Who must register the intention to marry at the civil registry office?
Wer muss beim Zivilstandsamt den Heiratswillen anmelden?
Correct answer: C
- A only the man alonenur der Mann allein
- B only the parentsnur die Eltern
- C the engaged couple togetherDas verlobte Paar gemeinsam
- D only the woman alonenur die Frau allein
Why
The couple registers together at the civil registry office. Both must declare that they want to marry.
Common mistakes
- A: only the man alone
- Woman and man have equal rights. Both must declare their wish to marry.
- B: only the parents
- The parents play no role. The engaged couple is of legal age and decides for themselves.
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 186 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.