Democracy and the Basic Law
The Federal Republic and its constitution: the Basic Law and the understanding of democracy in Germany.
70 years of the Basic Law
Read more
Between a form of government and way of life
Read more
The future of democracy
Democracy as a form of government: read where the strength of democracy lies in an exclusive essay by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Democracy in Germany
The Basic Law is the heart of democracy in the Federal Republic of Germany. It was only intended as a temporary measure, but has now lasted since 1949.
“Let’s have a real dialogue”
Open dialogue and free speech: Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas about the importance of accepting other points of view.
Video
Why democracy and human rights are two sides of the same coin
Human rights guarantee that the interests of individuals are protected even when they are not in the majority.
Why independent journalism is so important for democracy
There is no freedom without freedom of the press: Bascha Mika, editor in Chief of Frankfurter Rundschau, about the lifeblood of a free society.
Why religion and democracy have more in common than you think
Religion is an instrument for justice that makes everybody belong to a society, says Sister Agatha Ogochukwu Chikelue.
Europe
The right to opportunity
The Verfassungsschüler project helps young people find out about the Basic Law and become politically engaged.
Voting
Vote now!
Why science and democracy are mutually dependent
On academic freedom in a free society writes historian Kristina Spohr.
They are standing up for democracy
These men and women are standing up for democracy with courage and creativity.
Can democracy be learned?
Federal Agency for Civic Education: a former civil rights campaigner is responsible for civic education. Here you can find out whether he believes it is possible to learn democracy.
Germany’s most important book
The German Basic Law came into effect in 1949. It was originally designed as a provisional constitution. Five questions and answers.
Article 1: Human dignity
Nia Künzer, football world champion and educationalist: We have come a long way, but we still have much to do.
Article 2: Personal freedoms
Philosopher Albert Kitzler: The framework for finding your own centre.
Article 3: Equality before the law
Family Minister Franziska Giffey: “Women can do everything. That is a fact and a demand.”
Article 5: Freedom of expression
The journalist Katja Gloger: freedom of expression is a human right.
Article 14: Property and the right of inheritance shall be guaranteed.
The director Harald Siebler, the producer of a film about the constitution, explains why responsibility comes with ownership.
Greens want to write sexual identity into Basic Law UT
The Greens want to include sexual identity in the Basic Law article against discrimination. This is to become part of a nationwide "Action Plan for Sexual and Gender Diversity".
Article 10: Privacy of correspondence, posts and telecommunications
The law student Pauline Gihr: So that thoughts can remain free even in times of digital communication.
30 German years: 1950 – 1980
From the German Economic Miracle to RAF Terrorism: Three German decenniums. An overview.
Germany in the 2010s
The current decade at a glance: these are the topics and events that have affected people in Germany.
