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The official question catalogue has 10 questions on this topic. In the app you practise them with instant feedback and in the exam simulation.
The three powers in the state
The Basic Law (Grundgesetz) divides state authority into three parts. This is called the separation of powers. It is set out in Article 20 of the Basic Law. The legislature makes the laws. That is parliament. The executive implements the laws. That is the government with the administration. The judiciary administers justice. That is the courts.
Judges are independent. They are bound only by the law. This protects citizens, because no single branch should hold all power. The three powers check one another.
The Federal Constitutional Court
The Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) watches over compliance with the Basic Law. It interprets the Basic Law with binding effect.
Local courts (Amtsgerichte) and higher regional courts have other areas of responsibility. So do administrative courts (Verwaltungsgerichte). They decide, for example, on everyday disputes or on decisions by public authorities. Anyone who disagrees with a judgment can in many cases lodge a legal remedy, for example an appeal. A constitutional complaint to the Federal Constitutional Court is a special route when fundamental rights have been violated. The Federal Constitutional Court has its seat in Karlsruhe.
Judges, lawyers and lay judges
Judges work at courts. Their main task is to administer justice. They examine a case under the law and deliver a judgment. They do not govern and they do not make laws. Judgments are given in the name of the people.
Lawyers advise people on legal matters. They also represent their clients before courts and public authorities.
Lay judges are volunteer judges. You do not need a law degree for this. In certain criminal cases they decide on guilt and punishment together with the professional judges. They have the same vote as the professional judges. Lay judges come from the general population and bring their life experience to the court.
From suspicion to trial
Proceedings before a court are called a trial. A criminal trial is a proceeding over an alleged criminal offence. Suspicion alone is not enough for a main hearing. After an indictment, the court first examines whether it opens the main proceedings. The criminal trial ends with a judgment, for example an acquittal or a conviction.
Illegal parking, by contrast, is not a criminal offence. It is dealt with in fine proceedings. These are a different procedure from a criminal trial.
Police and armed forces
The federal states (Länder) have their own police forces, and the Federation additionally has the Federal Police. The police monitor compliance with the laws. They avert dangers and investigate crimes. The police are bound by the law. They may act only when a law allows it. In the case of a crime, the police work with the public prosecutor's office. The public prosecutor's office brings charges if the suspicion is sufficiently well founded.
The Bundeswehr is Germany's army. It comprises the German armed forces and their civilian administration. Its task is national defence.
These 10 questions are in the test
- 80Welches Gericht in Deutschland ist zuständig für die Auslegung des Grundgesetzes?
- 139Wann kommt es in Deutschland zu einem Prozess vor Gericht? Wenn jemand …
- 140Was macht ein Schöffe / eine Schöffin in Deutschland? Er / Sie …
- 141Wer berät in Deutschland Personen bei Rechtsfragen und vertritt sie vor Gericht?
- 142Was ist die Hauptaufgabe eines Richters / einer Richterin in Deutschland? Ein Richter / eine Richterin …
- 146Wie nennt man in Deutschland ein Verfahren vor einem Gericht?
- 147Was ist die Arbeit eines Richters / einer Richterin in Deutschland?
- 148Was ist eine Aufgabe der Polizei in Deutschland?
- 150Ein Gerichtsschöffe / eine Gerichtsschöffin in Deutschland ist …
- 77Was ist die Bundeswehr?
Each question with its explanation is on the question pages. You can practise with answers in the app.
SourcesBundesverfassungsgericht - Aufgaben und OrganisationGrundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik DeutschlandGerichtsverfassungsgesetzPolizeiliche Kriminalprävention: Aufgaben der PolizeiDie Organisation der Bundeswehr
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