The next German federal election will be held on or before 26 October 2025 to elect members of the 21st Bundestag. The exact day is set by the Federal President. The outcome will determine the composition of the Bundestag and influence which parties can form a governing coalition and nominate the Federal Chancellor.
Electoral system and how votes work
Germany uses a mixed-member proportional representation system combining two votes. Voters cast a first vote (Erststimme) for a constituency candidate, decided by first-past-the-post, and a second vote (Zweitstimme) for a party list that determines overall proportional representation. A 5% national threshold (or winning three direct mandates) is required for party list seats. Overhang (Überhangmandate) and balancing (Ausgleichsmandate) seats can increase the Bundestag above its nominal 598 members to preserve proportionality.
Timing, formalities and practical scheduling
Under the Basic Law the President chooses the election date; in practice federal elections are scheduled for a Sunday or public holiday to maximize turnout. While the deadline of 26 October 2025 marks the latest possible date, the government and President typically agree a specific day several months in advance to allow parties, electoral authorities and voters to prepare.
Parties, coalitions and political significance
Main parties expected to contend include the Christian Democrat/CSU union, the Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, the Free Democrats (FDP), the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Die Linke. Because no single party has achieved a majority in postwar Germany, coalition building after the vote will determine the next government. The 2021 election produced a three-party "traffic light" coalition under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, illustrating the centrality of negotiation and compromise.
Key factors to watch are shifts in second-vote shares that set proportional strength, the number of direct mandates that can alter seat calculations, voter turnout, and regional variations. The election will shape Germany's domestic agenda and its role in European and international affairs.