Germany · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Germany, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- Grundgesetz
- Supreme constitutional norm.
- EU law
- Directly applicable and, in its field, takes precedence.
- Federal codes and statutes
- BGB, StGB, HGB, ZPO, StPO, AO and more.
- Länder law
- Education, policing, culture and municipal matters.
- Ordinances
- Rechtsverordnungen issued under statutory authorisation.
The legislative process
Bills originate with the government, Bundestag or Bundesrat, pass three readings in the Bundestag, then require Bundesrat consent or non-objection; a mediation committee resolves deadlock.
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