272. Which form of living arrangement is not permitted in Germany?

Answer options

1. A man and a woman are divorced and live with new partners.
2. Two women live together.
3. A single father lives together with his two children.
4. A man is married to two women at the same time.

Explanation

Under Article 6(1) of the Basic Law, marriage is protected as a lasting union of two persons and is conceived as monogamous in Germany. Section 1306 of the Civil Code prohibits contracting a marriage while a prior marriage exists (double marriage), and section 172 of the Criminal Code criminalizes bigamy. By contrast, non-marital cohabitation and diverse family forms—such as same-sex partners living together or single parents—are protected by the general freedom of action (Article 2(1) GG) and the family guarantee (Article 6 GG); since 2017, marriage has been open to same-sex couples. Polygamous marriages concluded abroad typically fail the public policy (ordre public) test under section 6 EGBGB and thus generally have no domestic effect.