The Wire

Germany has just introduced a citizenship test, joining a host of other western nations like Britain, America and the Netherlands. Those applying for a German passport will now have to take a written test and answer 33 multiple-choice questions on German history, culture and politics in order to pass. The new rules have angered some immigrant groups, particularily the two million strong Turkish community, who say the exam is so difficult even German citizens would fail the test. Citizenships are often criticized as being discriminatory, but the Australian department of immigration argues that it’s a way of improving social cohesion.