Bezirke

Bezirke, the plural of Bezirk, are administrative districts used in several German-speaking countries to subdivide larger political units into smaller, locally governed areas. They may be urban districts within a city or mid-level divisions within a state or region. The central aim is to decentralize administration and bring government services closer to residents. The exact competences and structures vary by country and even by region.

In Austria, the capital Vienna is divided into 23 Bezirke (districts). Each Bezirk has its own administrative office, the Bezirksamt, and is led by a district mayor (Bezirksvorsteher) and a district council. Tasks typically include local planning, social services, registry matters, and cultural affairs. Bezirke in Austria function as recognizable governance units within the city and contribute to regional statistics and electoral organization.

In Germany and in Berlin, the form of Bezirke varies. Some cities divide themselves into Stadtbezirke (city districts) with district councils and a district mayor responsible for local issues such as schools, zoning, and infrastructure. In several states, Regierungsbezirke are larger administrative regions acting as an intermediary layer between the state government and the districts. Their existence and powers differ by state and constitution.

Outside Germany and Austria, the term appears in Swiss cantons where Bezirke serve as administrative districts in certain regions. Across these contexts, Bezirke provide a level of governance, planning, and public services between the city or canton and local communities, with powers and boundaries governed by national or regional law.