Bundestag vs. Reichstag — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
The "Bundestag" is Germany's federal parliament, responsible for legislation, while the "Reichstag" is a historical term referring to past German legislative bodies and a landmark building where the Bundestag now convenes.
Difference Between Bundestag and Reichstag
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Key Differences
The "Bundestag" is the current federal legislative body of Germany, functioning as the lower house of parliament. "Reichstag" historically referred to various German legislative assemblies, most notably during the German Empire and the Weimar Republic.
The Bundestag is directly elected by the German people and has primary responsibility for passing laws and supervising the government. The Reichstag, while now only a historical term, symbolizes past legislative institutions and is now the name of the iconic building where the Bundestag meets.
After WWII, the Bundestag replaced the Reichstag as Germany's primary parliamentary institution. The Reichstag building, constructed in the late 19th century, was repurposed for the new parliament after reunification in the 1990s.
The Bundestag exercises significant political power, including selecting the Chancellor and influencing national policy. On the other hand, the Reichstag in the historical context held similar powers but operated under different political systems, such as monarchies and republics.
The Reichstag building, once damaged during WWII and the Cold War, was renovated and is now a prominent tourist attraction due to its distinctive architecture and symbolic significance.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Current German federal parliament
Historical legislative body/building
Modern Function
Legislative body with significant powers
Historic building housing the Bundestag
Historical Context
Post-WWII, modern democratic Germany
German Empire, Weimar Republic, Third Reich
Architecture
Modern chambers, located in Reichstag building
19th-century architecture, renovated in 1990s
Political System
Democracy
Various, including monarchy and republic
Compare with Definitions
Bundestag
Directly elected by German citizens.
Every citizen over 18 can vote for their Bundestag representatives.
Reichstag
A significant building in Berlin where the Bundestag now meets.
The Reichstag building is a major historical and architectural landmark.
Bundestag
The current federal legislative body of Germany.
The Bundestag passed new climate legislation this year.
Reichstag
Now houses the modern German parliament.
The renovated Reichstag building serves as the current seat of the Bundestag.
Bundestag
Responsible for electing the German Chancellor.
The Bundestag will vote on the new Chancellor next week.
Reichstag
The historical legislative body of Germany during various eras.
The Reichstag had its powers curtailed during the Nazi regime.
Bundestag
Main legislative chamber of the German parliament.
The Bundestag has over 700 members who represent the federal states.
Reichstag
The parliamentary institution of the German Empire and Weimar Republic.
The Reichstag during the Weimar Republic struggled with political instability.
Bundestag
Supervises the government through committees and inquiries.
The Bundestag conducted an inquiry into government spending.
Reichstag
The building where key historical events occurred.
The Reichstag building was infamously set on fire in 1933.
Bundestag
The Bundestag (German pronunciation: [ˈbʊndəstaːk] (listen), "Federal Diet") is the German federal parliament. It is the only federal representative body that is directly elected by the German people.
Reichstag
The Diet, or House of Representatives, of the German empire (and of the Weimar Republic), which was composed of members elected for a term of three years by the direct vote of the people. This term is no longer (in 1997) applied to the German parliament. See also Bundesrath.
Reichstag
The national representative body of Hungary, consisting of a House of Magnates (including archdukes, peers, high officials of the Roman Catholic, Greek, and Protestant Churches, and certain other dignitaries) and a House of Representatives (in 1912 consisting of 453 members). See Legislative, Diet.
Common Curiosities
Was the Reichstag always in Berlin?
Yes, the Reichstag building has been in Berlin since its construction in the late 19th century.
Is the Reichstag building still in use?
Yes, it houses the Bundestag and is a significant historical landmark.
When did the Bundestag replace the Reichstag?
The Bundestag replaced the Reichstag after WWII, during the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany.
How does the Bundestag influence government policy?
It passes legislation, oversees government actions, and selects the Chancellor.
What historical events took place at the Reichstag?
Key events include its fire in 1933 and its partial destruction during WWII.
Who can vote for the Bundestag?
German citizens aged 18 and over can vote for representatives in the Bundestag.
Is the Bundestag the same as the Reichstag?
No, the Bundestag is the current German parliament, while the Reichstag was a historical legislative body and is now the name of the building.
What is the role of the Bundestag?
It serves as Germany's federal parliament, responsible for passing laws and supervising the government.
What is the structure of the Bundestag?
The Bundestag has over 700 members, directly elected from various federal states.
Is there any significance to the Reichstag building's dome?
The dome, designed by architect Norman Foster, symbolizes transparency and accessibility.
Does the Reichstag still have any legislative power?
No, the Reichstag no longer exists as a legislative body.
Does the Bundestag represent all federal states in Germany?
Yes, all federal states elect representatives to the Bundestag.
Is the Reichstag building open to visitors?
Yes, the building is open to the public and offers guided tours.
How long has the Bundestag been meeting in the Reichstag building?
Since 1999, after German reunification and the building's renovation.
Does the Bundestag handle international issues?
Yes, it participates in shaping foreign policy and international treaties.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
