This article relies largely or entirely on a single source .(March 2023) |
The German order of precedence is a symbolic hierarchy of the highest federal offices in Germany used to direct protocol. It has no official status, but has been established in practical use. [1] It consists of the holders or chairs of the five permanent constitutional bodies of the Federation. [a]
No. | Office | Image | Incumbent | In office since | Deputy(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st | ![]() President of Germany | ![]() | Frank-Walter Steinmeier | 19 March 2017 | Anke Rehlinger President of the Bundesrat (See 4th) |
2nd | ![]() President of the Bundestag | ![]() | Julia Klöckner | 25 March 2025 | Andrea Lindholz Josephine Ortleb Omid Nouripour Bodo Ramelow Vice Presidents of the Bundestag |
3rd | ![]() Chancellor of Germany | ![]() | Friedrich Merz | 6 May 2025 | Lars Klingbeil Vice Chancellor of Germany |
4th (1st) | ![]() President of the Bundesrat | ![]() | Anke Rehlinger | 1 November 2024 | Manuela Schwesig First Vice President of the Bundesrat Andreas Bovenschulte Second Vice President of the Bundesrat |
5th | ![]() President of the Federal Constitutional Court | ![]() | Stephan Harbarth | 22 June 2020 | Doris König Vice President of the Federal Constitutional Court |
The order of precedence is also observed with respect to former office-holders in some cases, for example if they participate in official ceremonies as honoured guests.