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AUSTRIAN CITIZENSHIP

QUIZ: Can you pass the Austrian citizenship politics and history test?

In most cases, people applying for Austrian citizenship through the naturalisation process must pass a general social, political and history test. Would you pass?

Published: 19 September 2022 16:54 CEST
Updated: 16 June 2024 08:16 CEST
QUIZ: Can you pass the Austrian citizenship politics and history test?
An Austrian and a European flag flutter in the wind. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

The Austrian citizenship test is an exam designed to demonstrate an applicant’s knowledge of Austria. It was introduced in 2006.

It covers the democratic system, the national history and regional facts about where an applicant lives.

Would you pass?

The questions are in German, but we have translated them here so more people can try them out. Also unlike the actual examination, there is no time limit to answer the exam. These are sample questions from the official training website for the national test.

Since there are nine different states with their specific tests, we now have brought only parts one and two of the exam, so samples of the democracy and history of Austria.

READ ALSO: Austrian citizenship: Do you really have to renounce your original nationality?

Now it’s time to test your knowledge:

To which large empire did Austria belong for almost 500 years?

a) Roman Empire

b) Egyptian Empire

c) Chinese Empire

d) Persian Empire

Austrian parliament after five years of renovations.(© Amanda Previdelli / The Local)

Answer: (a) Roman Empire

The area that is now Austria was home to several Celtic kingdoms that eventually became part of the Roman Empire from the year zero of our era. The Danube was the border of the Empire at the time.

The revolutions throughout Europe in 1848 also affected the Austrian Empire. What were the main demands of the 1848 revolution? Choose three.

a) Freedom and civil rights

b) A constitution

c) More rights for the emperor

d) Mobile phones for all

e) Independence from the Austrian Empire (e.g. Hungary)

Photo: Pixabay

Answer: (a), (b) and (e)

The 19th century saw major economic and political changes. Austria became a modern state. Over time, a unified administration emerged with schools, courts and tax offices.

Many people were murdered in concentration camps during the Nazi era. Where was the largest concentration camp on the territory of present-day Austria?

a) Graz

b) Wien

c) St. Pölten

d) Mauthausen

The Austrian national flag hoovers in Vienna. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER KLEIN (Photo by ALEXANDER KLEIN / AFP)

Answer: (d) Mauthausen

The largest concentration camp in Austria was Mauthausen (Upper Austria). A total of about 100,000 people were murdered there from 1938 to 1945.

What characterises a liberal state? Choose two options.

a) A life in the greatest possible freedom

b) People are allowed to do what they want, even if they harm other people in the process

c) People can make certain decisions for themselves, e.g. choice of profession or study

d) There are no laws

People crossing a street in the Austrian capital, considered one of the worlds happiest cities. Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash
 
Answer: (a) and (c)
 
A liberal state makes it possible for its citizens to live in the greatest possible freedom. To achieve this, limits are set for the state. This means that the state is not allowed to intervene in many areas of life so that citizens can have a “state-free” sphere of life.
 
Which reforms changed Austria in the 1970s? Choose two.
 
a) Compulsory education
b) Equal rights and duties for men and women
c) Expansion of schools and universities
d) Ban on smoking in public places
 

A biker riding outside the parliament in Vienna. (Photo by Joe Klamar / AFP)
 
Answer: (b) and (c)
 
Austria’s economic success between 1950 and 1970 meant that many people moved from the countryside to the cities. And many workers came to Austria from abroad. Modern industrial and service companies sprang up. This also changed society.
 
From what age can Austrian citizens vote? Choose one answer
a) 18 years old
b) Women aged 16, men aged 21
c) 16 years old
d) This depends on the respective federal province
 

Assessors count votes at a polling station, after the European Parliament elections in Palma de Mallorca on June 9, 2024. – (Photo by JAIME REINA / AFP)
 
Answer: (c)
 
All Austrian citizens have the right to elect their political representatives at the federal level, in their respective province, in their own municipality as well as members of the European Parliament from their 16th birthday.
Who is the Head of State of the Republic of Austria?
a) The Federal President
b) The Federal Chancellor
c) The Governor of the Province
d) The President of the National Council
 

An Austrian and a European flag flutter in the wind. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)
 
Answer: (a)
 
As Head of State, the Federal President represents the Republic of Austria at home and abroad. In Austria, the Federal President is elected directly by the people. The term of office lasts six years.
Where are the rules laid out for which tasks the federal government and the federal states are responsible?
 
a) In the European Convention on Human Rights
b) In the Austrian Federal Constitution
c) In the Decisions of the European Union
d) In the Charter of the United States
 
A statue of the goddess of Justice balancing the scales

A statue of the goddess of Justice balancing the scales. (Photo by Damien MEYER / AFP)
 
Answer: (b)
 
The Austrian Federal Constitution defines the tasks of the Federation and the states. It is important to distinguish between the passing of laws and the implementation of these laws. For example, the federal government has sole responsibility in the following areas: political and economic representation vis-à-vis foreign countries, federal finances, customs, military matters or civilian service matters.

