German Politics: Elections & Voting In Germany | Meet the Germans

With the German election just around the corner and Angela Merkel's time in office coming to an end, Rachel finds out more about how federal elections in Germany actually work. Who can vote? How are parliamentary seats shared out? And what do German people think about coalition governments?

Rachel moved from the UK to Germany in 2016. As a relative newcomer she casts a fresh eye over German clichés and shares her experiences of settling into German life. Every few weeks she explores a new topic – from youth culture to environmentalism or quirks of the German language. This week: It's time for a deep dive into German politics.

#GermanElection #MeettheGermans
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[dweuromaxx]

What do you think about the electoral system in Germany?

[darylmckay]

New Zealand adopted German Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP) from the 1996 election and it's brought stability, more community representation from diverse groups and stopped one party having unfettered control of parliament. Thanks Germany 🇩🇪 🙏

[Flitzpiepe]

Rachel is the only person I like to explain my country to me!

[wallykaspars]

Excellent presentation of German elections. I am American and like the idea of multiple parties, and coalitions, instead of two parties who spend so much time and energy to crap on each other.

[Kevin]

As an American it's just surreal to see a government that actually functions.

[Alex-lmgh]

The system is amazing. It is not as complicated as it sounds. It means stability and balance of power. I appreciate this system.

[ardiris]

I first learned about Germany's form of government in the late 70s. I thought then and I still think it is so much more sane than what we have in the US.

[rishav_killerx]

Ratchel is Backk...The best of the Best

[XEinstein]

It's the same system as we have here in the Netherlands. I think what is missing is a second round of votes a month or two after the first votes where the people get to vote between two or maybe three coalitions. Give the politicians these two months to form two or three different coalitions and then let the people decide which coalition they want to have.

[veranicus]

Wow a video about politics wich is respecful and doesn't turn into a shitshow.
Rachel is back in town. Much apreciated thx. ❤

[Pewtah]

Good video. I'd like to add that in Germany after the people have elected the parliament, the parliament elects the president of the Bundestag (Bundestagspräsident:in) during the constituent session. It is also the Bundestag which elects the chancellor. The chancellor candidate must gain the absolute majority of the Bundestag members.

[EduSaav]

another small detail to add is that some party dont even need to overcome the 5% mark. Those are partys that represent minoritys in Germany like the SSW which represent Dänes in Schleswig-Holstein.

[NicMediaDesign]

Rachel has such an awesome accent - love her 'meet the Germans' series!

[sparrowgab]

I loved the editing on this video. Also, it's great to have you back :)

[KaushikDatye]

Wie immer, Rachel macht es sehr interessant. Danke für die info-tainment

[joebarrera]

Your explanation of the first and second votes was very helpful. Vielen Dank!

[jillwheeler]

A very complex system, will watch again. Thank you for the break down. Your reporting and coverage is excellent.👍🏼

[peterhomann]

As a German who lives in the US I watch merely for amusement American "explanations" of the German electoral system. Most of the time these programs are totally off the mark, struggle with the more than 2 parties / 5% hurdle and totally collapse when attempting to explain coalitions. Nobody (and I mean nobody) ever got the Erststimme and Zweitstimme correct.
This was the first time where I find a good explanation (including Erst- und Zweitstimme), an attempt to stay politically neutral and as far as I can see is easy to understand and factually correct.
I disagree with 2 statements from interviewees: The individual candidate is by far less important than the party and the lady who laments that the strongest party may not be in government merely presents a hypothetical, this has never happened. But even if it did: the very fact that Germans vote a program rather than a candidate makes her argument a non issue. If I am a SPD (likely to be come the strongest party) supporter I might vote "Die Linke" because I want more progressive politics in a coalition than traditional SPD politics or I may vote for "Die Gruenen / Buendnis 90" if I want more environmental protection.
The German system simply allows every voter many options, tactics and opportunities to influence the composition of the final government.

[MacLiam]

Really good video, from what's described it very similar to the way the Scottish Parliament & Welsh Assembly in the UK are elected!
I'm in Ireland so it's the system of Proportional Representation using the Single Transferable Vote in Multi Seat Constituencies, so on the ballot paper you do a ranked choice of preference from 1, 2, 3 onwards.

[konigschwarz]

Thank you for making it easier to “verstehen.”