How Germany’s election works

Germans cast two votes in a system that combines both direct and proportional representation – a direct vote for a constituency candidate and a second party vote to determine the distribution of seats


First vote: Directly elects local candidate in Germany’s 299 constituencies – follows first-past-the-post system.
These seats are guaranteed

Second vote: Goes to political party. Vote is based on proportional representation

Two votes per ballot

Split votes: There are 598 base seats in Bundestag. If voters pick candidate from one political party in first vote and different party in second vote – extra overhang and balance seats are created to ensure that no party receives fewer than its guaranteed minimum number of seats. Outgoing Bundestag has 709 seats

Five percent hurdle: To enter Bundestag, parties must win at least 5% of second vote – has served to keep far-right National Democratic Party (NPD) out of parliament

Coalition: Party with most seats forms majority by striking deals with other parties.
Polls suggest three parties could win enough seats to lead coalition.
Once coalition agenda is agreed, Bundestag elects chancellor

Current parliamentary groups in Bundestag


Sources: Deutscher Bundestag, Deutsche Welle 
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