Oath of Office - Germany

Germany

The oath of office of the President, Chancellor, and the members of the federal government of Germany is as follows:

I swear that I will dedicate my efforts to the well-being of the German people, promote their welfare, protect them from harm, uphold and defend the Basic Law and the laws of the Federation, perform my duties conscientiously, and do justice to all. So help me God.

The religious affirmation may be omitted. The first (and only) chancellor to do this was Gerhard Schröder in 1998.

Each of the 16 Länder (states) has its own oath of office for the Governors and Ministers, also for the state employees.

The oath for soldiers in Germany reads as follows:

I swear to serve loyally the Federal Republic of Germany and to defend bravely the right and the freedom of the German people. So help me God.

Depending on the oath's interpretation, the following translation is also possible:

I swear to serve loyally the Federal Republic of Germany and to defend bravely the justice and the freedom of the German people. So help me God

In both of the above, conscripts say "vow" instead of "swear", and the religious affirmation is not added for conscripts since the vow is not an actual oath.

The oath for federal employees:

I swear to protect the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany and all valid laws within the Federal Republic and to fulfill my duties of the office faithfully, so help me God.