Who can file for divorce?
Wer kann einen Antrag auf Scheidung stellen?
Correct answer: C
- A only the husbandnur der Ehemann
- B the couple's childrendie Kinder der Eheleute
- C the wife or the husband or both togetherdie Ehefrau oder der Ehemann oder beide zusammen
- D only the wifenur die Ehefrau
Why
In marriage, wife and husband have equal rights. That is why each person can file for divorce, or both together.
Common mistakes
- A: only the husband
- Wife and husband have the same rights. Not only the husband may ask for a divorce.
- D: only the wife
- The husband may also ask for a divorce, not only the wife.
Topic
Marriage, divorce, family name
Two people may marry if they are at least 18 years old and capable of judgement. Capable of judgement means: you understand what you are doing. They may not already be married. They may also not be closely related, so not parent and child or brother and sister. Since 2022, two women or two men may also marry. Income, place of residence or the parents' consent play no role.
Living in Switzerland
Marriage, family and housing
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 185 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.