Bundestages

Bundestage is the plural form of Bundestag in German and is used to refer to the days on which the German federal parliament (the Bundestag) sits for plenary sessions. The Bundestag is the national legislature of Germany, elected every four years, and meets in the Reichstag building in Berlin. Bundestage describe the sessions when members debate and vote on proposed laws, motions, and other business that shape national policy.

Plenary sessions are led by the President of the Bundestag, who is elected by the Bundestag itself, and supported by Vice Presidents. The agenda for each session is prepared by the Presidium and the Council of Elders (Ältestenrat), in consultation with parliamentary groups and the government, following the Rules of Procedure that govern order and procedures in the chamber. While much work occurs in committees, the plenary is the central arena for debate and final votes on legislation.

The Bundestag’s legislative process typically begins with bills from the government, a parliamentary group, or committees. After committee examination and reporting, the plenary debates the measure and then votes. Some laws require a qualified majority and certain political decisions—such as the election of the Chancellor—are determined by a majority of Bundestag members. In addition to legislation, the Bundestag exercises oversight of the government through questions, inquiries, and committee investigations, and it approves the federal budget.

Bundestage sessions are usually held in regular cycles, with several days of plenary sittings scheduled during a session week, interspersed with committee work and breaks. The term highlights the Bundestag’s role as the principal forum for national policymaking and democratic accountability in Germany.