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Law - The Rules of Everyday Life

Exhibition / Start

The "Digital" Exhibition

Our pop-up exhibition „Law—The Rules of Everyday Life“ is on tour in Germany. On this page, you’ll find the exhibition’s content in digital form. Explore the hidden-object game to discover where the law plays a role in our daily lives and delve into various cases where people were able to resolve conflicts with the help of the law. You’ll also learn about the functions of the law. 

Law in Everyday Life: The Hidden Object Puzzle

The law is all around us! Whether at home, on the street, at school, at work, while shopping online, or eating ice cream. Can you recognize these situations and understand the role that law and justice play in them? What examples can you think of from your everyday life?

Click on the yellow icons to learn more! If you're viewing the hidden object game on your phone, please switch to the Switch to landscape mode and adjust the frame by zooming in. 

When There's a Crash on the Road

In traffic, the person who (contributed to) caused the accident is liable.

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Dispute Over Rent

Heating broke down, rent reduced.

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Where's my package?

„Legal tech“ and online tools can help you assert your rights.

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Shoddy Work by a Tradesperson

Anyone who does a poor job must either fix it or pay.

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Out of Control

You are liable for your dog—even if you are not at fault.

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Divorce and Custody

In disputes involving children, the child's best interests must always be taken into account.

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Inheritance Dispute

In the absence of a will or an inheritance agreement, the order of statutory succession applies.

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In short supply

Defective merchandise must be repaired. Otherwise: Return it or request a price reduction!

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Dispute Over a Restaurant Bill

The last person at the table doesn't have to pay for everyone!

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Party Party!

Anyone who violates the quiet hours risks receiving a warning under tenancy law.

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Canceling a Gym Membership

Sick or moved: When can I cancel my contract?

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Many shards

Are parents liable for their children? That's rarely the case!

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Stolen

Even the theft of items of little value can be a criminal offense.

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Illegal Graffiti

No matter how good the message may be, unauthorized graffiti constitutes property damage.

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Brawl Outside the Bar

Assault While Under the Influence of Alcohol: Does That Always Mean a Reduced Sentence?

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A Trick at the ATM

If someone is reading this, they might take advantage of it later—always keep your PIN safe!

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Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered an administrative offense if the blood alcohol concentration is 0.5 per mille or higher.

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Illegal File Sharing

Want to download the latest movie for free? That could end up costing you a lot!

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The Frustration of Traffic Tickets

Anyone who violates traffic laws can expect to be fined.

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Construction Halt

Anyone who builds without a permit should expect to be stopped.

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Trouble at the City Hall

Don't agree with the decision? You can fight it!

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Freedom of assembly!

However, conditions may be imposed to ensure everyone's safety.

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Didn't get the apartment

Discrimination in the housing market does occur, but it is prohibited by law.

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Environmental pollution

Anyone who simply disposes of hazardous waste anywhere is committing a crime.

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Bullying

Offensive comments posted online may be subject to criminal prosecution.

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The Right to Asylum

Every person seeking protection has the right to an asylum proceeding conducted in accordance with the rule of law.

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Speeding in City Traffic

Illegal street races are criminal offenses—even if you're racing alone!

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Slide

There’s no right to a new ice cream: it’s a gesture of goodwill and a big heart that make it possible.

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More than you'd think

The purchase of a newspaper consists of three legal transactions.

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Summer, Sun, Risk of Wildfires

Prohibitions must be based on a reason.

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In the legal quiz „Is That True?“, you’ll encounter the situations from the hidden-object game again. There, you’ll learn even more about the legal background.
You can play our legal quiz on a PC, tablet in landscape mode, or laptop—unfortunately, not yet on a cell phone. 

Legal quiz

What to Do When There's a Crash?

The law brings order, sets boundaries, provides protection, and can achieve much more. Here, using four examples of conflicts—which many of us are familiar with in one form or another from our daily lives—you’ll learn about the functions of the law and how it can help resolve conflicts in everyday life. All examples are based on real cases that were decided by a German court in recent years. 

Click through the yellow boxes to explore the functions of the law, and then read the example cases by expanding the blue infographics!

