Question 87 · Federal question
Who is the head of state of the Federal Republic of Germany?
German original (as asked in the real test)
Wer ist das Staatsoberhaupt der Bundesrepublik Deutschland?
- A die Bundeskanzlerin/der Bundeskanzler
- B die Bundespräsidentin/der Bundespräsident ✓ Correct answer
- C die Bundesratspräsidentin/der Bundesratspräsident
- D die Bundestagspräsidentin/der Bundestagspräsident
Translation
Who is the head of state of the Federal Republic of Germany?
- A the Federal Chancellor
- B the Federal President ✓ Correct answer
- C the President of the Federal Council
- D the President of the Bundestag
Explanation
In Germany’s political system, the Federal President is the head of state. The office is largely representative and bound by the Basic Law: signs federal laws, appoints and dismisses the Federal Chancellor and ministers, and represents Germany internationally in a ceremonial capacity. The Federal Chancellor is the head of government, not the head of state.
Tips
- Watch for the keyword “Staatsoberhaupt” (head of state) vs. “Regierungschef” (head of government). These are different offices.
- Recall key functions of the head of state: signing laws, appointing/dismissing the government, representing the country ceremonially.
- Eliminate roles tied to the legislature: the presiding officers of Bundestag or Bundesrat lead parliamentary bodies, not the state.
- If the option mentions executive policy leadership or day-to-day government, that points to the head of government, not the head of state.
- The Basic Law (Grundgesetz) distinguishes symbolic/representative functions from governing functions; use that to identify the correct office.
Practice in the app
