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Who wrote the melody of the European anthem?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: Ludwig von Beethoven. The European anthem is the Ode to Joy, a melody by Ludwig von Beethoven. Beethoven is a German composer. The anthem stands for freedom, peace and solidarity. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “Les symboles européens (1/2)” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “Les symboles européens (1/2)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ Claude DebussyClaude DebussyDebussy did not write this anthem: the sheet says the melody is by Beethoven.
- ✓ Ludwig von BeethovenLudwig von BeethovenCorrect answer. The European anthem is the Ode to Joy, a melody by Ludwig von Beethoven. Beethoven is a German composer. The anthem stands for freedom, peace and solidarity.
- ✗ Edith PiafEdith PiafEdith Piaf did not write this anthem: the sheet says the melody is by Beethoven.
- ✗ Wolfgang Amadeus MozartWolfgang Amadeus MozartNot him: the melody is by Beethoven.
What the source says
« une mélodie écrite par le compositeur allemand Ludwig von Beethoven »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Qui a écrit la mélodie de l'hymne européen ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question comes from the list of the naturalisation version of the exam (PDF relayed by Le Français des affaires, read on 14 October 2026; the Ministry's own page for this list did not answer). The list's wording: “Qui a composé l'hymne de l'Union européenne ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Les symboles européens (1/2)” (French).
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