#70Der deutsche Bundespräsident Gustav Heinemann gibt Helmut Schmidt 1974 die Ernennungsurkunde zum deutschen Bundeskanzler. Was gehört zu den Aufgaben des deutschen Bundespräsidenten?
The German Federal President Gustav Heinemann presents the appointment certificate to Helmut Schmidt in 1974 as the German Chancellor. What are the tasks of the German Federal President?
Quick Controls
The correct answer is:
He / She proposes the Chancellor for election.
Er / Sie schlägt den Kanzler / die Kanzlerin zur Wahl vor.
Independent study resource, not a BAMF website. Translations are study aids; the exam is in German.
Quick explanation
The Federal President proposes the Chancellor to the Bundestag for election.
Why is this correct?
This is set out in Article 63 of the Basic Law; the Bundestag then holds the vote.
Background
The photo shows Federal President Gustav Heinemann handing Helmut Schmidt his certificate of appointment as Federal Chancellor in 1974. After a federal election, the Federal President – usually after talks with the parties – proposes a person to the Bundestag for election as Chancellor. Once elected, the President appoints them. Other tasks of the Federal President: signing laws, appointing and dismissing ministers, representing Germany under international law and receiving state guests.
Why are the other answers wrong?
The Federal Chancellor and the ministers run the government, not the Federal President. Scrutinising the governing party is mainly the job of parliament and the opposition. The Chancellor selects the ministers; the President only formally appoints them.
Memory tip
The President proposes and appoints – the Chancellor governs.
Legal basis: Art. 63 Basic Law (GG) ↗
Leben in Deutschland © 2026