What does Franz mean when he thinks, Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?

When Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” he expresses his deep anxiety and frustration about the complete erasure of his cultural identity under German rule. This thought reflects his sense of helplessness and the absurdity of losing something as integral to life as language, extending it to the natural world. By imagining even the pigeons, symbols of freedom, being forced to conform, Franz conveys the extent of his fear that all aspects of his beloved French culture will be replaced. This line underscores his profound connection to his language and the emotional turmoil he feels at the impending loss of his heritage.