⚖️ BAMF topic area: Living in a democracy

German Citizenship Test: Law and the Rule of Law — 45 questions

The Rechtsstaat, separation of powers, the courts, the Federal Constitutional Court, and what happens when someone wants to enforce their rights. This block covers 45 of the 300 general questions, so on average about 4.5 of the 30 general questions in your exam will come from it.

What this block tests

This is about the Rechtsstaat — government bound by law. The core idea: not only citizens have to obey the law, the state does too. Courts are independent, nobody may enforce their own rights by force, and anyone can sue over a government decision. The Bundesverfassungsgericht (Federal Constitutional Court) in Karlsruhe decides whether a law is compatible with the constitution. Any option in which the state stands above the law, or in which courts write laws instead of applying them, is wrong.

Practise this topic Full question catalog

All 45 questions on Law and the Rule of Law

Open any question for the answer options, the reasoning, the key exam vocabulary, and the German wording used on exam day.

  1. 3 Germany is a constitutional state (Rechtsstaat). What does that mean?

    Correct: All residents and the state must obey the laws.

  2. 10 What is compatible with the German Basic Law?

    Correct: a monetary fine

  3. 17 German laws prohibit …

    Correct: unequal treatment of citizens by the state.

  4. 20 A party in Germany pursues the goal of establishing a dictatorship. It is then …

    Correct: unconstitutional.

  5. 32 What is NOT a state power in Germany?

    Correct: Press

  6. 51 It is NOT part of a democratic constitutional state that …

    Correct: people are arrested by a private police force without reason.

  7. 53 What does "Rechtsstaat" (rule of law) mean in Germany?

    Correct: The state must obey the laws.

  8. 54 What is NOT a state power in Germany?

    Correct: Directive

  9. 63 What does NOT belong to the executive branch in Germany?

    Correct: the courts

  10. 80 Which court in Germany is responsible for interpreting the Basic Law?

    Correct: Federal Constitutional Court

  11. 96 How can someone who denies the Holocaust be punished?

    Correct: with imprisonment of up to five years or a fine

  12. 111 Which actions relating to the State of Israel are prohibited in Germany?

    Correct: the public call for the destruction of Israel

  13. 136 In Germany, you go to the labour court for …

    Correct: unjustified dismissal by your boss.

  14. 137 Which court in Germany is responsible for conflicts in the workplace?

    Correct: the labour court

  15. 138 What can I do in Germany if my employer has wrongfully terminated my employment?

    Correct: file an unfair dismissal claim

  16. 139 When does a court trial take place in Germany? When someone …

    Correct: has committed a criminal offence and is charged.

  17. 140 What does a lay judge do in Germany? They …

    Correct: decide together with judges on guilt and punishment.

  18. 141 Who advises people in Germany on legal questions and represents them in court?

    Correct: a lawyer

  19. 142 What is the main task of a judge in Germany? A judge …

    Correct: works at a court and delivers verdicts.

  20. 143 A judge in Germany belongs to the …

    Correct: judiciary.

  21. 144 A judge in Germany belongs to the …

    Correct: judicial power.

  22. 145 In Germany, state power is divided. For which branch of government does a judge work? For the …

    Correct: judiciary

  23. 146 What do you call a proceeding before a court in Germany?

    Correct: trial / legal process

  24. 147 What is the work of a judge in Germany?

    Correct: administering justice

  25. 148 What is a task of the police in Germany?

    Correct: to monitor compliance with laws

  26. 150 A court lay judge in Germany is …

    Correct: a volunteer / honorary judge.

  27. 245 Who may not live together as a couple in Germany?

    Correct: Anne (13 years) and Tim (25 years)

  28. 246 At what age does one become of legal age in Germany?

    Correct: 18

  29. 247 A woman is pregnant. She is specially protected by law shortly before and after the birth of her child. What is this protection called?

    Correct: Maternity protection

  30. 251 If you hit a child in Germany, …

    Correct: you can be punished for it.

  31. 252 In Germany …

    Correct: you may only be married to one partner at a time.

  32. 253 Where must you register when you move in Germany?

    Correct: at the residents' registration office

  33. 254 In Germany, married couples may get divorced. Usually they must observe the 'separation year'. What does this mean?

    Correct: The spouses lead their own separate lives for at least one year. After that, the divorce is possible.

  34. 256 A married couple wants to open a restaurant in Germany. What do they absolutely need for this?

    Correct: a restaurant licence from the responsible authority

  35. 260 In Germany, a child at school has …

    Correct: an obligation to attend.

  36. 263 In Germany, young people from the age of 14 are criminally responsible. This means: young people who are 14 and older and violate criminal law …

    Correct: are punished.

  37. 265 Where must one go first in Germany if one wants to get married?

    Correct: to the registry office

  38. 266 When does the legal night-time quiet period begin in Germany?

    Correct: at 10 pm

  39. 272 Which form of living is not allowed in Germany?

    Correct: A man is married to two women at the same time.

  40. 275 What do you need for a divorce in Germany?

    Correct: the support of a lawyer

  41. 279 In most apartment buildings in Germany there is a 'house rules' document. What is in such 'house rules'? It lists …

    Correct: rules that all residents must follow.

  42. 280 If you want to contest an incorrect tax notice in Germany, you must …

    Correct: file an objection.

  43. 283 What do you do if you receive an incorrect bill from a German authority?

    Correct: I file an objection with the authority.

  44. 287 You want to end your employment at a company in Germany. What must you observe?

    Correct: the notice period

  45. 290 You bought a television in Germany. At home you unpack the television, but it doesn't work. The television is broken. What can you do?

    Correct: make a complaint about the television

Other topics

History and Responsibility · Living in a Democracy · The State and Federalism · People and Society · Basic Rights · Symbols and Public Holidays

Also worth doing: the 10 state questions for your Bundesland and the exam vocabulary list with translations.

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