Role and Functions
One section of the Basic Law is devoted to the role of the Federal President. Yet his responsibilities at home and abroad are much more extensive.
Role in the state
The Basic Law, Germany’s constitution, devotes an entire chapter to the Federal President. Besides the tasks and powers outlined in this section, others are described elsewhere in the constitution or in other laws, and still more have simply become established over time.
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Work in Germany
A glance at the diary shows the vast spectrum of tasks of the Federal President at home. Alongside the "official" functions laid down in the Basic Law, there are tasks incumbent upon the Federal President which could be grouped under the title of "representing the state" of which he is the living symbol.
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Role in the international arena
Under Article 59 (1) of the Basic Law, the Federal President represents the Federal Republic of Germany in matters of international law, concludes treaties with foreign states on its behalf, accredits German diplomats posted abroad and receives all foreign ambassadors to Germany.
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Honours and Decorations
Honouring individuals who have rendered distinguished services to the nation has traditionally been one of the head of state's duties. In the Federal Republic of Germany, as in nearly all countries in the world, honours and decorations are awarded as a way of paying public tribute to an outstanding individual.
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Official Residences
Schloss Bellevue in Berlin’s Tiergarten district is the Federal President’s principal official residence. The Federal President has another official residence – Villa Hammerschmidt in Bonn – which was the primary official residence of the President until 1994.
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Office of the Federal President
The Office of the Federal President is a supreme federal authority which assists the Federal President in the performance of his duties as Head of State.
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The German Federal Presidents
Read on for an overview of all Federal Presidents from 1948 to date.
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