What surname does a child of married parents receive?
Welchen Nachnamen bekommt ein Kind von verheirateten Eltern?
Correct answer: D
- A always a double name with the mother's name firstimmer einen Doppelnamen mit dem Namen der Mutter zuerst
- B always the father's nameimmer den Namen des Vaters
- C always the mother's nameimmer den Namen der Mutter
- D must be decided at the wedding by parents without a common family namemuss von den Eltern ohne gemeinsamen Familiennamen bei der Heirat entschieden werden
Why
If the parents have no common family name, they decide at the wedding which of their maiden names the children will have.
Exam answer: «Die Eltern ohne gemeinsamen Namen entscheiden bei der Heirat». This still applies. In 2026, Parliament decided to allow double names for married couples again; but children will still only get one name (date of entry into force still open).
Common mistakes
- B: always the father's name
- Since 2013, the father's name is no longer automatically the children's name.
- A: always a double name with the mother's name first
- Double names do not exist for children. The child gets a single name.
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 191 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.