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

Iman Makeba Laversuch

• 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.