Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany 1949, as amended to 2022
Marriage and Family Life
  • English
    (1) Marriage and the family shall enjoy the special protection of the state.
    (2) The care and upbringing of children is the natural right of parents and a duty primarily incumbent upon them. The state shall watch over them in the performance of this duty.
    (3) Children may be separated from their families against the will of their parents or guardians only pursuant to a law, and only if the parents or guardians fail in their duties or the children are otherwise in danger of serious neglect.
    (4) Every mother shall be entitled to the protection and care of the community.
    (5) Children born outside of marriage shall be provided by legislation with the same opportunities for physical and mental development and for their position in society as are enjoyed by those born within marriage. (Art. 6)
  • German
    (1) Ehe und Familie stehen unter dem besonderen Schutze der staatlichen Ordnung.
    (2) Pflege und Erziehung der Kinder sind das natürliche Recht der Eltern und die zuvörderst ihnen obliegende Pflicht. Über ihre Betätigung wacht die staatliche Gemeinschaft.
    (3) Gegen den Willen der Erziehungsberechtigten dürfen Kinder nur auf Grund eines Gesetzes von der Familie getrennt werden, wenn die Erziehungsberechtigten versagen oder wenn die Kinder aus anderen Gründen zu verwahrlosen drohen.
    (4) Jede Mutter hat Anspruch auf den Schutz und die Fürsorge der Gemeinschaft.
    (5) Den unehelichen Kindern sind durch die Gesetzgebung die gleichen Bedingungen für ihre leibliche und seelische Entwicklung und ihre Stellung in der Gesellschaft zu schaffen wie den ehelichen Kindern. (Art. 6)
Marriage and Family Life
  • English
    (1) Concurrent legislative power shall extend to the following matters:
    …
    2. registration of births, deaths and marriages;
    … (Art. 74)
  • German
    (1) Die konkurrierende Gesetzgebung erstreckt sich auf folgende Gebiete:
    …
    2. das Personenstandswesen;
    … (Art. 74)
1

Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany 1949, as amended to 2022 (English). According to Art. 140: “The provisions of Articles 136, 137, 138, 139 and 141 of the German Constitution of 11 August 1919 shall be an integral part of this Basic Law.”

2

Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany 1949, as amended to 2022 (German).

Links to all sites last visited 10 Nov 2023
3
Art. 1 on Human dignity, Human rights and Legally binding force of basic rights.
4
According to Art. 31: "Federal law shall take precedence over Land law."
5
Art. 1 on Human dignity, Human rights and Legally binding force of basic rights.