Can the German government force an American citizen, moving there to change their last name?

I know of someone who just moved to Germany and said the German government told him that his last name was inappropriate and if he wanted to live there, he had to change it. He said he was given a list of last names deemed appropriate by the government and had to choose one. Has anyone ever heard of this before? I am finding it hard to believe. Thank you.

Can the German government force an American citizen, moving there to change their last name?
the german government can do anything they want in their country... just cause an american is moving there doesn't mean germany has to cater to them... if this american wants to live there then he/she has to follow the rules...
Reply:I guess I don't consider it 'catering.' I just can't believe that it is a 'rule' as you say. Report Abuse

Reply:Eudora - Yes, that is what we are thinking. Report Abuse

Reply:I'm from Germany, and honestly, I've never heard of anything like that before. There are a lot of immigrants in Germany from all over the world, mostly a lot of people from Turkey whose names are very hard to pronounce, and none of them has ever been told to change their name. As far as I know, this would be illegal to do anyway. The German government has no right to interfere with personal rights, and a person's name is part of it. Could it be that this person you heard this from was trying to fool you? This is more than absurd.
Reply:Just as the saying goes, When in Rome do what do Roman does.
Reply:Yes....it happened with my name here in America when my ancestors came here.....my real name is Volck. They said to change it to a more acceptable English version. They did.





Any government can do whatever they feel necessary for their people. If they want to.

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