Swiss Passport

In the 16th century there was an important religious movement in Europe and in Switzerland. What is it called?

Im 16. Jahrhundert gab es in Europa und in der Schweiz eine wichtige religiöse Bewegung. Wie heisst sie?

Correct answer: B

  1. A IslamisationIslamisierung
  2. B ReformationReformation
  3. C ScepticismSkeptizismus
  4. D HinduismHinduismus

Why

The Reformation was a Christian movement that wanted to renew the Catholic Church. In Switzerland, it was led by Zwingli in Zurich and Calvin in Geneva.

Common mistakes

C: Scepticism
Scepticism is a school of philosophical thought, not a religious movement.

Topic

The Reformation

In the 16th century, many people in Europe wanted to renew the Catholic Church. For example, they criticised the fact that people could buy their way out of their sins with money. This religious movement is called the Reformation. It began in 1517 in Germany with Martin Luther. It gave rise to the Protestant faith, in Switzerland usually called «Reformed» or «Evangelical Reformed».

Timeline of Swiss history
  1. 58 BCHelvetii and Romans
  2. 1291The Rütli and William Tell
  3. 1515Marignano
  4. 1523The Reformation
  5. 1798The French and Napoleon
  6. 1815Neutrality
  7. 1848Sonderbund War and the federal state
  8. 19th c.From agrarian state to industrial state
  9. 1918National general strike
  10. 1939–1945Second World War
  11. 1948Prosperity and AHV
  12. 1970Immigration and the Schwarzenbach initiative
  13. 1971Women's suffrage and equal rights
  14. 1979The youngest canton: Jura

History of Switzerland
Reformation, Napoleon and neutrality

Sources

Last checked: September 2026

Question 216 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.

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