German nationality law

German Nationality Law

German nationality law tells us who is a member of Germany. It started with rules in 1914 and has changed over time.

Because Germany is part of the European Union, German people can live and work in any EU country. They can also vote in European Parliament elections.

Usually, if one of your parents is German and married, you are German from birth. If your parents are not married, only children with a German father need extra steps. Some children born in Germany to foreign parents can also be German if one parent has lived there for five years.

Foreigners can become German by living in Germany for at least five years and knowing the German language well.

Germany’s history with nationality is interesting. Before 1871, many small German states had their own rules. After Germany joined back together in 1990, the rules changed to include more people. Today, it is easier for people from other countries to become German.