Basic Rights in the Basic Law of Germany (Grundgesetz)

Article 1 GG states:
The dignity of man is inviolable. Respecting and protecting it is the duty of all state authority.
Human dignity is the core of the Basic Law and is considered untouchable.
This means every person must be respected and protected, regardless of origin, appearance, religion or other characteristics.
The state is obligated to respect and protect the dignity of all people.
Examples in everyday life:
- No one may be humiliated or tortured.
- People with disabilities must have barrier-free access to public buildings so their dignity is preserved and they can participate in social life.
- Children must be protected from violence and exploitation, so their personal rights are respected.
- Elderly people have a right to dignified treatment, e.g. in care homes, independent of their physical or mental condition.
⚙ menschenwurde

Everyone has the right to freely develop their personality provided they do not violate the rights of others or act against the constitutional order or moral law.
Simply put: Everyone may live and be as they wish, but they must not harm others or break the rules for living together peacefully. For example, one may not physically harm others and everyone is free to move and make their own choices.
Meaning:
Everyone can decide how to live, which work to do or which hobbies to pursue.
Examples in everyday life:
- You can move wherever you like, without the state stopping you. For example, you may go to the cinema or visit friends in your free time as long as you don’t harm anyone.
- You can choose which clothes to wear, whether colorful, simple or flashy, as long as you don’t insult anyone or disturb the order.
- You can freely express your opinion, for example in a conversation or on social media, as long as you respect the rights of others and don’t insult anyone.
⚙ freiheitsrechte

All people are equal before the law.
This means no person may be discriminated against or favored because of their gender (whether male or female), ancestry, race, language, homeland and origin, faith, religious or political belief.
Examples in everyday life:
- Men and women must have the same chances at a job given equal qualifications.
- People of different origins may not be disadvantaged when searching for a home.
- Children of various religious affiliations have the right to attend the same school.
⚙ gleichheit

Freedom of faith, of conscience and freedom to profess a religious or ideological belief are inviolable.
The Basic Law protects the freedom of faith, conscience and religious and ideological profession. Everyone may freely choose, practice and change their religion.
Examples in everyday life:
- Pupils are allowed to wear religious symbols or attend religious festivals. No one can be forced to participate in religious acts.
- Employees can observe prayer times during breaks, as long as work is not disrupted.
- In public schools, religious education is voluntary; alternatively, ethics can be chosen.
⚙ glauben

Everyone has the right to freely express and disseminate their opinion in speech, writing and pictures and to inform themselves from generally accessible sources without hindrance.
Everyone has the right to freely express and disseminate their opinion in speech, writing and pictures. This also includes press and information freedom. But there are limits, for example to protect youth and personal honor.
Examples in everyday life:
- You can write a reader’s letter to the newspaper or express your opinion on political topics via social media.
- You are allowed to hold up a sign expressing your opinion at a demonstration.
- You can write a blog post sharing your views on current societal developments.
⚙ meinung

Marriage and family are under the special protection of the state order.
This article states that families are very important to the state and receive special protection.
Parents may raise their children – that is their right and duty. The state, however, ensures that children are well cared for. If parents cannot care for their children or the children are suffering, the state may intervene and separate children from parents – but only if there is a law for it.
Mothers receive help from the state. And children have the same rights, whether their parents are married or not.
Examples in everyday life:
- Parents in difficult situations may apply for state support, e.g. parental allowance or child benefit.
- If children are in danger, the youth welfare office can intervene and help.
- Children whose parents are not married receive the same rights as other children.
⚙ schutz

The entire school system is under the supervision of the state.
This article regulates how schools should operate in Germany:
- The state supervises schools: It ensures every school offers good quality and all children can learn well.
- Religious education: Parents may decide whether their children attend religious education. Religious education is a regular subject in public schools, but no one is forced to participate or teach it.
- Private schools are permitted: Private schools may be founded but must be as good as public schools and meet certain rules.
Examples in everyday life:
- In a primary school, the school authority regularly checks if the teachers work well and pupils learn sufficiently.
- A pupil doesn’t want to attend Catholic religious education. Her parents decide she takes ethics instead.
- A group of parents sets up a new private school. The school needs official approval and qualified teachers.
⚙ schulwesen

All Germans have the right to assemble peacefully and unarmed without registration or permission.
This right is especially important for democratic participation, protests and demonstrations. Restrictions are possible only for violations of specific laws.
Examples in everyday life:
- Participation in a protest against a building project is protected by Art. 8 GG.
- Visiting a memorial together with other people to take a stand against war.
- Organizing a peaceful demonstration to support equality and women.
⚙ versammlung

All Germans have the right to form associations and societies.
Everyone in Germany is entitled to establish an association or join one. Whether sports, music, political goals or climate action – as long as it’s lawful and for a common aim.
That means: If you and your friends wish to set up a football club or a band, you may do so. No one may prohibit it as long as you comply with the law.
Examples in everyday life:
- Pupils set up a school first-aid service as an association.
- A group of young people forms an animal protection association to help animals in their city.
- Adults cooperate to form a carnival club and organize festivals.
⚙ vereinigung

The secrecy of mail as well as the secrecy of post and telecommunications is inviolable.
The secrecy of mail, post and telecommunications guarantees that communication is protected from state access.
Letters and messages may not simply be opened or read by authorities.
Examples in everyday life:
- Your emails, texts or letters may not be read by third parties without a court order.
- Parcels you order may not be opened by postal workers before they reach you.
- Telephone calls may only be tapped if a judge has issued an order.
⚙ geheimnis