Question 7
For how many years is the Bundestag elected in Germany?
German original: Für wie viele Jahre wird der Bundestag in Deutschland gewählt?. In the test, all questions are asked in German.
Answer options
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 4 years — Correct answer
- 5 years
Explanation
The legislative term of the Bundestag (Federal Parliament) lasts four years (Art. 39 of the Basic Law). The Bundestag cannot dissolve itself; only the Federal President can dissolve it at the request of the Chancellor.
Key terms in this question
- Germany — Germany is a country in central Europe with a parliamentary democracy. It is a member of the European Union and its capital is Berlin.
- Federal Parliament — The Bundestag is the national parliament of Germany, made up of elected representatives. It passes laws and elects the Federal Chancellor.
- many — A word used to describe a large number or quantity of people or things.
- elected — Having been chosen for a position or role through a vote or election. For example, members of parliament are elected by the citizens.
- Federal state — A federal state is one of the 16 regions that together form Germany. Each state has its own government, parliament, and areas of responsibility.
- year — A year is a period of 12 months or 365 days. It is the basic unit used to measure longer periods of time.
- the Federal Government / the Federation — The Federation refers to the central level of government in Germany, as opposed to the individual federal states (Länder). It is responsible for matters that affect the whole country, such as foreign policy or national defense.
- elects / votes for — 'Wählt' is the third person singular of 'wählen' (to elect/vote) and means that someone chooses a person or party through a vote. In a democracy, the people elect their political representatives.