Question 120 · Federal question
The electoral system in Germany is a ...
German original (as asked in the real test)
Das Wahlsystem in Deutschland ist ein …
- A Zensuswahlrecht.
- B Dreiklassenwahlrecht.
- C Mehrheits- und Verhältniswahlrecht. ✓ Correct answer
- D allgemeines Männerwahlrecht.
Translation
The electoral system in Germany is a ...
- A census suffrage.
- B three-class suffrage.
- C majority and proportional representation system. ✓ Correct answer
- D universal male suffrage.
Explanation
Germany uses a mixed electoral system combining plurality/majority voting in single-member districts (first vote) with proportional representation via party lists (second vote). This ensures local representation and overall proportionality in the Bundestag.
Tips
- Look for keywords indicating a mixed system combining district winners with party list proportionality.
- Eliminate historically outdated or undemocratic terms (e.g., property/class-based voting or male-only suffrage), as modern Germany follows universal suffrage.
- Recall the two-vote structure: one for a constituency candidate and one for a party list, which signals a mixed system.
- When in doubt, align with constitutional principles of universal, equal, direct, free, and secret elections, and proportional outcomes at the party level.
Practice in the app
