uniform holidays in the countries of the EU

    Explanation:

    This meeting between Mitterrand and Kohl in Verdun, a place deeply marked by conflict, powerfully illustrates the core objective of the European Union: to foster peace and security among its member states. The act of remembrance in such a location underscores the commitment to overcoming past enmities and building a stable future together, as enshrined in the foundational principles of the EU. Option A, "Freundschaft zwischen England und Deutschland," is incorrect because while good relations between these nations are important, the event specifically highlights the broader Franco-German reconciliation and its implications for all of Europe, not just England. Option B, "Reisefreiheit in alle Länder der EU," while a significant achievement of the EU, is not the primary message conveyed by leaders commemorating war dead. Similarly, option D, "einheitliche Feiertage in den Ländern der EU," is a minor administrative detail and not a fundamental goal represented by such a solemn occasion. The shared act of commemoration in Verdun signifies a profound desire to prevent future wars and ensure lasting peace and security within the European continent, which is a cornerstone of the European Union's existence.

    Study Tip:

    Remember Verdun: remembrance of war dead leads to peace and security in the EU.

17. Question 236: How many member states does the EU have today?

    Answer Options:

    1. A) 21
    2. B) 23
    3. C) 25
    4. D) 27 ✓ (Correct Answer)

    Explanation:

    The European Union currently comprises 27 member states. This number reflects the current political and economic landscape of Europe and is a foundational piece of knowledge regarding the EU's structure and scope. Option A, "21," is incorrect because it represents a past number of member states before several enlargements. Option B, "23," and Option C, "25," are also incorrect as they do not reflect the current number of countries that have joined the European Union. The correct answer, 27, signifies the most recent count of sovereign nations participating in the European Union. This figure is established through treaties and the accession of new member states over time.

    Study Tip:

    Count the current member states of the EU on your fingers: 27.

18. Question 237: In 2007, the 50th anniversary of the "Treaty of Rome" was celebrated. What was the content of the treaties?

    Answer Options:

    1. A) Access to Germany to NATO
    2. B) Foundation of the European Economic Community (EEC) ✓ (Correct Answer)
    3. C) Commitment to Germany's reparation services
    4. D) Definition of the Oder-Neisse line as an eastern border

    Explanation:

    The correct answer is the founding of the European Economic Community (EEC). This aligns with the historical significance of the Treaties of Rome in 1957, which laid the groundwork for European economic integration and cooperation. Option A, Germany's accession to NATO, occurred in 1955 and is unrelated to the 1957 Treaties of Rome. Option C, Germany's obligation for reparations, is a consequence of World War II and not the subject of the Treaties of Rome. Option D, the establishment of the Oder-Neiße line as the eastern border, was a post-war territorial arrangement. The Treaties of Rome were a pivotal step in the formation of what would become the European Union, focusing on economic collaboration among member states.

    Study Tip:

    The Treaties of Rome established the EEC, a key step towards the EU.

19. Question 238: In which places does the European Parliament work?

    Answer Options:

    1. A) Paris, London and the Hague
    2. B) Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Brussels ✓ (Correct Answer)
    3. C) Rome, Bern and Vienna
    4. D) Bonn, Zurich and Milan

    Explanation:

    The European Parliament's primary legislative work and plenary sessions take place in Strasbourg, as stipulated by Protocol No. 6 to the Treaty on European Union. Additionally, committee meetings and some plenary sessions are held in Brussels, and the Parliament's Secretariat is located in Luxembourg. Option A is incorrect because London is no longer part of the European Union, and while Paris has some EU institutions, it is not a primary seat of the European Parliament. Option C is incorrect as Rome is the capital of Italy and Bern is the capital of Switzerland, neither of which are designated working locations for the European Parliament. Option D is incorrect because Bonn is a former capital of West Germany, and neither Zürich nor Milan are seats of the European Parliament. The physical presence across these three cities reflects historical agreements and the practical distribution of the Parliament's extensive responsibilities.

    Study Tip:

    Remember the three S's: Strasbourg, Secretariat (Luxembourg), and Sessions (Brussels).

20. Question 239: Through what contracts did the Federal Republic of Germany formed the European Economic Community with other countries?

    Answer Options:

    1. A) Through the "Hamburg Contracts"
    2. B) Through the "Roman contracts" ✓ (Correct Answer)
    3. C) Through the "Paris Contracts"
    4. D) Through the "London contracts"

    Explanation:

    The Federal Republic of Germany joined the European Economic Community through the "Römischen Verträge" (Treaties of Rome). These treaties, signed in 1957, established the European Economic Community and laid the foundation for economic cooperation among member states, a core principle of European integration. The "Hamburger Verträge" (Hamburg Treaties) are not related to the founding of the EEC. Similarly, the "Pariser Verträge" (Paris Treaties) of 1951 established the European Coal and Steel Community, a precursor but not the direct mechanism for joining the EEC. The "Londoner Verträge" (London Treaties) are also unrelated to the formation of the EEC.

    Study Tip:

    The Treaties of Rome established the EEC.

21. Question 240: Since when have you paid for the euro in Germany in Germany?

    Answer Options:

    1. A) 1995
    2. B) 1998
    3. C) 2002 ✓ (Correct Answer)
    4. D) 2005

    Explanation:

    The correct answer is 2002 because the euro banknotes and coins were introduced into circulation on January 1, 2002, marking the start of cash payments with the euro across the Eurozone, as stipulated by the Treaty of Maastricht and subsequent European Union directives. Option A, 1995, is incorrect as this was the year the European Monetary Institute, a precursor to the European Central Bank, was established, not when euro cash became available. Option B, 1998, is incorrect because this year saw the formal establishment of the European Central Bank and the finalization of the euro's exchange rates, but not yet its physical introduction. Option D, 2005, is incorrect as by this time, the euro had been in circulation as physical currency for several years.

    Study Tip:

    Remember that 2002 is the year you could finally hold euros in your hand.