GENERAL QUESTION · 254
Mensch & Gesellschaft · BAMF 07.05.2025
In Germany, married couples are allowed to divorce. Usually they must observe a "separation year" for this. What does that mean?
Official German wording
In Deutschland dürfen Ehepaare sich scheiden lassen. Meistens müssen sie dazu das "Trennungsjahr" einhalten. Was bedeutet das?
Answer options
- AThe divorce proceedings take one year.
- BThe spouses have been married for one year, then divorce is possible.
- CThe children's right of access applies for one year.
- DThe spouses live separate lives for at least one year. After that, divorce is possible.Correct answer
EDITORIAL LEARNING AID
Why is this answer correct?
The separation year means that the spouses must live apart for at least one year before the marriage can be divorced (§ 1566 BGB). Only answer d describes this correctly. It is not about the length of the proceedings (a), nor the duration of the marriage (b), nor the children's right of access (c).
Separation year means: live apart for one year, then you can divorce.
This translation and explanation are editorial learning aids. The official German wording and answer key govern the examination.
Source
Official BAMF question catalogue dated 7 May 2025. BAMF