Federal elections
Federal Election 2025: Everything You Need to Know
On February 23, 2025, the next federal election will take place. On this day, eligible voters in Germany will decide on the composition of the German Bundestag and thus also on the future political direction of the country. The election is a central component of our democracy – make sure to use your vote!
Voting Eligibility: Who is Allowed to Vote?
Eligible to vote are all German citizens who are at least 18 years old on election day. In addition to the right to vote, you also have the opportunity to run for the German Bundestag.
Voter notification and voting options
Several weeks before the election, all eligible voters will receive a voter notification by mail. This will inform you about:
- The location of your polling place
- Your option to vote by mail
Vote by Mail: If you are unable to vote on Election Day or prefer to cast your ballot from home, you can apply for a mail-in ballot. Information regarding this can be found on your voter notification.
Voting at the Polls: Alternatively, you can vote in person at your polling place on February 23. Please bring your voter notification and a valid ID with you.
This is how voting works
In the federal election, you have two votes:
First vote: With this, you select a candidate from your electoral district. The winner of the district receives a direct mandate and enters the Bundestag directly.
Second vote: With the second vote, you determine the percentage of seats each party will receive in the Bundestag.
The electoral system: Personalized proportional representation
The electoral system of the federal election combines elements of majority and proportional representation:
First vote: The candidate with the most votes in the electoral district wins the direct mandate.
Second vote: This determines the distribution of seats in the Bundestag among the parties.
Five percent hurdle and state lists
- Five Percent Threshold: Only parties that receive at least 5% of the second votes nationwide or win a direct mandate in at least three electoral districts can enter the Bundestag.
- State Lists: Each party prepares a list of candidates in each federal state. After the distribution of seats, direct mandates are allocated first, and the remaining seats are filled with candidates from the state lists.
After the election: formation of the government and election of the Chancellor
After the election, the process of forming a government begins. A governing majority in the Bundestag requires more than half of the seats.
- If no party achieves an absolute majority, multiple parties join together to form a coalition. The goals and agreements of this coalition are outlined in a coalition agreement.
- Finally, the Bundestag elects the Federal Chancellor in a secret ballot.
The importance of your voice
The federal election is one of the most important opportunities to influence Germany’s political future. With your vote, you shape the composition of the Bundestag, the government and the political direction of the country.
Use your democratic right – find out more, make your choice and take an active part in shaping our society. Democracy thrives on your participation!
Information for first-time voters
Voting for the first time: Your guide to the 2025 federal election
Voting for the first time? Congratulations! Your vote matters, and with it, you can actively shape Germany’s political future. Here’s a quick overview to help you prepare for the federal election:
- Election notification: A few weeks before the election, you will receive your election notification. Keep it safe, as it contains important information, such as the location of your polling station.
- Voting options: You can either vote in person on election day or vote by mail. Voting by mail is especially convenient if you’re traveling or unable to attend in person.
- First and second votes: With your first vote, you select a candidate from your electoral district. With your second vote, you decide which party will receive seats in the Bundestag.
- Preparation: Take time to learn about the party platforms and candidates in your district beforehand. Making an informed decision makes voting even more rewarding.
The federal election is your chance to make an impact. Cast your vote and be a part of democracy!
Step-by-step instructions for postal voting
Postal voting made easy: This is how it works
Voting by mail is a convenient way to cast your vote in the federal election. Here’s how it works:
- Receive your election notification: Your election notification includes information on how to request your postal voting documents.
- Request postal voting documents: You can request the documents online, by mail, or in person at your local municipal office. Be sure to pay attention to the deadlines!
- Complete the postal voting documents: You will receive a ballot paper, a voting certificate, and two envelopes. Carefully fill out the ballot and place it in the designated envelope.
- Send it back: Return your documents on time. Use the prepaid return envelope to ensure your vote is counted.
Postal voting offers flexibility and security. Take advantage of this option to cast your vote, even if you’re unable to attend on election day.
The importance of the second voice
The second voice: Why it is so important
While the first vote decides on the direct candidate in your constituency, the second vote has a decisive influence on the political composition of the Bundestag.
With the second vote you determine the percentage of seats that each party receives. The parties draw up lists of candidates in each federal state (state lists), from which the representatives are elected according to the second vote results.
The second vote decides which party has how much influence in the Bundestag. A conscious choice of the second vote is therefore essential for the political direction of the next federal government.
How is a coalition agreement created?
Coalition negotiations: The path to the coalition agreement
After the federal election, the process of forming a government begins. If no party achieves an absolute majority, parties negotiate to form a governing majority.
- Exploratory talks: Parties assess whether they can collaborate on policy matters.
- Coalition negotiations: Once potential partners are identified, intensive negotiations begin. These focus on compromises and defining common goals.
