• What does "principle of descent" (jus sanguinis) mean?
• What does "principle of birthplace" (jus soli) mean?
• What about foundlings?

 

What does "principle of descent" (jus sanguinis) mean?

Section 4, para. 1 of the Nationality Act
A child acquires German citizenship at birth if one of his or her parents is a German citizen. If only the father is a German citizen and is not married to the child’s mother, legal proof or recognition of paternity is required prior to the child’s 23rd birthday.

What does "principle of birthplace" (jus soli) mean?

Section 4, para. 3 of the Nationality Act
In addition to the principle of descent, since 1 January 2000 German nationality law also recognizes the principle of birthplace (in Latin: jus soli) for the acquisition of citizenship. According to this principle, children born in Germany to non-German parents may, under certain conditions, acquire German citizenship. These conditions are as follows: One parent has to have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years prior to the child’s birth and been either an EU citizen entitled to freedom of movement, an equally entitled citizen of an EEC member state, a Swiss citizen entitled to freedom of movement, or the holder of an EU residence permit or a settlement permit in accordance with the Residence Act.

See also obligation to choose citizenship

What about foundlings?

Section 4, para. 2 of the Nationality Act
An abandoned child found within Germany is considered the child of a German parent until proved otherwise.