TestZen · Einbürgerungstest · Practice

3. Germany is a state governed by the rule of law (Rechtsstaat). What is meant by this?

Official German wording

Deutschland ist ein Rechtsstaat. Was ist damit gemeint?

  1. Alle Einwohner / Einwohnerinnen und der Staat müssen sich an die Gesetze halten.
  2. Der Staat muss sich nicht an die Gesetze halten.
  3. Nur Deutsche müssen die Gesetze befolgen.
  4. Die Gerichte machen die Gesetze.

Answer options

  1. All residents and the state must abide by the law.
  2. The state does not have to comply with the law.
  3. Only German citizens have to obey the law.
  4. The courts make the laws.

Correct answer

All residents and the state must abide by the law.

Explanation

A state governed by the rule of law (Rechtsstaat) means that all public authority is bound by the Constitution and by law (Art. 20(3) Basic Law), and that fundamental rights bind all branches directly (Art. 1(3) GG). Core elements include the principle of legality (supremacy and reservation of statute), proportionality, legal certainty, and effective judicial protection by independent courts (Art. 19(4) GG), including constitutional review by the Federal Constitutional Court. It applies to all persons within German jurisdiction, not only citizens; legislation is made by Parliament, while courts apply and interpret the law. Historically, the Rechtsstaat principle, shaped by 19th‑century constitutionalism and the collapse of legality under National Socialism, is entrenched in the Basic Law to preclude arbitrary government.

Official sources

The German questions come from the original BAMF catalog for the Einbürgerungstest and Leben in Deutschland. Translations and explanations are study aids; verify legal details in the official sources.