German Society Values: What Newcomers Should Know

Moving to a new country means learning new rules — and new values. If you want to build a life in Germany, or become a German citizen, understanding German values is essential. This article explains what those values are and why they matter.

The Basic Law: The Foundation of Everything

German society is built on the Grundgesetz (Basic Law). Germany created this constitution in 1949, after World War II. It was designed to prevent another dictatorship.

The first article says: "Human dignity shall be inviolable." (Art. 1 GG). Every person in Germany has the right to be treated with respect. No law can remove this right.

Other key rights include:

• Freedom of speech (Art. 5 GG)
• Freedom of religion (Art. 4 GG)
• Equal treatment under the law (Art. 3 GG)
• The right to a fair legal process

These rights apply to everyone in Germany — not only German citizens.

BAMF test question 10: This question asks what is compatible with the German Basic Law. The correct answer is a monetary fine (Geldstrafe). Corporal punishment, for example, is not compatible with the constitution.

Democracy: Government by the People

Germany is a parliamentary democracy. Citizens elect representatives to the Bundestag — the federal parliament in Berlin. The Bundestag passes laws and controls the government.

Political parties represent different views. They form factions (Fraktionen) in parliament.

BAMF test question 73: This question asks about the two largest factions in the Bundestag. At present, these are CDU/CSU and AfD.

Democracy in Germany also means participation beyond voting. People can join parties, sign petitions, or take part in public meetings. Civic engagement is seen as a responsibility.

The German system also protects itself. The constitution allows parties to be banned if they work against the democratic order (Art. 21 GG). This rule came directly from Germany's experience with National Socialism.

Learning from History: Responsibility and Memory

Germany faced a dark period from 1933 to 1945 under National Socialism. Millions of people were killed — Jews, Roma, people with disabilities, political opponents, and others.

Today, this history is central to German identity. Germany actively remembers the victims. Schools teach about this period. Public memorials exist across the country.

BAMF test question 206: This question asks about Stolpersteine. These are small brass plaques set into the ground in German cities and towns. Each one marks the last known address of a victim of National Socialism. They serve as a reminder of the people who were killed.

You will find Stolpersteine in almost every German city. When you see them, you understand something important: German society does not forget.

This commitment to memory shapes current values. Antisemitism and racism are strongly rejected. Hate speech laws exist to protect minorities.

National Symbols and Key Historical Moments

Knowing German symbols and history helps you understand the society.

The Bundesadler (Federal Eagle) is one of Germany's most important symbols. It appears on official documents, euro coins, and inside government buildings.

BAMF test question 216: This question asks what symbol you can see in the plenary hall of the Bundestag. The answer is the Bundesadler.

Germany also has important recent history. After World War II, Germany was divided into two countries — West Germany and East Germany. They were reunited on October 3, 1990. This day is now a national holiday: Tag der Deutschen Einheit (Day of German Unity).

BAMF test question 215: This question asks who is called the "Chancellor of German Unity." The answer is Helmut Kohl — the Chancellor when reunification happened in 1990.

Social Values in Everyday Life

German society values more than just laws. There are everyday principles that shape how people interact.

Equality Between Men and Women

Germany has strong legal protections for gender equality (Art. 3 GG). Men and women have the same rights in work, marriage, and public life.

Environmental Responsibility

Germans take environmental protection seriously. Recycling is a normal part of daily life. Germany has strict rules about waste separation. Many people choose public transport or cycling over driving.

The Rule of Law

In Germany, everyone must follow the law — including politicians and the government. Courts are independent. No person is above the law. This principle is called the Rechtsstaat (rule of law).

Social Welfare

Germany has a strong social welfare system. If you lose your job, you can receive unemployment support. There is public health insurance for most people. A pension system supports retired workers.

Freedom of Religion

You can practice your religion freely in Germany. The state does not favor any religion. Schools do not require religious participation.

What These Values Mean for Citizenship

If you want to become a German citizen, you must accept these values. The naturalization law (§ 10 StAG) requires applicants to commit to the free democratic basic order. This includes respecting human dignity, accepting gender equality, and rejecting violence.

Understanding these values is also part of the Leben in Deutschland test — required for most naturalization applications. It contains 33 questions drawn from a pool of 460.

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Are you ready for the test? Practice all 460 questions with explanations in your language — including questions 10, 73, 206, 215, and 216 from this article.

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This article is for information purposes only, not legal advice.