The Legal System and Laws of Germany Quiz

Answer: Civil Law

Germany follows the civil law system. In the civil law system, the legal principles, rules and regulations are codified and those codes become the main source of law and are the basis on which courts decide various issues. The statutory law is considered to be more significant and case law is considered to be less significant in deciding cases. Further, in the civil law system the legal codes are brief and of a general nature, while statutory laws clearly state the principles and rules in a detailed manner and are usually very long.

Answer: The Constitution

The Constitution is the "Basic Law" of Germany. The present constitution of Germany came into force in 1949. It is based, to some extent on the constitution of the Weimar Republic but it clearly states the principles on the basis of which the Federal Republic of Germany will be governed such as democracy, republicanism, federalism and also clearly explains the rights and duties of its citizens and the powers and functions of various political institutions.

It also provides for separation of the legislature, executive and judiciary.

Answer: Citizens of countries which are members of the European Union and citizens of Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland don't require visas to visit or live in Germany without a visa while citizens of other countries require some type of visa.

People who are citizens of countries which are members of the European Union can visit or live in Germany without a visa. Thus, citizens of countries such as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom and other European Union member states can legally live in Germany without a visa.

In addition to the above mentioned countries, citizens of Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland can also live in Germany without a visa. But citizens of other countries need visas depending on the duration and purpose of their stay in Germany.

These are countries like Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, USA and several others. Finally, there are countries such as Philippines, Ghana, Kenya and others, whose citizens require visas for all purposes.

Answer: Right side of the road

In Germany, drivers drive their vehicles on the right side of the road. The rule of driving on the right side of the road has been followed in Germany ever since Napoleon's conquests.

Answer: Between 14 and 18 years of age

In Germany, a person must be at least 14 years of age in order to consume certain types of alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine and must be accompanied by a guardian and at least 18 years of age to consume all types of alcoholic drinks without being accompanied by a guardian.

Answer: The Inquisitorial System

In Germany, the Inquisitorial system is followed to decide a case. Germany is a country which follows the civil law system, and hence there the Inquisitorial system is followed to arrive at a decision. In this system, the law courts are actively involved or actively participate in the investigation of a case which is brought to them.

For example, The judges investigate only serious crimes and question witnesses and interrogates suspects, and gathers the facts of the case. The decisions of a judge can be appealed. Most of the other crimes are investigated by the police and other law enforcement agencies.

The public procurator is the officer who conducts the investigation and prosecution of crimes.

Answer: 15

In Germany, individuals must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B (standard) driving license, which allows them to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tons. To obtain a driving license, individuals must pass both a written and a practical driving test, and must hold a valid learner's permit for at least six months.

Answer: Constitutional courts, administrative courts, labour courts, social courts and fiscal courts

There are five types of specialized courts in the German judicial system. These are : constitutional courts, administrative courts, labour courts, social courts and fiscal courts. Each of them decide cases which are related to their specialization. They are organized on a hierarchical basis.

Answer: Civil marriage

Only civil wedding ceremonies are legally recognized in Germany and a couple who intends to get married in Germany must get married in a registry office and complete all the legal requirements. A marriage will be considered to be a legal marriage only after the couple has attended the civil wedding ceremony.

After this, the couple is allowed to hold a religious wedding ceremony if they want to.

Answer: A person must register his or her residence at the residency office after finding accomodation

A special feature of German residency law is that everyone who is moving to Germany from their home country is required to register himself or herself with the residency office of the place he or she is living in. This requirement has to be fulfilled after finding a place to stay in the city where the person has decided to stay.