Wegweiser Society · Civil rights and participation Deutsch

🏛️ Overview: fundamental rights and participation

What you are allowed to do as a citizen: express opinions, assemble, vote, complain, request information.

fundamental rights Basic Law (Grundgesetz) participation civil rights freedom of expression freedom of assembly right of petition

In brief

The Basic Law (Grundgesetz) protects you. You may express your opinion (Art. 5). You may assemble peacefully (Art. 8). You may turn to authorities and parliaments with requests and complaints (Art. 17).

You can also have a say: through elections, petitions and, in many municipalities, through citizens' petitions for a referendum (Bürgerbegehren). You are entitled to information from authorities and about your own data.

Important: some rights apply to everyone, some only to Germans. The federal states regulate many matters themselves. These pages give an overview. They do not replace advice.

Step by step

  1. Choose a topicLook for the right page, for example elections, demonstrations or data protection.
  2. Consider your federal stateCheck whether state law applies, for example for assemblies, citizens' petitions for a referendum and the police.
  3. Note the deadlinesSome rights expire quickly, for example under the AGG after two months.
  4. Get helpIf in doubt, use the advice page.

Deadlines

no uniform deadline
Each right has its own deadlines. They are given on the individual pages.depending on the law
Watch out – common mistakes
  • Not every fundamental right applies to everyone: the Basic Law names freedom of assembly as a right of all Germans.
  • Rights have limits, for example through criminal laws and the rights of others.
  • State law can differ from federal law.
  • This page is information, not legal advice.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Fundamental rights in the Basic Law

Under Art. 1 para. 3 GG, fundamental rights bind state authority. Relevant for this module: Art. 5 (freedom of expression, information and the press), Art. 8 (freedom of assembly), Art. 17 (right of petition), Art. 38 (right to vote). The provisions were checked in detail on the individual pages.

Sources of law in a multi-level system

The federal government, the states and the EU regulate different areas. Since the federalism reform of 2006, assembly law has been a matter for the states. Data protection law follows the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, DSGVO). Nationality law is federal law (StAG).

Who is responsible
  • Depending on the topic: municipality, district, state, federal government
  • Advice centres: see the page on advice and contact points
Further reading
Right to vote and voting (postal vote, voting age)Advice and contact points

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Overview: fundamental rights and participation“?
What you are allowed to do as a citizen: express opinions, assemble, vote, complain, request information.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
no uniform deadline: Each right has its own deadlines. They are given on the individual pages. (depending on the law)
What should I do first?
  • Choose a topic: Look for the right page, for example elections, demonstrations or data protection.
  • Consider your federal state: Check whether state law applies, for example for assemblies, citizens' petitions for a referendum and the police.
  • Note the deadlines: Some rights expire quickly, for example under the AGG after two months.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • Not every fundamental right applies to everyone: the Basic Law names freedom of assembly as a right of all Germans.
  • Rights have limits, for example through criminal laws and the rights of others.
  • State law can differ from federal law.
Evidence
  • Gesetze im Internet (BMJ), Grundgesetz Art. 1, 5, 8, 17, retrieved 20 September 2026 (individual references on the topic pages)
  • BMI, Versammlungsrecht, retrieved 20 September 2026
  • Bundeswahlleiterin, Informationen, retrieved 20 September 2026
As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.