Resumen de Putting Germany's Language Tests to the Test: An Examination of the Development, Implementation and Efficacy of Using Language Proficiency Tests to Mediate German Citizenship
In an attempt to unify the nation’s naturalisation policies, Germany has introduced compulsory language tests as a prerequisite for citizenship. Reactions to this new policy have been sharply divided. After a brief introduction to the sociocultural demography of modern Germany, critical insights are provided into controversial use of literacy as a post-9/11 pre-condition of citizenship. A detailed description is given of cross-regional variations in policy implementation. To do this, a contrastive case study is provided of Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt. Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the use of language proficiency as a societal mediator of public rights and privileges.
