250. In Germany, one has the best chances of obtaining a well-paid job if one …

Answer options

1. is Catholic.
2. is well educated.
3. is a woman.
4. is a member of a political party.

Explanation

The correct answer reflects the merit principle of the social market economy: income and advancement are primarily linked to qualifications and productivity. The Basic Law guarantees freedom of occupation (Art. 12) and prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex or religion (Art. 3(3)), while Art. 4 secures religious freedom and state neutrality. Access to public office is determined by aptitude, qualifications, and professional achievement (Art. 33(2)), not party membership; in private employment this is reinforced by the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). Empirical pay disparities, such as the gender pay gap, remain a policy challenge without displacing the constitutional commitment to equal opportunity.