- The coalition agreement: The results of the negotiations are documented in a written agreement. This outlines the government’s policy guidelines for the upcoming legislative period.
The coalition agreement serves as the foundation for the new government’s work and demonstrates how diverse interests can be united.
Why is voting important?
Your vote counts! Why you should choose
The federal election is one of the most important democratic events in Germany. With your vote you decide on the composition of parliament and the future government.
Voting is not only a right, but also a responsibility. It allows you to bring your values and opinions into politics and influence the future of the country. Every vote counts – take advantage of this opportunity!
Accessibility in the federal election
Choose barrier-free: Here's how
The federal election is accessible to all citizens. Various measures are in place to support people with disabilities or special needs:
- Accessible polling stations: Many polling stations are wheelchair-friendly.
- Aids: Tactile ballot templates make it easier for visually impaired individuals to cast their votes.
- Assistance: You can bring a trusted person to assist you.
Contact your local municipal office to learn about additional options to ensure you can exercise your right to vote without barriers.
How can you get political information?
Well-informed choice: tips and sources
An informed decision starts with good information. Make use of the following resources:
- Party platforms: Read what the parties stand for.
- Vote Compass: A helpful tool that shows you which party aligns with your beliefs.
- Debates and media coverage: Follow political discussions in the media.
- Direct contact: Attend events or reach out to candidates in your electoral district.
The better informed you are, the more conscious and confident your vote will be.
Background knowledge on the history of the federal election
The Origins of the Federal Election: Democracy in the Young Federal Republic
The first federal election took place on August 14, 1949 – just a few months after the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany. It marked the beginning of parliamentary democracy in Germany after World War II and was an important step towards the political stability of the country. At that time, 12 parties participated, and voter turnout was an impressive 78.5%. Konrad Adenauer, the leading candidate of the CDU, was elected as the first Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic.
The Electoral System: From Majority Voting to Personalized Proportional Representation
The German electoral system is a combination of majority and proportional voting, known as the personalized proportional representation system. This model was introduced to achieve two goals:
- Ensuring regional representation: The first vote ensures that each region is represented in the Bundestag.
- Maintaining proportionality: The second vote reflects a fair proportion of seats for the parties in parliament.
This system has proven effective since 1949 and has been adjusted several times to meet constitutional requirements, such as the introduction of compensatory mandates to balance out overhang mandates.
The Development of the Five Percent Threshold
The so-called five percent threshold was introduced to prevent the fragmentation of parliament and enable stable government formation. This rule states that only parties that receive at least 5% of the second votes or win three direct mandates can enter the Bundestag.
- 1953: Introduction of the five percent threshold at the federal level
- 1983: Discussions about its constitutionality, which were confirmed by the Federal Constitutional Court
Milestones of the Federal Elections
- 1949: First federal election – Konrad Adenauer becomes the first Federal Chancellor.
- 1957: Introduction of the absolute majority by the CDU/CSU – a unique event.
- 1972: Highest voter turnout with 91.1% under Willy Brandt.
- 1990: First all-German federal election after reunification.
- 2005: Introduction of the new electoral law with overhang and compensatory mandates.
Voter Turnout: A Reflection of Society
Voter turnout is an indicator of the population’s trust in democracy. While it was typically over 80% in the 1950s and 1960s, it has fluctuated in recent decades.
- 1998: With 82.2%, one of the highest voter turnouts in recent history, when Gerhard Schröder won the election.
- 2009: With 70.8%, the lowest voter turnout to date – a wake-up call for politics.
Efforts to increase voter turnout today include informational campaigns, simplified voting procedures such as postal voting, and targeted outreach to young voters.
Women’s Right to Vote: A Milestone in Democracy
With the adoption of the Basic Law, women’s active and passive voting rights were firmly established. Although women already had the right to vote during the Weimar Republic, it was only in the Federal Republic that they could fully exercise it in a stable democratic environment. Today, women are represented in all parties and parliaments, although their participation still needs to be further encouraged.
The Role of the Federal Election in an International Context
The federal election is not only significant nationally but also has international influence. As a leading economic and political power in Europe, the government formation in Germany is closely observed by many countries. The composition of the Bundestag affects:
- EU policy
- International trade agreements
- Germany’s role in global security and climate politics
Digital Developments and the Future of the Federal Election
In recent decades, digitalization has also changed the federal election. From online election aids like the Vote Compass to discussions about electronic voting, new technologies are being used to make the election process more transparent and accessible. At the same time, there are challenges in the areas of data security and protection against disinformation.
A Symbol of Democracy
The history of the federal election reflects the democratic development of Germany. From the first election in 1949 to today, it represents the commitment of citizens to actively shape the country’s future. Every election is not only an obligation but also an opportunity to set the political course for the years to come.
