What should you do if the person dealing with you at a German public authority treats you badly?

Einbürgerungstest, question 276 German original

Was sollten Sie tun, wenn Sie von Ihrer Ansprechpartnerin/Ihrem Ansprechpartner in einer deutschen Behörde schlecht behandelt werden?

  1. Ich kann nichts tun. I cannot do anything.
  2. Ich muss mir diese Behandlung gefallen lassen. I have to put up with this treatment.
  3. Ich drohe der Person. I threaten the person.
  4. Ich kann mich bei der Behördenleiterin/beim Behördenleiter beschweren. I can complain to the head of the authority.
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Correct answer: Ich kann mich bei der Behördenleiterin/beim Behördenleiter beschweren. I can complain to the head of the authority.

Why?

Staff at public authorities must treat everyone with respect. If you are treated badly, you can complain to the head of the authority, and this costs nothing. Threatening a member of staff, on the other hand, is a criminal offence.

Key term: sich beschweren = complain

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