The Basic Law: your fundamental rights

The Grundgesetz has been Germany’s constitution since 1949. Article 1: "Human dignity is inviolable". These are not pretty words: any law violating rights gets struck down by court. Main rights: freedom of speech, assembly, religion, equality of sexes, protection from discrimination (AGG), inviolability of the home. Duties: Schulpflicht (school is compulsory), taxes, respecting others’ rights.

• ●Demonstration right: protests are allowed — registration 48 h ahead, not permission
• ●Data protection: your data is yours, GDPR fines firms for leaks
• ●Religious freedom: believe or not — your business, the employer does not ask