A woman in Germany loses her job. What must not be the reason for this dismissal?
Einbürgerungstest, question 104 German original
Eine Frau in Deutschland verliert ihre Arbeit. Was darf nicht der Grund für diese Entlassung sein?
- Die Frau ist lange krank und arbeitsunfähig. The woman has been ill for a long time and is unable to work.
- Die Frau kam oft zu spät zur Arbeit. The woman was often late for work.
- Die Frau erledigt private Sachen während der Arbeitszeit. The woman does private things during working hours.
- Die Frau bekommt ein Kind und ihr Chef weiß das. The woman is having a baby and her boss knows about it.
Show the answer
Correct answer: Die Frau bekommt ein Kind und ihr Chef weiß das. The woman is having a baby and her boss knows about it.
Why?
Under the Mutterschutzgesetz (Maternity Protection Act), a woman may not be dismissed during her pregnancy or in the four months after giving birth if the employer knows about the pregnancy. Long illness, frequent lateness or private business during working hours can, by contrast, be grounds for dismissal.
Key term: Mutterschutz = maternity protection