Question 14 · Federal question
Freedom of expression in Germany means that I…
German original (as asked in the real test)
Meinungsfreiheit in Deutschland heißt, dass ich …
- A Passanten auf der Straße beschimpfen darf.
- B meine Meinung im Internet äußern kann. ✓ Correct answer
- C Nazi-, Hamas- oder Islamischer Staat-Symbole öffentlich tragen darf.
- D meine Meinung nur dann äußern darf, solange ich der Regierung nicht widerspreche.
Translation
Freedom of expression in Germany means that I…
- A may insult passers-by on the street.
- B can express my opinion on the internet. ✓ Correct answer
- C may publicly display Nazi, Hamas, or Islamic State symbols.
- D may only express my opinion as long as I do not contradict the government.
Explanation
Under Article 5 of the German Basic Law, freedom of expression protects sharing opinions publicly, including via digital media. However, it does not protect insults, threats, or the display and propaganda of unconstitutional organizations or their symbols. Therefore, expressing your opinion online is allowed, while the other options describe prohibited or undemocratic limitations.
Tips
- Recall Art. 5 GG: expression is broadly protected but limited by general laws, protection of youth, and personal honor.
- Eliminate choices that involve insults, threats, or propaganda for banned groups/symbols—these are criminal offenses.
- Discard any option that restricts criticism of the government—democracy protects dissent.
- Prefer answers that reflect broad, content-neutral protection across different media rather than specific unlawful acts.
Practice in the app
