GermanyAufgabe 53 · Politics in a democracy
What does “Rechtsstaat” (rule of law) mean in Germany?
In the exam (German)
Was bedeutet "Rechtsstaat" in Deutschland?
- aThe state is right.Der Staat hat Recht.
- bThere are only right-wing parties.Es gibt nur rechte Parteien.
- cThe citizens decide on laws.Die Bürgerinnen und Bürger entscheiden über Gesetze.
- dThe state must obey the laws.Der Staat muss die Gesetze einhalten.Correct answer
Why?
Rechtsstaat means that the state, too, is bound by the laws (Article 20, paragraph 3 of the Basic Law). The government and the authorities may not do whatever they want; courts can review what they do. The word “Recht” (law, right) here has nothing to do with “right-wing” (rechte) parties.
Translated with AI. In the exam the question is in German, as shown above.
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Source
Questions and options: Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), Gesamtfragenkatalog for the “Leben in Deutschland” test and the Einbürgerungstest, as of 07.05.2025 (Annex 1 to the Einbürgerungstestverordnung). The English translation and the explanations are ours, written with AI; in the exam the questions are asked in German. The coats of arms, flags and photos come from Wikimedia Commons, the maps and ballot papers are drawn by us – authors and licences are listed under Image credits. This is not a government service.
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