Understand general question 3. Compare the answer choices and learn the German vocabulary that helps you recognise the question on test day. The official examination is in German.
Deutschland ist ein Rechtsstaat. Was ist damit gemeint?
Germany is a state governed by the rule of law. What does that mean?
Alle Einwohnerinnen / Einwohner und der Staat müssen sich an die Gesetze halten.All residents and the state must obey the laws.
Der Staat muss sich nicht an die Gesetze halten.The state does not have to obey the laws.
Nur Deutsche müssen die Gesetze befolgen.Only Germans must obey the laws.
Die Gerichte machen die Gesetze.The courts make the laws.
Correct answer and explanation
A.Alle Einwohnerinnen / Einwohner und der Staat müssen sich an die Gesetze halten.
All residents and the state must obey the laws.
A state governed by the rule of law means that both the people and the state must obey the laws. Government authorities are also not allowed to simply act against the law.
How to recognise the correct answer
Notice the words “and the state” in the correct answer. Public authorities also have to act within the law. Article 20(3) of the Basic Law sets out the legal constraints on the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
These study pages use the same question dataset as the EBTest app, based on the BAMF catalogue dated 7 May 2025. Translations, study categories and explanations are independent learning aids, not official BAMF material. Check the BAMF for current information. Practice results are not official certificates.
