Civic participation in Germany

How public life works in Germany, and how to take part in it lawfully and safely.

Level

Foundations

Who it is for

Residents of Germany of every status, especially newcomers and young people.

Format

Online, self-paced, with optional Chapter discussion sessions.

About 10 hours. Hours are an estimate.

What you will be able to do

• Explain how government, parliament and local councils work in Germany.
• Know which rights depend on citizenship, residence or neither.
• Take part in consultations, local councils and civil society.
• Tell non-partisan civic participation apart from party campaigning.

Modules

1. The state and its levels. Federation, Länder and municipalities.
2. Rights and duties. What the law guarantees, and to whom.
3. Voting and elections. Who can vote in which elections, and how. Information only, never advice on how to vote.
4. Local councils and consultations. Where most decisions that touch daily life are made.
5. Civil society and associations. Founding, joining and running an association lawfully.
6. Speaking up safely. Petitions, media and meetings, with protection from intimidation.

Assessment

A short guide to your own municipality, written for a newcomer.

Status

Draft outline for scholarly review. The lessons, readings and questions are in preparation. Completion is recorded; nothing is accredited.

This course is shared by IDCDC and KCO. Course codes: IDCDC-CIV-08 (IDCDC) and KCO-CIV-07 (KCO).