SUSANNE, 33, A TECHNICAL EXPERT WHO CAN DO IT ALL

A STIR AT WHATSAPP

SUSANNE & THE GROUP CHAT

Susanne works at a company where she's the go-to person for all things technical: Wi-Fi, building keys, printer problems. ...

JUST A FEW LINES...

Das ist Passiert

...One evening, Susanne is chatting in a small WhatsApp group with two coworkers. The tone is casual; they’re chatting and gossiping. Susanne makes a disparaging remark about other coworkers. It wasn’t actually meant for public consumption—but weeks later, screenshots of the chat end up on her boss’s desk. Shortly afterward, Susanne is fired. She was given proper notice, but it still came as a shock. „But that was a private chat!“ she says. She finds a lawyer and takes the case to court.

SUSANNE WINS HER CASE IN COURT

So hat das Gericht entschieden

The court ruled in Susanne’s favor. Even though the tone was inappropriate, private chats are protected by the general right of personality. The conversation took place within a small circle and was not meant to be shared—that is not sufficient grounds for termination. Nevertheless, the remarks have since sparked public debate, which has destroyed the relationship of trust between Susanne and her employer. The court therefore rules that the employment relationship is terminated—but Susanne will receive severance pay.

THIS IS HOW THE BERLIN-BRANDENBURG REGIONAL LABOR COURT RULED IN A SIMILAR DECISION DATED JULY 19, 2021 (Case No. 21 Sa 1291/20).

The law sets boundaries and strikes a balance. It protects personal freedoms—such as private communication—but it also takes into account other interests. Ultimately, it often comes down to a balancing act: Where does the protection of the individual end—and where does our responsibility for one another begin?

THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY PROTECTS PRIVATE CHATS!

THEO, 4, CHILD OF DIVORCE

A FIGHT OVER THE CHILD

THEO & CUSTODY RIGHTS

After his parents' separation, four-year-old Theo lives in a shared custody arrangement—one week with Mom, one week with Dad. But the situation is getting harder and harder. ...

ALWAYS ARGUING...

Das ist Passiert

...His parents are constantly arguing, can't agree on important decisions, and the handoffs turn into an emotional tightrope walk. Theo feels torn and wishes he could spend more time with his dad, because the constant arguments between his parents are driving him crazy. His dad listens to him and seeks advice from a lawyer. Together, they go to court. Theo’s dad wants Theo to live with him again—where he feels at home.

THE COURT RULES: THEO WILL GO TO LIVE WITH HIS FATHER

So hat das Gericht entschieden

The family court agrees with Theo’s father. The shared custody arrangement only works if both parents can communicate well with each other and make decisions together. Since that is no longer the case here, Theo will be allowed to live with his father going forward. He has a close bond with his father—and he is clearly comfortable in his father’s familiar surroundings. Another important factor for the court was that the father ensures Theo continues to have contact with his mother, whereas the mother tends to block contact with the father. Because the constant back-and-forth is emotionally stressful for Theo, the court has ruled that Theo should live with his father again for the time being.

THE KOBLENZ HIGHER REGIONAL COURT RULED SIMILARLY IN A SIMILAR CASE IN A DECISION DATED JUNE 24, 2015 (Case No. 13 UF 319/15).

The law ensures that, when changes occur in the family environment, solutions are found that serve the best interests of the child. It has two functions in this regard: The law provides structure by establishing clear rules, and it protects by reducing emotional stress. When parents cannot reach an agreement, the law provides clarity—and puts the child’s best interests first. The decisive factor is who can offer the child security, a sense of attachment, and access to both parents.

SOMETIMES IT TAKES RULES FROM OUTSIDE TO RESTORE CALM.

ELIAS, 25, CYCLIST

STRESS ON THE ROAD

ELIAS & THE BICYCLE ACCIDENT

Elias cycles to work every day on his racing bike. ...

ONCE NOT PAYING ATTENTION...

Das ist Passiert

One morning, an accident happens: Clara hits him with her car. Elias crashes. He breaks several vertebrae in his back, has bruises and his bike is also ruined. Elias seeks help from a lawyer. At first, Clara's insurance covers his medical costs and compensation for pain and suffering. When the costs rise, the insurance company no longer wants to pay: Elias and his lawyer file a lawsuit.

