Einbürgerungskurs

Today, a friend of mine sent me a link to the Dutch 'inburgeringstest'. A similar test has apparently been introduced by the Dutch minister for immigration, Verdonk. Those people who want to obtain the Dutch citizenship have to pass this test before they can even apply for the Dutch passport.

Coincidentally, the German radio channel WDR5, that I always listen to on the way between home and the company, brought the topic today as well. Several German politicians have already shown great interest in adopting a test like the one which will be used in the Netherlands for Germany as well. In fact, Baden Würtenberg, and Hessen have already proposed draft versions of the test, as Spiegel writes today.

So, I did the test. And guess what??? 5,3 was my score (I failed 6 out of 36 questions), which means I did NOT pass the test and can consider myself not well-enough integrated to be a Dutch. Will I now run the risk of loosing my Dutch passport?

I might be considered to be a bad loser, if I write here that to my opinion this test is an at least questionable method to test the level of integration in society. To give an idea of the questions I failed to answer correctly:
-You or you partner is pregnant. When should you visit the doctor? When you feel the baby move, immediately, or after approximately 10 weeks?
-Which province is the biggest in growing flowers? Flevoland, Zuid Holland, or Noord Holland?

Does it REALLY matter whether you know the answers to these questions, for being a good Dutch citizen?

I wonder whether the test has to be carried out by people who already have a Dutch passport as well. And if they fail, will they be kicked out of the country? Ok, I am out already ... but what if Germany also adopts this great idea? Perhaps we should really consider immigrating to China.