Question 3 · Federal question
Germany is a rule-of-law state (Rechtsstaat). What does this mean?
German original (as asked in the real test)
Deutschland ist ein Rechtsstaat. Was ist damit gemeint?
- A Alle Einwohnerinnen/Einwohner und der Staat müssen sich an die Gesetze halten. ✓ Correct answer
- B Der Staat muss sich nicht an die Gesetze halten.
- C Nur Deutsche müssen die Gesetze befolgen.
- D Die Gerichte machen die Gesetze.
Translation
Germany is a rule-of-law state (Rechtsstaat). What does this mean?
- A All residents and the state must abide by the laws. ✓ Correct answer
- B The state does not have to abide by the laws.
- C Only Germans must follow the laws.
- D The courts make the laws.
Explanation
In a rule-of-law state (Rechtsstaat), both public authorities and all people are bound by the law. This includes legality, legal certainty, and judicial control. The legislature makes laws, the courts apply them, and the executive must act within them.
Tips
- Look for options highlighting that everyone, including the state, is bound by law. Eliminate choices that place the state above the law, limit legal obedience to citizens only, or confuse roles (courts do not make laws). Keywords: Rechtsstaat, bound by law, equality before the law, separation of powers.
Practice in the app
