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
A Rechtsstaat is a rule-of-law state: all state authorities are bound by the law and the constitution, with actions subject to legal oversight. It rejects arbitrary state power and ensures citizens’ rights through courts and separation of powers. The other options either imply authoritarianism, party politics, or direct democracy, none of which define Rechtsstaat.
Tips
- Look for keywords like rule of law, binding to law and constitution, separation of powers, judicial control, and protection of fundamental rights. Eliminate options that suggest the state is always right, focus on party spectrum, or claim that citizens directly make laws nationwide. Recall Basic Law principles (e.g., Art. 20) stating the executive and judiciary are bound by law and justice.
Practice in the app