Frequently asked questions about the federal election
What should I do if I lose my voting notification?
No worries! You can still choose. Simply bring your ID card or passport to the polling station.
Can I vote by post without postal voting documents?
No. Apply for your postal voting documents from your municipality in good time.
How long does the vote counting take?
The first results will be published on election evening, with the final numbers following in the days afterwards.
Can I take photos at the polling station?
No. For privacy and security reasons, photos or videos are not permitted at the polling station.
What is the difference between the first and second votes? The first vote is used to elect a direct candidate from your constituency. The candidate with the most votes wins the direct mandate and enters the Bundestag directly.
With the second vote, you vote for a party. This vote decides how many seats each party will have in the Bundestag and is therefore often more important for the composition of parliament.Can I vote without a voter notification? Yes, this is possible. You can vote on election day even without the voter notification, as long as you are registered in the voter list. Simply bring your ID card or passport and go to your designated polling station.
When and how do I apply for absentee voting? You can apply for absentee voting as soon as you receive your voter notification. This can be done online, in writing, or in person at your local municipality office. The application should be submitted early to ensure your vote arrives on time.
Can I have someone else cast my vote? No, proxy voting is not allowed. Each eligible voter must cast their vote themselves. However, for absentee voting, it is possible to authorize another person to apply on your behalf with a power of attorney.
What happens if I fill out my ballot incorrectly? If you make a mistake or write something incorrectly on your ballot in the polling station, you can request a new ballot. However, this is only possible before you cast your vote. For absentee voting, be extra careful, as corrections are not possible once the ballot has been sent.
Can I receive help in the polling station? Yes, if you need assistance, you can bring an accompanying person. This person may assist you technically, such as folding the ballot, but cannot influence your voting decision.
What happens if I don’t vote? Not voting has no legal consequences, but it means you haven’t used your vote to influence the political direction of the country. Every vote counts to ensure a representative decision in the Bundestag.
Can I vote if I live abroad? Yes, German citizens living abroad can participate in the Bundestag election, as long as they are registered in the voter list. You must submit an application and request the necessary documents in time.
How are the votes counted? The counting begins immediately after the polling stations close at 6:00 p.m. Election workers first count the first votes and then the second votes. Preliminary results are announced on the election night, and the final results follow in the days afterward.
How does the Wahl-O-Mat work? The Wahl-O-Mat is an online tool that helps you find the party closest to your political beliefs. You answer a series of questions on political issues, and the tool compares your answers with the party programs.
What if I become ill on election day? If you become ill shortly before the election and cannot go to the polling station, you have the option to apply for absentee voting documents on the same day. Contact your election office for assistance.
Can I participate in the Bundestag election as an EU citizen? No, only German citizens can vote in the Bundestag election. However, EU citizens have the right to participate in municipal and European elections in Germany.
Are there sanctions for parties that do not meet the 5% threshold? No, parties that receive less than 5% of the second votes will simply not enter the Bundestag. However, they can remain politically active in other contexts and participate in future elections.
Why is the Bundestag election always on a Sunday? The election is traditionally held on a Sunday or public holiday to allow as many citizens as possible to participate. The free day ensures that work or school obligations do not interfere with voter turnout.
This is correct! Following the electoral reform passed in 2023, which will apply to the 2025 Bundestag election, there will be no more overhang and compensatory mandates. Here’s an updated explanation of the changes:
Electoral law reform 2023: What has changed?
The 2023 electoral law reform aims to limit the size of the German Bundestag and make the distribution of seats clearer. So far, overhang and compensation mandates have resulted in the Bundestag becoming ever larger. The reform introduced the following changes:
1. No more overhang mandates
Overhang mandates arise when a party wins more direct mandates in a federal state than it is entitled to in percentage terms from the second votes. These will no longer be awarded in the future.
2. Direct mandates only with sufficient second votes
A direct mandate is only awarded if the party receives enough second votes nationwide to mathematically justify the seat. Direct candidates who receive the most votes in the constituency, but whose party does not have enough second votes, no longer enter the Bundestag.
3. Limiting the size of the Bundestag
In the future, the Bundestag will be limited to 630 members in order to avoid over-expansion. This number consists of the directly elected representatives and the candidates from the state lists of the parties.
How does the reform affect the election?
The reform makes the second vote even more important, as it determines the distribution of seats. However, the first vote remains relevant because it directly decides on local constituency representation – but only if the party receives enough second votes overall.
This change will make the electoral system simpler and more transparent, and the size of the Bundestag will remain stable in the future.
If you would like more details about electoral law reform or its effects, I would be happy to provide further explanations! 😊