Question 29
What did Willy Brandt want to express by kneeling in the former Jewish ghetto in Warsaw in 1970?
German original: Was wollte Willy Brandt mit seinem Kniefall 1970 im ehemaligen jüdischen Ghetto in Warschau ausdrücken?. In the test, all questions are asked in German.
Answer options
- He submitted to the former allies.
- He asked Poland and the Polish Jews for forgiveness. — Correct answer
- He showed his humility before the Warsaw Pact.
- He said a prayer at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Explanation
Willy Brandt's kneeling gesture in Warsaw on 7 December 1970 was a spontaneous act of humility and remorse. He asked for forgiveness on behalf of all Germans for the National Socialist crimes against Poles and Polish Jews.
Key terms in this question
- his / its — 'Seine' is the possessive form of the third person singular masculine or neuter in German. It indicates that something belongs to a male person or thing.
- to be — 'Sein' is the fundamental auxiliary verb in German, expressing states, characteristics, or the existence of a person or thing. It is also used as an auxiliary to form past tenses.
- Jewish — 'Jewish' describes something that belongs to the Jewish religion, culture, or community. The Jewish community has a history of thousands of years and is part of German and European culture.
- Jewish — The adjective 'Jewish' describes something or someone belonging to the Jewish religion, culture, or community. Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world and has had a profound influence on German and European history.
- Willy — Willy is a German given name. In the context of the citizenship test, it usually refers to Willy Brandt, a prominent German politician and Federal Chancellor (1969–1974).
- to express — To express means to communicate thoughts, feelings, or opinions through words or gestures.
- Brandt — Willy Brandt (1913–1992) was a German SPD politician and Federal Chancellor from 1969 to 1974. He is known for his Ostpolitik, which sought dialogue and détente with socialist Eastern European countries, and he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971.
- former — 'Ehemalige' refers to people or things that previously held a certain role or function but no longer do. For example, a former chancellor once held that position but does not anymore.