ELIAS GETS JUSTICE IN COURT

So hat das Gericht entschieden

The Regional Court ruled that Clara was at fault for the accident. Therefore, her insurance company must cover all costs that Elias has incurred—and will incur in the future—as a result of the accident: medical expenses, compensation for damage to the road bike, compensation for pain and suffering, and his loss of earnings. This is because Elias can no longer work as much as he did before due to his injuries. The total comes to around 40,000 euros.

THE DARMSTADT REGIONAL COURT MADE A SIMILAR RULING IN ITS JUDGMENT OF 21.08.2019 (REF. 4 O 122/17).

The law provides structure and creates solutions. When something happens on the road, the law determines who is responsible for damages. It protects those who have been injured—and ensures that they are not left to bear the costs. At the same time, it limits liability: Not every accident automatically results in liability. If, for example, Elias had been driving in the dark without his headlights on, the court would likely have held him partially responsible. He would then have been awarded only a portion of the total amount. In this way, the law seeks to strike a balance and share responsibility.

CLEAR RULES KEEP OUR COMMUNITY RUNNING SMOOTHLY!

KAJA, 24, STUDENT

A DISPUTE OVER CLOTHING

KAJA & THE JEANS

It’s a sweltering day in Berlin—35 degrees in the shade. Kaya still has to go to college. She has an important oral exam. Even though it’s perfect weather for the pool, she’s prepared well, but now she’s nervous. At least the strict dress code has been waived because of the heat. So Kaya decides on something light and airy, yet put-together: a polka-dot blouse and blue jeans. . ...

KAJA WON'T PUT UP WITH THAT

Das ist Passiert

The exam is going well. Kaya answers the questions confidently and receives a grade of 1.7. But the evaluation form shows points deducted for „presentation.“ Why? Her clothing was deemed „too casual.“ A pair of jeans—that’s not appropriate. Instead, she could have worn „white linen pants, a black T-shirt with an ethnic necklace, or an elegant jacket.“ Kaya is stunned. She files a lawsuit against the state university in administrative court. After all, what do her jeans have to do with her performance?

THE COURT RULES: THE CLOTHING WAS APPROPRIATE

So hat das Gericht entschieden

The Administrative Court ruled in Kaya’s favor. The deduction of points because of her clothing was unlawful. While clothing can be a criterion in certain exams—for example, in a fashion design program or when protective gear is involved, such as for firefighters— But in this case? Not a chance. In fact, the dress code for the exam had even been explicitly relaxed. According to the court, the clothing only had to be „appropriate and neat“—and it was. Therefore, Kaya is entitled to a new grading sheet with a grade of 1.3.

In a similar ruling dated February 19, 2020, the Berlin Administrative Court decided as follows (Case No. VG 12 K 529.18).

The law both protects and imposes limits. It protects individuals from discrimination, establishes clear standards, and limits the power of examiners. Even in an exam, the rules must be clear to everyone.

RULES MUST BE CLEAR AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND

In summary

The law sets the rules for everyday life

Law is everywhere. It governs many areas of our everyday lives. It regulates how we live together and has answers for almost all conflicts. We have become so accustomed to it that we often don't notice the law.

Law is a collection of rules,

that we have democratically agreed on. It says how we should behave. This does not mean that these rules are always observed by everyone.

Law helps to avoid conflicts.

By defining rights and obligations in contracts before something goes wrong. If conflicts do arise, the law helps to resolve them. It takes everyone involved seriously - regardless of who you are. Sometimes the law is not fair and does not find a good solution. This can be frustrating.

Law is applied by people.

Lawyers, judges and other professionals bring the law to life. Without people who use the law, the law is just an empty shell.

Law gives us freedom.

It enables us to shape our lives freely, without fear of arbitrariness by the state.

LAW APPLIES TO ALL PEOPLE

and also for all state institutions: Authorities, police, courts and parliaments. No one is allowed to set themselves above the rules. That is called the rule of law.

LAW IS THE FOUNDATION OF THE RULE OF LAW & DEMOCRACY.

A society without law would look pretty bleak: Without the law and the security it gives us, we would not be able to live in freedom and prosperity.

Test Your Knowledge!

You can play the „Is That True?“ legal quiz on a PC, tablet in landscape mode, or laptop—unfortunately, not yet on a cell phone. 

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