Rebuilding the Reichstag

8. Back to the Roots

Germans are proud of their new central government quarter. The Reichstag is open to the public if you register in advance. Here is the link – you have several choices, tour the building, attend a Bundestag meeting from the visitor gallery, or go to the top of the building by following the walk under the glass dome. You can also dine in the restaurant at the top that offers a spectacular view of Berlin’s center. 

Since the Reichstag building has again become the seat of the German parliament, the Bundestag, there has been interest in presenting the history of the building in new forms. In the summer and early fall, a film and light show is projected on the exterior of the Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders building, which houses offices and meeting space for the members of parliament. Visitors can view the show from steps near the Reichstag building along the Spree. Watch the videos linked below and describe the symbolism of a film and light show that is projected across the river onto the parliamentary office building.  

Short overview of Film and Light Projection in 2022 from the German Bundestag

Full video of the Film and Light show recorded in 2022

The German Political System

To get a sense of the German political system, read out about its key elements and major political parties.

Key Elements of the German Political System

German Political Parties:
There are parties on the right and parties on the left that often have to form coalition to hold a majority. Parties on the right are the CDU, the CSU, and the AfD, parties on the left are the SPD, the Greens, and the Left; the FDP is a centrist party.

Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
Christian Social Union (CSU)
Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)
Free Democratic Party (FDP)
Alliance 90/The Greens
The Left
Alternative for Germany (AfD)