Who Is in the Bundesrat? Germany's Federal Council Explained

You are studying for the German citizenship test. You see the word Bundesrat and are not sure what it means. This article explains who is in the Bundesrat and why it matters for your test.

What Is the Bundesrat?

The Bundesrat is one of Germany's most important political bodies. In English, it is called the Federal Council. It is a constitutional organ (Verfassungsorgan) of Germany. The Basic Law (Grundgesetz, Art. 50) created it.

Other constitutional organs of Germany include:

• The Bundestag (federal parliament)
• The Federal President (Bundespräsident)
• The Federal Government (Bundesregierung)
• The Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht)

The Bürgerversammlung (citizens' assembly) is not a constitutional organ. Remember this fact — it appears directly in the citizenship test.

Who Sits in the Bundesrat?

The Bundesrat is made up of representatives from the 16 state governments (Landesregierungen). This is defined in Art. 51 of the Grundgesetz.

Each German state (Bundesland) sends members of its own government. These are usually state ministers or the Minister-President (Ministerpräsident). Citizens do not vote for them directly for this role. The state government appoints them.

Each state has between 3 and 6 votes in the Bundesrat. The number depends on the state's population (Art. 51 Abs. 2 GG):

• States with fewer than 2 million people: 3 votes
• States with more than 2 million people: 4 votes
• States with more than 6 million people: 5 votes
• States with more than 7 million people: 6 votes

For example, Bremen is a small state. It has 3 votes. North Rhine-Westphalia is the largest state. It has 6 votes.

In total, the Bundesrat has 69 votes.

The Bundesrat and German Legislation

The Bundesrat and the Bundestag both belong to the legislative branch (Legislative) of Germany. Together, they make federal laws. This is important to know for the citizenship test.

Here is how it works:

1. The Bundestag debates and votes on a new law.
2. The law then goes to the Bundesrat.
3. The Bundesrat can approve it, object to it, or — for certain laws — veto it.

Some laws need the Bundesrat's direct consent (Zustimmungsgesetze). These are often laws that affect the states directly. Other laws can pass without Bundesrat approval, but the Bundesrat can raise formal objections (Einspruchsgesetze). The process is defined in Art. 77 GG.

This is how the 16 states participate in making federal law. The Bundesrat gives the states a voice at the national level.

Why State Elections Affect National Politics

Here is something many people find surprising. A government change in one German state can affect national politics.

When a state holds an election, a new state government may form. That government may come from a different political party. The state then sends representatives from that party to the Bundesrat.

If several states change governments, the political balance in the Bundesrat shifts. The federal government may then lose its majority there. When this happens, passing laws becomes harder.

This is why German state elections are watched closely by national politicians. A state election is never just a local event.

Quick Reference: What the Test Asks

Topic	Key Answer
Who forms the Bundesrat?	Representatives of the 16 state governments
What branch do Bundestag and Bundesrat belong to?	The legislative branch (Legislative)
How do states influence federal law?	Through the Bundesrat
Is the Bürgerversammlung a constitutional organ?	No
What happens after a state government changes?	The Bundesrat majority may shift — governing becomes harder

These facts cover BAMF test questions 48, 60, 85, 90, and 91.

Summary

• The Bundesrat is Germany's Federal Council and a constitutional organ.
• It is made up of representatives from the 16 state governments.
• Together with the Bundestag, it forms the legislative branch.
• States use the Bundesrat to participate in making federal laws.
• Shifts in state elections can change the Bundesrat majority — and affect the whole country.

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This article is information, not legal advice.