Question 98 · Federal question
If members of the German Bundestag change their parliamentary group, ...
German original (as asked in the real test)
Wenn Abgeordnete im Deutschen Bundestag ihre Fraktion wechseln, …
- A dürfen sie nicht mehr an den Sitzungen des Parlaments teilnehmen.
- B kann die Regierung ihre Mehrheit verlieren. ✓ Correct answer
- C muss die Bundespräsidentin/der Bundespräsident zuvor ihr/sein Einverständnis geben.
- D dürfen die Wählerinnen/Wähler dieser Abgeordneten noch einmal wählen.
Translation
If members of the German Bundestag change their parliamentary group, ...
- A they are no longer allowed to participate in parliamentary sessions.
- B the government may lose its majority. ✓ Correct answer
- C the Federal President must first give their consent.
- D the voters of these members are allowed to vote again.
Explanation
Members of the Bundestag hold a free mandate (Art. 38 GG) and keep their seat even if they change parliamentary groups. Such shifts can alter the balance of seats in the Bundestag, which may affect whether the governing coalition still holds a majority to pass laws or survive confidence votes.
Tips
- Look for references to the free mandate: MPs are not bound and do not lose their seats by switching groups.
- Eliminate options suggesting presidential approval or immediate new elections—these are not required for faction changes.
- Consider practical consequences: government stability depends on parliamentary majorities; changes in group affiliation can impact that arithmetic.
- e wary of options that suggest loss of basic parliamentary rights like attending sessions—mandates remain with the individual MP.
Practice in the app
