Language: English
Question 53 · Federal question
What does 'Rechtsstaat' mean in Germany?
German original (as asked in the real test)
Was bedeutet "Rechtsstaat" in Deutschland?
- A Der Staat hat Recht.
- B Es gibt nur rechte Parteien.
- C Die Bürgerinnen und Bürger entscheiden über Gesetze.
- D Der Staat muss die Gesetze einhalten. ✓ Correct answer
Translation
What does 'Rechtsstaat' mean in Germany?
- A The state is right.
- B There are only right-wing parties.
- C The citizens decide on laws.
- D The state must adhere to the laws. ✓ Correct answer
Explanation
Rechtsstaat means the state itself is bound by the law and the constitution, with its actions open to judicial review. It has nothing to do with right wing parties, the state always being right, or citizens voting on every law directly.
Tips
- Rechtsstaat is about the state obeying its own laws, not about political direction.
- Watch for the wordplay trap between rule of law and right wing, they are unrelated.
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