Question 16 · Federal question
When is freedom of expression restricted in Germany?
German original (as asked in the real test)
Wann ist die Meinungsfreiheit in Deutschland eingeschränkt?
- A bei der öffentlichen Verbreitung falscher Behauptungen über einzelne Personen ✓ Correct answer
- B bei Meinungsäußerungen über die Bundesregierung
- C bei Diskussionen über Religionen
- D bei Kritik am Staat
Translation
When is freedom of expression restricted in Germany?
- A when publicly spreading false claims about individuals ✓ Correct answer
- B when expressing opinions about the federal government
- C when discussing religions
- D when criticizing the state
Explanation
Freedom of expression (Art. 5 GG) is protected but limited by general laws, protection of youth, and personal honor. Spreading false statements of fact about individuals can violate personal honor and defamation laws, so this is a lawful restriction. Criticism of the government, the state, or discussing religions is generally protected as opinion.
Tips
- Look for keywords indicating limits in rt. 5 GG: protection of youth, personal honor, and general laws.
- Distinguish opinions from false factual claims; defamation, insult, incitement, and hate speech are restricted.
- Eliminate options that describe core democratic protections, such as criticizing the government or the state, or discussing religions.
- Watch for terms like "public dissemination," "false statements of fact," "insult," or "incitement to hatred," which signal lawful limits.
Practice in the app
