State Symbols - Leben in Deutschland Test

German state symbols, flag and anthem

Module: Life in Democracy

Number of Questions: 6

All questions in this category:

1. Question 21: What is the coat of arms of the Federal Republic of Germany?

   

   Answer Options:

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

   Explanation:

   The correct answer is Image 1 because it depicts the Bundesadler, the official coat of arms of the Federal Republic of Germany. This symbol is established by federal law and represents the sovereignty and unity of the nation. Option B, Image 2, shows a lion, which is the coat of arms of the state of Hesse, not the federal republic. Option C, Image 3, displays a shield with three crowns, a symbol often associated with the historical Holy Roman Empire or various regional coats of arms, but not the current German federal emblem. Option D, Image 4, features a black eagle on a gold background, which is the Bundesadler, but it is presented in a style that is not the official depiction used for the federal coat of arms. The Bundesadler, as seen in Image 1, is a fundamental symbol of German statehood, reflecting its constitutional order and national identity.

   Study Tip:

   The Bundesadler is the official coat of arms of Germany.

2. Question 29: Which animal is the heraldic animal of the Federal Republic of Germany?

   Answer Options:

   1. A) lion
   2. B) eagle ✓ (Correct Answer)
   3. C) bear
   4. D) horse

   Explanation:

   The correct answer is the Eagle. This is because the Eagle has been the symbol of German states for centuries, most notably as the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire and later the German Empire, and is deeply embedded in German heraldry and national identity. The Lion, option A, is the coat of arms of England, not Germany. The Bear, option C, is the coat of arms of Berlin, a city, not the entire federal republic. The Horse, option D, is a significant animal in German culture and history but does not serve as the federal coat of arms. The Eagle symbolizes sovereignty and power, reflecting the historical and constitutional significance of this emblem for Germany.

   Study Tip:

   The Eagle is Germany's federal coat of arms, a symbol of sovereignty and power.

3. Question 40: With which words does the German national anthem begin?

   Answer Options:

   1. A) Peoples, hear the signals ...
   2. B) Unity and justice and freedom ... ✓ (Correct Answer)
   3. C) Joy, beautiful spark of divinity ...
   4. D) Germany, united fatherland ...

   Explanation:

   The correct answer is "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit …" because these are the opening words of the German national anthem, as established by its adoption. This phrase embodies the core values of the Federal Republic of Germany, as enshrined in its Basic Law. Option A, "Völker, hört die Signale …," is the beginning of the Horst-Wessel-Lied, a controversial song associated with the Nazi era and not the current national anthem. Option C, "Freude schöner Götterfunken …," are the opening words of the "Ode to Joy," which is the melody of the national anthem but not its text. Option D, "Deutschland einig Vaterland …," is a slogan that reflects historical aspirations for unity but does not begin the national anthem.

   Study Tip:

   Remember that the national anthem's opening words reflect the fundamental principles of the modern German state.

4. Question 66: Which cities have the largest Jewish communities in Germany?

   Answer Options:

   1. A) Berlin and Munich ✓ (Correct Answer)
   2. B) Hamburg and Essen
   3. C) Nuremberg and Stuttgart
   4. D) Worms and Speyer

   Explanation:

   The correct answer is Berlin and Munich because these two cities currently have the largest Jewish populations in Germany. This reflects contemporary demographic realities and the distribution of Jewish communities across the country, rather than historical significance alone. Option B, Hamburg and Essen, and Option C, Nuremberg and Stuttgart, are incorrect because their Jewish communities, while present and important, are not as large as those in Berlin and Munich. Option D, Worms and Speyer, is incorrect as these cities hold significant historical importance for Judaism in Germany but do not currently possess the largest Jewish populations. The size of a Jewish community today is determined by current demographic factors, including migration and birth rates, not solely by historical prominence.

   Study Tip:

   Berlin and Munich have the largest Jewish communities today.

5. Question 214: What colors does the German flag have?

   Answer Options:

   1. A) black-red-gold ✓ (Correct Answer)
   2. B) Red-white black
   3. C) black-red-green
   4. D) black and yellow-red

   Explanation:

   The correct answer is A, black-red-gold. These colors are enshrined in Article 22 of the Basic Law, which states that the federal flag shall be black, red, and gold. This principle reflects the historical development of German democracy and its foundational values. Option B, red-white-black, is incorrect as it does not correspond to the official colors of the German flag. Similarly, option C, black-red-green, and option D, black-yellow-red, are also incorrect as they do not represent the constitutional colors. The German flag's colors, black-red-gold, are a direct representation of the federal republic as defined by its constitution. Remembering these colors is fundamental to understanding German national symbols.

   Study Tip:

   The German flag's colors are black-red-gold, as stated in Article 22 of the Basic Law.

6. Question 216: Which symbol can be seen in the plenary hall of the German Bundestag?

   

   Answer Options:

   1. A) The federal eagle ✓ (Correct Answer)
   2. B) The flag of the city of Berlin
   3. C) The imperial eagle
   4. D) The imperial crown

   Explanation:

   The correct answer is the Federal Eagle. Article 28 of the Basic Law mandates that the federal coat of arms, which is the Federal Eagle, must be displayed in the plenary chamber of the German Bundestag, symbolizing the sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic. Option B, the flag of the city of Berlin, is incorrect because while Berlin is the capital, its municipal flag is not the designated symbol for the plenary chamber. Option C, the Imperial Eagle, is incorrect as it refers to a historical symbol associated with previous German states and not the current Federal Republic. Option D, the Imperial Crown, is also a historical symbol and not the emblem used in the Bundestag. The presence of the Federal Eagle within the plenary chamber serves as a constant reminder of the authority and legitimacy of the democratically elected parliament.

   Study Tip:

   The Federal Eagle symbolizes the current German state and is displayed in the Bundestag's plenary chamber.