In Germany, you have deliberately opened a letter addressed to someone else. What have you failed to respect?
Einbürgerungstest, question 274 German original
Sie haben in Deutschland absichtlich einen Brief geöffnet, der an eine andere Person adressiert ist. Was haben Sie nicht beachtet?
- das Schweigerecht the right to remain silent
- das Briefgeheimnis the privacy of correspondence
- die Schweigepflicht the duty of confidentiality
- die Meinungsfreiheit freedom of expression
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Correct answer: das Briefgeheimnis the privacy of correspondence
Why?
Article 10 of the Grundgesetz (Basic Law) protects the privacy of correspondence, and deliberately opening a sealed letter meant for someone else is also a criminal offence. The right to remain silent means, for example, not having to make a statement to the police. The duty of confidentiality applies to professions such as doctors and lawyers.
Key term: Briefgeheimnis = privacy of correspondence