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GERMANY EXPLAINED

Grundgesetz: What does Germany’s ‘Basic Law’ really mean?

From the ashes of the Nazi defeat, the German 'Basic Law’ came into effect 73 years ago, written to ensure that tyranny or genocide would never destroy the country again.

Published: 20 May 2019 16:14 CEST
Updated: 23 May 2022 17:39 CEST
Grundgesetz: What does Germany's 'Basic Law' really mean?
Photo: DPA

We updated this article on May 23rd 2022.

With the assistance of the Allied powers, West German states – or Bundesländer – formulated das Grundgesetz over a number of conferences in 1948. It fully came into effect on May 23rd, 1949.

While the Grundgesetz  or ‘Basic Law’ was written with the former West Germany foremost in mind, it was also devised to extend to citizens of East Germany, on the other side of the Iron Curtain. In 1990, with the reunification of the country, it was formally adopted by all the states of contemporary Germany.

Despite not having the word ‘Verfassung’ or constitution in it, the Basic Law contains all the features of a constitution and has functioned effectively as one for decades. 

The document opens with a number of important articles, and has 146 in total. 

One of a number of parliamentary meetings in Bonn, capital of former West Germany, on September 9th, 1948, in which the Grundgesetz’ drafting took place. Photo: DPA

First, and the article upon which all others rest, is the following: “Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority.”

Following that are articles that enshrine personal freedoms such as freedom of religion, freedom of expression and equality before the law. Press freedoms are also written into the law, as are freedom of assembly and association.

The right of Germans to resist an elected figure or state authority that insists on violating these constitutional principles is also a core principle of the Grundgesetz, providing that there is no other legal remedy. This also extends to the military – those serving in the Bundeswehr are able to refuse an order if they believe it to be unconstitutional.

These preliminary articles all serve to prevent a repeat of the horrors of the Nazi period. Human rights are placed front and centre – they are considered inviolable, and take precedence over all other constitutional aims.

Two women read Article 6 of the Grundgesetz, which describes state protections for families and children, at the Bundestag in Berlin. Photo: DPA

While most consider the Grundgesetz to have granted more than 70 years of stability, there are some criticisms. Hundreds of amendments have been made since the ratification of the Grundgesetz, and some politicians and organisations have argued that it is still unwieldy in dealing with the specific complexities of the 21st century.

Others believe that the Grundgesetz does a lot to restrict freedom of speech, with its blanket emphasis on preventing speech or publication viewed as unconstitutional. Subjectivity, they say, plays a large role, and the emphasis must no longer be on quashing certain beliefs, but rather examining them.

That said, the Grundgesetz has undeniably contributed to the unprecedented decades of relative peace and prosperity that Germany has enjoyed since 1949.

To learn more about the Grundgesetz, a visit to the Bundestag in Berlin in the spectacularly re-designed Reichstag building is highly recommended.

Otherwise, English copies of the Grundgesetz are available online for those who want to understand how this document helps maintain the environment that allows Germans to prosper to this day.

DISCOVER:

German Bundestag / Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin

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FOOD AND DRINK

‘People are eating less meat’: How Germany is embracing vegan food

Germany's second-largest supermarket chain has just opened its first vegan store in Berlin. Could the country see more vegan stores in future as more consumers buy in to plant-based foods?

Published: 19 April 2024 13:15 CEST
'People are eating less meat': How Germany is embracing vegan food

German grocer REWE opened its first vegan store on Warshauer Bridge in Berlin’s Friedrichshain neighbourhood last week.

‘REWE voll pflanzlich’ (wholly plant-based) is a relatively small store, but it offers more than 2,700 vegan products, according to information provided by the company. Unlike the REWE’s roughly 3,800 other locations, no meat, dairy or other animal products will be sold there.

In comparison, a regular REWE location often carries up to 1,400 vegan items – a selection that has grown in recent years. Milk alternatives and fresh convenience products in particular have proven to be popular items. 

REWE Group has previously seen success with plant-based franchises. Its Austrian subsidiary Billa, launched Billa ‘Pflanzilla‘ in September 2022.

At Warschauer Straße 33, the first ‘REWE voll pflanzlich’ is planted in established vegan territory. The location was previously home to a Veganz store, which had been Europe’s first vegan supermarket chain. Veganz sold its retail business in 2023, saying it planned to focus on product development.

How is the neighbourhood reacting?

Berlin resident, Leona, stopped by the store with her friend on their way to the East Side Gallery.

“I think it’s great,” she told The Local. “Here I can find things that they don’t carry at a normal REWE store.”

She added that the location in Friedrichshain makes sense, because the neighbourhood is home to a lot of vegan restaurants and veggie-friendly residents.

Lilla Fufavi, founder of Berlin Fashion Tours, stopped by the store while leading a street tour focused on sustainable commerce.

Bringing a tour group to REWE was perhaps a bold move, as it was Fufavi’s first time visiting the store herself, but she told The Local that her guests enjoyed the quick stop. 

“They loved the idea that you just go in, and without any effort you can be vegan. There is no other option,” Fufavi said.

She added that, as one of the biggest players in the industry, the fact that REWE is promoting more plant-based options shows how the industry is taking steps toward sustainability. 

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED – Why and how to start a zero-waste lifestyle in Germany

interior REWE voll pflazlich

The new REWE location is relatively small but offers 2,700 vegan foods and products. Photo provided by REWE / pivopix Christoph Grosse

Is Germany ready to leave Die Wurst behind?

Traditional German faire is known for its focus on Fleisch, like sausages,  meaty stews or pork shoulder. While local favourites like Thüringer Bratwurst certainly wont be going anywhere anytime soon, meat consumption per capita in the Bundesrepublik has been falling in recent years. 

According to preliminary data from Germany’s Information Centre for Agriculture (BZL), the per capita consumption of meat fell by 430 grams in 2023, to 51.6 kilograms – the lowest value recorded since the beginning of the survey. 

The same cannot be said of the US, where meat consumption continues to grow. In the UK, meat consumption is falling, but not nearly as dramatically as in Germany.

Interestingly, Germany’s previous fixation on meat has arguably positioned the country to be more willing to embrace plant-based options going forward. 

Many younger Germans have seen their elder relatives suffer diet-related illnesses, such as heart disease or cancer. Meanwhile research confirming the positive effects of more plant-based diets has gotten more attention.

The German society for nutrition (DGE) recommends a diet that consists of three-quarters plant-based foods. 

“Roughly speaking, people eat too much meat and drink too much alcohol, too few whole grains, too few fruits and vegetables, and too few legumes and nuts,” Astrid Donalie, press speaker for the DGE told The Local.

READ ALSO: Deutsche Bahn ‘goes green’ with vegan menu and porcelain coffee cups

Vegan or vegetarian diets tend to be more common among Germany’s younger generations, which suggests that the country’s meat consumption per capita may continue to fall for some time.

Considering the trend, REWE’s first fully vegan store may prove to be an early sign of a looming market shift as Germany’s food manufacturers and retailers ramp up efforts to capitalise on growing demand for plant-based foods.

“When it comes to their diet, Germans pay more attention to their health, the impact on the environment or the welfare of animals,” said Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, of the Greens. “Today, many people are eating less meat, but more consciously – and all the figures suggest that the trend will continue.”

He added that this presents opportunities to make Germany’s food supply chains more sustainable, humane and equitable: “We should take advantage of the new market opportunities. Keeping fewer animals better…At the same time, we are counting on farmers being able to make good money with plant-based alternatives in addition to animal products.”

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