GENERAL QUESTION · 5
Leben in der Demokratie · BAMF 07.05.2025
Elections in Germany are free. What does that mean?
Official German wording
Wahlen in Deutschland sind frei. Was bedeutet das?
Answer options
- AYou may accept money in return for voting for a particular candidate.
- BOnly people who have never been in prison are allowed to vote.
- CVoters may neither be influenced nor forced to cast a particular vote, and must not suffer any disadvantage because of the election.Correct answer
- DAll eligible voters are obliged to vote.
EDITORIAL LEARNING AID
Why is this answer correct?
Article 38(1) of the Basic Law requires general, direct, free, equal and secret elections: no one may be influenced, forced to vote in a particular way, or suffer disadvantages as a result. Buying votes is a criminal offence, there is no obligation to vote, and former prisoners are as a rule also allowed to vote.
Elections are free: no coercion, no bribery, no disadvantages.
This translation and explanation are editorial learning aids. The official German wording and answer key govern the examination.
Source
Official BAMF question catalogue dated 7 May 2025. BAMF