Question 96 · Federal question
How can someone who denies the Holocaust be punished?
German original (as asked in the real test)
Wie kann jemand, der den Holocaust leugnet, bestraft werden?
- A Kürzung sozialer Leistungen
- B bis zu 100 Sozialstunden
- C gar nicht, Holocaustleugnung ist erlaubt
- D mit Freiheitsstrafe bis zu fünf Jahren oder mit Geldstrafe ✓ Correct answer
Translation
How can someone who denies the Holocaust be punished?
- A Reduction of social benefits
- B Up to 100 hours of community service
- C Not at all, Holocaust denial is allowed
- D With imprisonment of up to five years or a fine ✓ Correct answer
Explanation
In Germany, denying the Holocaust is a criminal offense under Section 130 of the Criminal Code (Volksverhetzung: incitement to hatred). It is punishable by imprisonment or a fine because it disturbs public peace and violates human dignity.
Tips
- Recognize key terms: “Holocaust denial” links to Volksverhetzung (StGB §130), a criminal matter, not an administrative sanction.
- Remember that freedom of expression is limited when it infringes human dignity or incites hatred; such acts are criminalized.
- Eliminate answers suggesting social benefit cuts or only community service—criminal offenses typically cite imprisonment or fines.
- When options include “not punishable/allowed,” it’s usually incorrect for hate-speech-related topics in Germany.
- Look for wording that mentions imprisonment and/or fines as standard criminal penalties.
Practice in the app
