What is the purpose of financial equalisation between the municipalities?
Was will der Finanzausgleich zwischen den Gemeinden?
Correct answer: D
- A It is meant to help fight corruption.Er soll helfen, die Korruption zu bekämpfen.
- B It is meant to help avoid inflation.Er soll helfen, eine Inflation zu vermeiden.
- C It forces poor municipalities to fulfil their obligations (schools, old people's homes, etc.).Er zwingt arme Gemeinden zur Erledigung ihrer Pflichten (Schulen, Altersheime, usw.).
- D It supports poor municipalities or municipalities with high social expenditure in carrying out their tasks.Er unterstützt arme Gemeinden oder Gemeinden mit hohen Sozialausgaben bei der Erledigung ihrer Aufgaben.
Why
Financial equalisation gives money to poorer municipalities or municipalities with high social costs, so that they can carry out their tasks.
Common mistakes
- C: It forces poor municipalities to fulfil their obligations (schools, old people's homes, etc.).
- Financial equalisation does not force anyone. It gives support with money.
- B: It is meant to help avoid inflation.
- Inflation is fought by the National Bank, not by financial equalisation.
Topic
Social assistance, financial equalisation, neighbourhood association
If someone can no longer live on their own income and assets, the municipality helps with social assistance. It covers the bare necessities: housing, food, health insurance. Social assistance is intended for emergencies and is paid for by the municipalities, with a contribution from the canton. The old-age pension (AHV), on the other hand, is an insurance of the Confederation.
Canton and municipality of Zurich
Offices, school and social services
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 201 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.