Test yourself
The official question catalogue has 9 questions on this topic. In the app you practise them with instant feedback and in the exam simulation.
A very old history
The oldest written mention of Jewish life on the territory of present-day Germany dates from the year 321. A document of the Roman emperor Constantine mentions Jewish life in Cologne.
That was about 1,700 years ago. Since then, the history of Jewish life in Germany has seen highs and severe ruptures.
Communities, synagogues and clubs today
The Jewish house of prayer and assembly is called a synagogue. Synagogues are places of prayer, learning and community.
The Jewish communities in Berlin and Munich are among the largest in Germany (as of 2025).
The roughly 40 Jewish Makkabi sports clubs are open to everyone. Jewish origin or religion is not required.
Antisemitism and criminal law
Antisemitism is hostility or hatred towards Jews. One example is denying the Holocaust, that is, the genocide of European Jews by the National Socialists.
Anyone who publicly denies this genocide can be punished under the Criminal Code. The law provides for a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine. The condition is that the act is capable of disturbing the public peace.
Criticism of Israel's policy is protected by freedom of expression. It is not antisemitic for that reason alone. A public call for the destruction of Israel, by contrast, is forbidden because it calls for violence. Whether a statement is punishable depends on the individual case. For that, the wording, the occasion and the context are examined.
Israel and German responsibility
The State of Israel declared its independence in 1948. An important basis was United Nations Resolution 181 of 29 November 1947. It recommended partitioning the territory into a Jewish and an Arab state. The plan came about after the Second World War and the crimes of the Shoah, the genocide of European Jews.
The resolution was a basis, but not the declaration of independence itself. It is regarded as an important step on the way to the founding of the state.
Germany's special responsibility for Israel derives from the National Socialist crimes against Jews. A close relationship between Germany and Israel developed from this history. It shows in political, economic and cultural contacts.
Remembrance as part of democracy
On 27 January, Germany commemorates the victims of National Socialism. The German Federal Parliament (Bundestag) holds a commemorative session for the occasion. The day recalls the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp.
Remembering the crimes of National Socialism is one of the foundations of democracy in Germany. It helps to recognise antisemitism early and to stand up to it. This remembrance is a continuing task and not a one-off duty.
These 9 questions are in the test
- 59Vor wie vielen Jahren gab es erstmals eine jüdische Gemeinde auf dem Gebiet des heutigen Deutschlands?
- 66Welche Städte haben die größten jüdischen Gemeinden in Deutschland?
- 96Wie kann jemand, der den Holocaust leugnet, bestraft werden?
- 111Welche Handlung mit Bezug auf den Staat Israel ist in Deutschland verboten?
- 118Wer darf bei den rund 40 jüdischen Makkabi-Sportvereinen Mitglied werden?
- 149Was ist ein Beispiel für antisemitisches Verhalten?
- 182Wie heißt das jüdische Gebetshaus?
- 184Auf welcher rechtlichen Grundlage wurde der Staat Israel gegründet?
- 288Woraus begründet sich Deutschlands besondere Verantwortung für Israel?
Each question with its explanation is on the question pages. You can practise with answers in the app.
SourcesGedenkstunde für die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus 2021 - BundesregierungStatistik - Zentralwohlfahrtsstelle der Juden in DeutschlandStrafgesetzbuchVereinte Nationen: Resolution 181 (II), Future Government of PalestineAuswärtiges Amt: Deutschland und Israel – Bilaterale Beziehungen
Read next
- Political parties in Germany: roles, names and bansWhat parties in Germany do, what CDU, CSU, SPD and FDP stand for, what a coalition is and when a party can be banned.
- The Basic Law and Fundamental RightsThe Basic Law explained simply: human dignity, freedom of expression and religion, equality and their limits, with questions from the naturalisation test.
- The Federal Election: First Vote, Second Vote, 5 Per Cent ThresholdFirst vote, second vote, 5 per cent threshold, legislative term and postal voting: how the federal election works, explained simply, with test questions.