Question 258 · Federal question
What is the authority of the Youth Welfare Office in Germany?
German original (as asked in the real test)
Was darf das Jugendamt in Deutschland?
- A Es entscheidet, welche Schule das Kind besucht.
- B Es kann ein Kind, das geschlagen wird oder hungern muss, aus der Familie nehmen. ✓ Correct answer
- C Es bezahlt das Kindergeld an die Eltern.
- D Es kontrolliert, ob das Kind einen Kindergarten besucht.
Translation
What is the authority of the Youth Welfare Office in Germany?
- A It decides which school the child attends.
- B It can remove a child from the family if the child is being beaten or has to starve. ✓ Correct answer
- C It pays the child benefit to the parents.
- D It checks whether the child attends a kindergarten.
Explanation
The Jugendamt (youth welfare office) is responsible for child protection. If a child is in danger due to abuse or neglect (e.g., being beaten or not being fed), it can intervene and take the child into care to ensure safety.
Tips
- Link authorities to their core tasks: Jugendamt = child protection and welfare; Familienkasse handles child benefit; school choices are by parents and school authorities, not Jugendamt.
- Watch for keywords: “Kindergeld” points to Familienkasse; “decides which school” suggests parental/school authority, not youth welfare.
- Remember there is no general nationwide obligation to attend kindergarten.
- Eliminate options that assign financial payments or schooling decisions to the Jugendamt; prioritize options involving safeguarding children at risk.
Practice in the app
