German Citizenship Loyalty Declaration: What It Contains

You are almost ready to apply for German citizenship. Then you see it on the checklist: Loyalitätserklärung — loyalty declaration.

What exactly do you sign? And why does it matter for the naturalization test? This article explains it clearly, step by step.

What Is the Loyalty Declaration?

The loyalty declaration is a legal document. You sign it as part of your naturalization application. It is required by § 10 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 StAG (Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz — the German citizenship law).

Without this declaration, you cannot become a German citizen. It confirms that you accept Germany's democratic values and its legal system.

What Do You Actually Promise?

The declaration has three core commitments.

Commitment 1: You Support Germany's Free Democratic Order

Germany's constitution is the Grundgesetz (Basic Law). It was adopted in 1949. It protects democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

You declare that you support the freiheitliche demokratische Grundordnung (free democratic basic order). This includes:

• Free and fair elections
• Separation of powers
• Protection of fundamental rights for all people
• The rule of law (Rechtsstaat)

Germany is a Rechtsstaat. This is a key concept. It means everyone must follow the laws — including the government itself. No one is above the law.

BAMF test question 3: "What does it mean that Germany is a Rechtsstaat?" — All residents and the state must follow the laws.

Commitment 2: You Have Not Supported Anti-Constitutional Groups

You declare that you have never supported groups that work against Germany's constitution. This applies to all extremist groups — far-right, far-left, or Islamist.

The authorities check this seriously. They review public records. They may also check social media. A history of supporting such groups can lead to rejection of your application.

Commitment 3: You Accept and Respect Fundamental Rights

The Grundgesetz guarantees fundamental rights to all people in Germany. You accept these rights. You also commit to respecting them for others.

Key fundamental rights include:

• Meinungsfreiheit — freedom of expression
• Freedom of religion and conscience
• Equal treatment before the law
• Right to personal freedom

BAMF test question 4: "Which right is a fundamental right in Germany?" — Meinungsfreiheit (freedom of expression).

What Is NOT in the Grundgesetz?

This is a point many test-takers get wrong. The Grundgesetz protects equal rights. But it does not promise equal wealth.

There is no constitutional right saying everyone must have the same amount of money. The constitution protects human dignity and freedom — not equal income or equal possessions.

BAMF test question 8: "What is NOT in the Grundgesetz?" — "Alle sollen gleich viel Geld haben" (everyone should have the same amount of money). This is not in the Grundgesetz.

Which Right Applies Only to Foreigners?

Most fundamental rights apply to everyone in Germany. But some rights belong only to German citizens — for example, the right to vote in federal elections.

One fundamental right applies specifically to foreigners: the right to asylum (Asylrecht). People persecuted in their home country can apply for protection in Germany. This is guaranteed by Art. 16a GG.

BAMF test question 9: "Which fundamental right applies only to foreigners?" — The right to asylum (Asylrecht).

What Is Compatible With the Grundgesetz?

Germany enforces its laws using legal tools. One common tool is the Geldstrafe — a monetary fine. Fines are a proportionate and legal punishment. They are fully compatible with the Grundgesetz.

BAMF test question 10: "What is compatible with the German Grundgesetz?" — Die Geldstrafe (the monetary fine).

By signing the loyalty declaration, you accept Germany's legal system. This includes accepting legal consequences if you break the law.

What Happens If You Sign Falsely?

Signing the declaration while hiding extremist activities is a serious offense. The consequences can be severe:

• Your naturalization application is rejected.
• If citizenship was already granted, it can be revoked (§ 35 StAG).
• In serious cases, criminal charges may follow.

The German authorities do not treat this declaration as a formality. They conduct background checks on every applicant.

When Do You Sign?

You sign the loyalty declaration when you submit your naturalization application. After approval, you confirm your commitment again in person — at the citizenship ceremony (Einbürgerungsfeier).

At that point, you officially become a German citizen.

The Loyalty Declaration and the Naturalization Test

The naturalization test (Einbürgerungstest) has 33 questions from a pool of 460. Many questions test your knowledge of the Grundgesetz and Germany's democratic values — exactly the topics covered in the loyalty declaration.

Understanding the declaration is not just about signing a document. It is about knowing what Germany stands for. That knowledge will help you pass the test.

Ready for the test? Practice all 460 questions with explanations in your language — start now at einbuergerungscheck.de/trainer.

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Dieser Artikel ist Information, keine Rechtsberatung.