Wortschatz-Training

Freedom of expression/opinion

Article 5 of the Grundgesetz guarantees this right

Separation of powers

Legislative, Executive, Judicial — three branches

Basic Law (Constitution)

Adopted 23 May 1949, supreme law of Germany

Human dignity

Article 1: "Die Wuerde des Menschen ist unantastbar"

Equal rights/equality

Men and women have equal rights under the Grundgesetz

Freedom of religion

Everyone can practise any religion or none

Freedom of assembly

Right to peaceful demonstration

Freedom of the press

Media can report freely without government censorship

Rule of law

Everyone is equal before the law, including the government

Federalism

16 Bundeslaender each with own parliament and government

Electoral principles

Universal, direct, free, equal, secret

Social insurance

5 pillars: health, accident, care, unemployment, pension

Naturalisation

The process of becoming a German citizen

Federal Chancellor

Head of government, currently Friedrich Merz

Federal President

Head of state, ceremonial role, currently Steinmeier

Federal Parliament (lower house)

Elected every 4 years by the people

Federal Council (upper house)

Represents the 16 Bundeslaender, 69 votes

Reunification

3 October 1990 — East and West Germany became one

Tax return/declaration

Annual obligation for residents in Germany

Voluntary work/volunteering

Important part of German civic life