The Federal Constitutional Court

Learn more about the Federal Constitutional Court’s tasks and status, its structure and its relations to other courts.

  • The court as constitutional organ

    The Federal Constitutional Court is both a constitutional organ and a court. Unlike all other courts in Germany, the Federal Constitutional Court is not subject to administrative supervision by a ministry.

  • Tasks & organisation

    The Federal Constitutional Court is the 'guardian of the Basic Law'. Its duties include providing binding interpretations of the Basic Law and ensuring that fundamental rights are upheld.

  • Types of proceedings

    The Federal Constitutional Court only acts upon application. The Basic Law and the Federal Constitutional Court Act provide for various modes of recourse to the Court.

  • Justices

    The Federal Constitutional Court has 16 Justices. Half of the Justices are elected by the Bundestag, the other half by the Bundesrat, with a two-thirds majority being required in both bodies.

  • International relations

    The Federal Constitutional Court has close ties to constitutional courts in other countries and to international courts.

  • History

    Learn more about the milestones in the Federal Constitutional Court’s history.

  • Building

    Image gallery of the Court’s building complex in Karlsruhe’s Schlossbezirk.

  • Frequently asked questions

    The Federal Constitutional Court answers your questions regarding the Court’s work, its history and building.