Austrian Citizenship Test key terms

The core body of constitutional law that sets out Austria's federal structure, the powers of the legislature, executive and judiciary, and the fundamental rights of residents. It can only be changed by a special two-thirds majority in the Nationalrat.

The directly elected lower chamber of Austria's parliament, with 183 seats. It passes federal laws, approves the federal budget and can remove the government through a vote of no confidence.

The upper chamber representing the nine federal provinces. Its members are chosen by the provincial parliaments, and it holds a suspensive veto over most federal legislation rather than an absolute one.

The principle that Austria is divided into nine provinces with their own constitutions, parliaments and governments, which share power with the federal state. Competences are allocated between the federation and the provinces by the constitution.

The elected parliament of one of Austria's nine federal provinces. It enacts provincial laws, controls the provincial government and sends members to the federal Bundesrat.

The head of a provincial government, elected by the provincial parliament. The office holder represents the province externally and also carries out federal administration within the province on behalf of the federation.

Austria's head of state, directly elected by the people for a six-year term with a single re-election possible. The role is largely ceremonial: the president appoints the chancellor and ministers and represents the country abroad.

The head of the federal government, nominated by the president on the basis of parliamentary majorities. The chancellor coordinates government business but has no formal power to direct other ministers.

A power-sharing practice in which public posts and resources are distributed among the major political parties in proportion to their electoral strength. It shaped Austrian politics after 1945 and is still visible in some bodies.

Austria's established practice of coordinating wage, price and social policy through voluntary negotiations between employers' organisations, trade unions and the state. It is credited with industrial peace and low strike rates.

The principle that all state action is bound by law and can be reviewed by independent courts. It includes legal certainty, protection against arbitrary power and access to effective legal remedies.

Basic rights guaranteed to everyone in Austria, such as freedom of expression, equality before the law, privacy and freedom of religion. They are enforceable before the Constitutional Court and partly rest on the European Convention on Human Rights.

Austria's highest court for constitutional matters. It reviews laws and ordinances for conformity with the constitution and decides complaints that a fundamental right has been violated.

The supreme court for review of administrative decisions. It checks whether decisions by authorities and lower administrative courts applied the law correctly, but does not re-examine all facts.

The rule that a person accused of a crime is treated as innocent until a final court judgment establishes guilt. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and doubts must favour the accused.

The district administrative authority in most of Austria, headed by a district captain. It handles matters such as residence permits, driving licences, trade regulation and many police and social administration tasks.

The document confirming where a person lives, which must be completed when moving into a dwelling in Austria. Registration with the local authority is a legal duty and is needed for many administrative procedures.

The dwelling where a person lives most of the time and which is registered as their main address. It determines which municipality is responsible for certain administrative matters and where local taxes apply.

The smallest unit of local self-government in Austria, with an elected municipal council and mayor. Municipalities administer local services such as building, waste, water and local police matters.

Austria's constitutional status, declared in 1955, of permanent neutrality and non-membership in military alliances. It does not prevent participation in UN peacekeeping or in the European Union's common security policy.

The treaty signed in 1955 by the Allied powers and Austria that ended the post-war occupation and restored full sovereignty. It prohibited unification with Germany and required Austria to guarantee the rights of minorities.

The period of Austrian history since 1945, marked by reconstruction, the 1955 State Treaty and the development of a parliamentary democracy. It followed the authoritarian and Nazi periods of the First Republic.

The democratic Austrian state that existed from 1918 to 1934, after the collapse of the Habsburg monarchy. It was troubled by economic crisis and political conflict and ended in authoritarian rule.

The multi-ethnic empire ruled by the Habsburg dynasty until 1918, centred on Vienna. Its legacy includes much of Austria's administrative structure, architecture and cultural institutions.

The settlement that transformed the Austrian Empire into the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary, granting Hungary internal autonomy. It created a shared monarch, army and foreign policy but separate parliaments.

The authoritarian regime in Austria from 1933 to 1938, which abolished parliament and governed by decree under a corporatist constitution. It suppressed political opponents before Austria's annexation by Nazi Germany.

The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in March 1938, accompanied by persecution of Jews and political opponents. Austria was integrated into the German Reich until the end of the Second World War.

The systematic murder of around six million European Jews and other victim groups by Nazi Germany and its collaborators. Austria acknowledges its share of responsibility, and Holocaust denial is a criminal offence.

An Austrian law that bans the Nazi Party and its revival, and punishes acts of National Socialist propaganda and Holocaust denial. It is a central element of Austria's legal response to its Nazi past.

The totalitarian ideology of the Nazi movement, based on racial hierarchy, antisemitism and dictatorial leadership. Its rule in Austria from 1938 to 1945 is examined critically in Austrian education and memory culture.

A recognised minority in Austria with its own language and culture, such as the Slovenes in Carinthia, the Croats in Burgenland, and the Roma and Sinti. Their rights are protected by law and by the State Treaty.

The language used in official dealings with public authorities, which is German. In some regions, minority languages are also admitted for administrative and court purposes under legal safeguards.

The political and economic union of member states to which Austria has belonged since 1995. It creates shared law, a single market and common policies on trade, environment and regional development.

The court of the European Union, based in Luxembourg, which interprets EU law and ensures its uniform application. Its rulings bind national courts and can require changes to national legislation.

A Council of Europe treaty protecting civil and political rights, incorporated into Austrian constitutional law. Individuals may complain to the European Court of Human Rights after exhausting national remedies.

The global organisation of states for peace, security and cooperation, founded in 1945. Austria has been a member since 1955 and hosts several UN offices in Vienna.

A written agreement negotiated between employers' organisations and trade unions that sets minimum wages and working conditions for a sector. It applies directly to employment relationships in that sector.

The statutory body representing Austrian businesses and trades, with compulsory membership for most firms. It advises members, provides services and takes part in collective bargaining and social partnership negotiations.

Austria's compulsory insurance system covering health, accident, pension and unemployment risks. It is funded by contributions from employees and employers and provides benefits to insured persons and their dependants.

Austria's public practices of commemorating victims of National Socialism and reflecting on historical responsibility. It includes memorials, educational programmes and official commemorations.