266. When do the statutory nighttime quiet hours begin in Germany?

Answer options

1. when the sun sets
2. at 10 p.m.
3. when the neighbors go to sleep
4. at 12 a.m., midnight

Explanation

The so‑called statutory nighttime quiet is not a single federal clause but derives from Germany’s noise‑control framework (notably the Federal Immission Control Act and the Technical Directive on Noise), supplemented by state police laws and municipal by‑laws. As a rule, nighttime is defined as 22:00–06:00, during which noise must be reduced to room‑volume levels. In constitutional terms, it protects health (Art. 2(2) Basic Law) and personality rights while balancing neighbors’ interests against property use and occupational and leisure activities (Arts. 14, 12). Accordingly, the citizenship test expects 10 p.m. as the start of quiet hours.