How Americans Can Obtain German Citizenship Through Ancestry or Nazi-Era Persecution

If you’re an American with German roots or come from a family impacted by Nazi persecution, you might be entitled to German citizenship, often without needing to relocate to Germany or give up your U.S. passport.

German nationality law provides two key legal paths for Americans seeking to acquire or reclaim citizenship:

• German citizenship by descent (ancestry)

   

• Restoration of German citizenship under Article 116(2) for Nazi-era persecution victims and their descendants

   

As a law firm with experience in both German and U.S. immigration law, we help clients explore these options and successfully assert their right to dual citizenship.

German Citizenship by Ancestry (Descent)

Germany uses the principle of jus sanguinis, which means that citizenship is passed through family lineage. If your parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent was a German citizen, you may be eligible, even if you were born and raised in the United States and have never been to Germany.

You may qualify if:

• One of your parents held German citizenship when you were born

   

• A grandparent or great-grandparent was born in Germany and never renounced their German nationality

   

• Your ancestor became a U.S. citizen only after their child (your parent or grandparent) was born

   

• You were previously denied due to outdated gender-based laws (such as descent through a German mother instead of a father)

   

Real-World Examples:

Grandmother was a German citizen who never naturalized in the U.S.
John’s grandmother was born in Hamburg and moved to the U.S. in the 1950s. She never became a U.S. citizen. John may qualify for German citizenship by ancestry through her lineage.

Citizenship through a German mother, previously excluded by law
Maria was born in 1969 to a German mother in New York. Due to earlier laws, she was not eligible. But the 2021 citizenship reform now allows Maria to apply retroactively.

Father became U.S. citizen after your birth
Peter’s father, born in Munich, became a U.S. citizen in 1992. She was born in 1987. Because he was still a German citizen at her birth, she can apply for dual citizenship.

Great-grandfather born in Germany, no record of U.S. naturalization
David’s great-grandfather left Germany in 1910 and never became a U.S. citizen. With proper documentation, Michael could claim German dual citizenship through him.

German grandmother married an American
Tina’s grandmother married an American in 1953. Her daughter (Tina’s mother) never claimed German citizenship. Due to the latest reforms, Tina may now apply under citizenship by descent.

Citizenship Restoration Under Article 116(2): Persecution Victims and Their Descendants

If your ancestors lost their German citizenship during the Nazi regime (1933–1945) due to racial, political, or religious persecution, you may qualify to have it restored under Article 116(2) of Germany’s Basic Law.

You may be eligible if:

• Your ancestor was persecuted by the Nazis and had to flee Germany

   

• Their citizenship was revoked during the Nazi period

   

• They became naturalized in another country (such as the U.S.) to escape persecution

   

• You are a direct or indirect descendant, even several generations removed

   

Real World Examples:

Jewish ancestors fled Nazi Germany
Sarah’s great-grandparents left Berlin in 1938 due to anti-Semitic persecution. Since their German citizenship was revoked, Sarah is now eligible to restore citizenship under Article 116(2).

Political persecution, not just religious or ethnic
Daniel’s grandfather was an anti-Nazi journalist who fled Germany in 1934. Though not Jewish, his political persecution qualifies Daniel for German citizenship restoration.

Religious resistance to the Nazi regime
Emily’s great-aunt was part of a Catholic resistance movement and escaped to the U.S. in 1942. The family’s suffering under political persecution qualifies Emily to apply under Article 116(2).

Loss of citizenship under Nuremberg Laws
Leo’s ancestors lost their German citizenship in 1935 because of the Nuremberg racial laws. Today, Leo can apply for dual citizenship U.S. and German.

Important 2021 Legal Reforms

In August 2021, Germany expanded its nationality laws to address historical injustices. The reforms allow retroactive citizenship claims for:

• Children born to German mothers before 1975

   

• Descendants born outside of marriage

   

• Families who lost citizenship due to coerced naturalization elsewhere

   

• Individuals previously denied under outdated interpretations

   

This means many Americans who were once told “no” may now have a valid claim to German citizenship.

Can You Keep Your U.S. Citizenship?

Yes. Both ancestry-based and persecution-based routes allow for dual citizenship. You are not required to give up your U.S. passport, making this an attractive option for Americans seeking European Union citizenship alongside U.S. nationality.

Documents You’ll Typically Need

Applying for German citizenship through ancestry or persecution often involves assembling historical and personal records, including:

• Your own birth certificate and those of your parents and grandparents

   

• Documentation of your ancestor’s German citizenship (passports, ID cards, etc.)

   

• U.S. naturalization certificates or census records

   

• Emigration documents (ship manifests, visa records)

   

• Evidence of Nazi-era persecution (for Article 116(2) cases)

   

If some records are missing, don’t worry, our law office can assist with archival research and build a compelling case based on the facts and the law.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Navigating German nationality law is not always straightforward. Applications are often denied due to technical mistakes, insufficient proof, or misinterpreted legal nuances.

Working with a German-American immigration attorney gives you a significant advantage. Our firm will:

• Evaluate your eligibility under all relevant legal pathways

   

• Locate and interpret historical citizenship documents

   

• Translate and notarize documents as required by German authorities

   

• Submit your application directly to the Bundesverwaltungsamt and follow through until a decision is made

   

Ready to Explore Your German Citizenship Options?

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your family’s heritage or seeking the benefits of EU citizenship, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Schedule a consultation with our immigration attorney to determine if you qualify for German citizenship by ancestry or under Article 116(2) for Nazi-era persecution.

Disclaimer

The material in this post represents general information and should not be deemed legal advice. Any use of the website DOES NOT create or constitute an attorney-client relationship between German American Real Estate & Immigration Law Center, LLC (law firm) or any employee of or other person associated with the law firm and a user of this website. It is intended as an educational resource for
understanding the laws. Since the law is continually changing, some parts of this website may become outdated before the next update. It is always best to consult an attorney about your legal rights and responsibilities regarding your particular case.