Question 5 · Federal question
Elections in Germany are free. What does this mean?
German original (as asked in the real test)
Wahlen in Deutschland sind frei. Was bedeutet das?
- A Man darf Geld annehmen, wenn man dafür eine bestimmte Kandidatin/einen bestimmten Kandidaten wählt.
- B Nur Personen, die noch nie im Gefängnis waren, dürfen wählen.
- C Die Wählerin/der Wähler darf bei der Wahl weder beeinflusst noch zu einer bestimmten Stimmabgabe gezwungen werden und keine Nachteile durch die Wahl haben. ✓ Correct answer
- D Alle wahlberechtigten Personen müssen wählen.
Translation
Elections in Germany are free. What does this mean?
- A You may accept money if you vote for a certain candidate.
- B Only people who have never been in prison may vote.
- C Voters may not be influenced or forced to vote in a certain way and may not suffer disadvantages because of their vote. ✓ Correct answer
- D All eligible voters must vote.
Explanation
In Germany, elections are based on the principles of being general, direct, free, equal, and secret. "Free" means voters decide without coercion, undue influence, or pressure and must not suffer disadvantages for their choice. Options suggesting bribery, mandatory voting, or restrictions based on criminal history contradict the constitutional election principles.
Tips
- Memorize the five election principles: general, direct, free, equal, secret. Match the keyword in the question to its definition.
- For "free,", look for wording about absence of coercion, pressure, or disadvantages.
- Eliminate any option implying bribery, punishment for a choice, compulsory voting, or limiting suffrage to certain social/legal groups.
- Watch for absolute statements that contradict Basic Law protections, like mandatory participation or loss of voting rights due to past imprisonment.
Practice in the app
