253. Where must you register when you move within Germany?

Answer options

1. at the residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt)
2. at the civil registry office (Standesamt)
3. at the public order office (Ordnungsamt)
4. at the trade licensing office (Gewerbeamt)

Explanation

Under section 17 of the Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz, BMG), you must register your new residence within two weeks with the competent local registration authority (Einwohnermeldeamt/Bürgeramt). The legal framework is federal, but implementation is carried out by the Länder and municipalities pursuant to Articles 83 and 84 of the Basic Law. Historically rooted in Prussian police administration, resident registration is today constrained by the Federal Constitutional Court’s 1983 Census decision and the fundamental right to informational self-determination with robust data‑protection limits. Civil registry offices (vital records), public order offices (regulatory safety), and trade offices (business notifications) are not competent for residence registration.