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Elections and Parties

This topic covers elections and parties in Germany, above all Bundestag elections. What matters most is the right to vote (usually from age 18 for German citizens), the difference between the Erststimme and the Zweitstimme, and the 5 percent threshold. These three points come up especially often in the catalog, frequently in questions designed to mix up the two votes.

First vote and second vote (example) Ballot paper (example) First vote (a person in your district) Candidate A Candidate B Second vote (a party) Party A Party B
The first vote elects a person, the second vote elects a party.
The 5 percent threshold (example) 5 percent threshold 32% 24% 11% 6% 3% Party A Party B Party C Party D Party E
Only parties with at least 5 percent of the second votes (or three directly won seats) normally enter the Bundestag. Party E stays below the threshold here.

Another common trap: some questions about parties or parliamentary groups assume a party clears the 5 percent threshold first, before seat distribution and group size even become relevant. Knowing that order makes these questions easier to spot. The difference between government and opposition is also tested: after the election, the parties with a majority usually form a coalition and provide the government, while the remaining parties in the Bundestag form the opposition.

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