Why is the division of state power important in Austria? Choose two answers.
 
a) So that the state does not abuse its power vis-à-vis the population
b) So that the power of the state is not concentrated in one place
c) So that the economic output remains the same
d) so that the media are controlled
 

An inner view shows the Austrian Parliament in Vienna on December 20, 2022. (Photo by VLADIMIR SIMICEK / AFP)
 
Answer: (a) and (b)
 
In Austria, governmental tasks are divided among various institutions. These are the Parliament, the Federal Government, the Provincial Governments and their respective departments, and the courts.
Which of these are institutions of the European Union?
a) European Commission
b) Supreme Court
c) Constitutional Court
d) European Parliament
 
European Union flag

Photo by ALEXANDRE LALLEMAND / Unsplash
 
Answer: (a) and (d)
 
Since 1995 Austria has been a member of the European Union (EU). As a result, there are many political decisions and many laws that are no longer determined in Austria itself but by the European Union. In order for the European Union to make decisions, it has its own institutions. The most important institutions of the EU are the European Commission, the European Council, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament.

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POLITICS

Reader question: Can I vote in Austria’s national elections?

Austria’s national elections are scheduled for September 29th, but not everyone will have a say. Find out who can vote in these crucial elections and how foreigners can still make their voices heard.

Published: 20 September 2024 09:57 CEST
Reader question: Can I vote in Austria's national elections?

On September 29th, Austria will hold its highly anticipated national elections to elect a new parliament, marking a crucial moment for the country’s political future. 

The election comes at a time of growing political polarisation, with the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) leading in the polls, followed closely by the centre-right Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP). The centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) remains in third place, trailing behind its rivals.

READ ALSO: Austrian elections: Who could be the next chancellor?

As political tensions rise and critical issues like immigration and inflation dominate the discourse, these elections could significantly shift Austria’s political landscape. 

However, while the stakes are high, a large segment of the population won’t be able to vote, mainly because of Austria’s restrictive citizenship laws. 

Who can vote in Austria’s national elections?

The only people allowed to vote in Austrian federal elections are Austrian citizens aged 16 or above. This means foreigners – even those who have lived in Austria for decades – are not entitled to vote unless they have acquired Austrian citizenship. 

The country’s strict naturalisation process typically requires at least ten years of legal residence and a high income. Applicants must also give up their original nationality, as dual citizenship is rarely permitted.

While Austria is home to a large foreign-born population, many cannot participate in the political process. In Vienna, for example, as many as one in three residents of voting age cannot vote due to their non-Austrian citizenship. This leaves around 1.5 million people nationwide unable to vote in the upcoming elections, representing around 19 percent of the population aged 16 and over.

READ ALSO: What makes Austrian citizenship so hard to get?

How can foreigners “vote” in the elections?

A symbolic alternative for the many residents excluded from Austria’s national elections has been offered: the “Pass Egal” election, organised by the non-governmental organisation SOS Mitmensch. Since 2013, the Pass Egal election has given foreigners a platform to ‘vote’ and express their political preferences.

The Pass Egal election is open to anyone aged 16 or older who lives in Austria but does not have Austrian citizenship. Even Austrians who wish to show solidarity with non-voters can participate. This symbolic election gives a voice to those otherwise excluded from official polls, allowing them to vote for the parties running in the National Council elections.

In 2022, for example, more than 8,500 people from 86 countries participated in a mock election for federal president. 

While the vote doesn’t impact the actual elections, it highlights the political engagement of Austria’s foreign residents and adds visibility to the debate on voting rights and citizenship reform.

READ MORE: How foreigners can ‘vote’ in the Austrian national elections

What’s at stake in Austria’s national elections?

This year’s elections will shape the composition of Austria’s National Council and influence the country’s future political direction.

With the FPÖ leading in the polls, the possibility of a far-right resurgence is a crucial issue, while the ÖVP and SPÖ are working to gain ground in what is expected to be a highly competitive election.

For the large segment of Austria’s population that is excluded from voting due to the country’s citizenship laws, the Pass Egal election provides a way to engage politically, even if only symbolically. 

As the number of non-citizen residents in Austria grows, the debate over expanding voting rights to non-citizens and making the naturalisation process more accessible will continue.

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