What does “Rechtsstaat” mean in Germany?
Einbürgerungstest, question 53 German original
Was bedeutet "Rechtsstaat" in Deutschland?
- Der Staat hat Recht. The state is in the right.
- Es gibt nur rechte Parteien. There are only right-wing parties.
- Die Bürgerinnen und Bürger entscheiden über Gesetze. The citizens decide on the laws.
- Der Staat muss die Gesetze einhalten. The state must obey the laws.
Show the answer
Correct answer: Der Staat muss die Gesetze einhalten. The state must obey the laws.
Why?
A Rechtsstaat is a state under the rule of law: the state itself must obey the law, as Article 20 of the Grundgesetz (Basic Law) states. Citizens can challenge decisions by public authorities in independent courts. The word has nothing to do with right-wing parties or with the state always being right.
Key term: Rechtsstaat = rule of law