245. Who is not permitted to cohabit as a couple in Germany?

Answer options

1. 1. Hans (20 years of age) and Marie (19 years of age)
2. 2. Tom (20 years of age) and Klaus (45 years of age)
3. 3. Sofie (35 years of age) and Lisa (40 years of age)
4. 4. Anne (13 years of age) and Tim (25 years of age)

Explanation

The Basic Law protects general freedom of action (Art. 2(1) GG) and marriage and family (Art. 6 GG), and since 2017 same‑sex couples have full legal equality through “marriage for all” (following the 1994 repeal of §175 StGB; registered partnerships existed since 2001). Child‑protection norms impose clear limits: any sexual act with a person under 14 is categorically criminal (§176 Criminal Code), with additional protections for 14–15‑year‑olds (§182 StGB). Accordingly, an adult may not live “as a couple” with a 13‑year‑old, as this implies a sexual relationship and triggers the state’s duty to protect the child’s welfare (Art. 6(2) sentence 2 GG; SGB VIII) as well as the prohibition of marriage below 18 (§1303 BGB, 2017 Act to Combat Child Marriages).