We asked John Spindler who recently received his German citizenship and passport about his experience of the process…
- What first motivated you to investigate the possibility of acquiring German citizenship?
There were many factors behind my application but two were the biggest motivators. Firstly, my ancestry research helped me to become very interested in my Dad’s roots in Bavaria. Connected to that was the desire to reclaim the citizenship that was denied to many Jewish people in 1930s Germany. Secondly was the desire to give myself access again to the European Union. I often tell people that since the “Leave” vote I’ve been a little unhappier every day! I really loved the sense of being part of a larger European family of nations and wanted that feeling back.
- Did your family talk about your German heritage growing up?
Interestingly not at all! I was 21 when, at my Dad’s funeral, a woman behind me said to another “It was so tragic with his Jewish past.” I had no idea. I had only seen him as a British Roman Catholic, which he became. Strangely I ignored many comments from my friends asking where my Dad was from, given his accent? I always answered “Leeds”! I had no idea that anything else could be true.
- What does reclaiming citizenship mean to you personally?
A huge amount. I was actually surprised that I broke down into tears when receiving the naturalisation certificate at the German Embassy. It felt like I was getting back something that had tragically and cruelly been taken away from my Dad and his family.
- How did you first begin researching the process of restoring citizenship?
I never considered it was a genuine possibility until I heard of people looking to uncover their European connections after the Brexit vote. I wondered if my Dad’s background could give me access to a German passport. I contacted GCR after a Google search and Sara came back to me and said that a new German law may well give me an opportunity and, further to that, we kept in touch as the legislation progressed through the German Parliament.
What made you decide to work with GCR rather than apply on your own?I really didn’t know where to start. I had no German language skills and felt overwhelmed seeing the various documents in German. I also felt a lot was at stake and wanted to be confident that I was doing everything I needed to do.
- Did you find the process easy to navigate with their assistance?
I did. I probably made a nuisance of myself contacting GCR so often to check I was including the right detail but I was always confident after getting GCR’s reassurance.
- How long did the process take from start to finish?
I think in total it took about 2 years. The process wasn’t helped by my Daughter’s dog Bruno. It had taken so long to get hold of a police certificate for my Daughter who lives in British Columbia Canada. After months of waiting, she excitedly opened the letter and took the Police Certificate out. Before she knew it Bruno had snatched the certificate and bit a huge hole through the center of it. Bruno has been forgiven finally!
- What did it feel like to finally receive your naturalisation certificate and eventually your passport?
Fabulous. After years of thinking about it I was still surprised when the officer at the German Embassy said “you are now German!” I was thrilled for historical and future reasons.
- Has having German citizenship made a positive impact to your / your daughter’s life already?
Very much so. We have recently been back to my Dad’s home town to celebrate becoming British and German, and, in my daughter Ella-Jo’s case, German, British and Canadian. During the visit I was extremely surprised at how many questions Ella-Jo had about her ancestry. We even went into the orphanage where my Dad had lived for seven years. It was a highly emotional moment for both of us.
- What would you say to others considering the process?
I would say if it might be of interest now, or in the future, get on with it and do it. It might bring some joy, or it might bring huge joy. In my case it was the latter but, whichever it is, it will change your view of your past, present and future.
- Is there anything else you would like to share regarding the experience?
I was asked at the German Embassy how my Dad would feel about me becoming German? I replied with huge confidence that I believe he would be delighted that I was reconnecting our family to Germany. It’s a thought I have had many times when visiting his home town of Furth, near Nuremberg. Spending time there where he loved, played and went to school has placed a huge piece back into the incomplete jigsaw of my life.
John & his daughter Ella-Jo receiving their naturalisations.
If you have any queries about the process, we are happy to discuss without fee or obligation, contact us:
+44 208 0669900 / info@germanpassport.co.uk