German States (Bundesländer)
There are 16 states (länder) and 3 city-states in German States (Länder). Berlin is the capital.
16 Länder make a federal republic
Germany is a federal republic made up of 16 states called Länder (singular: Land). Each Land has its own constitution, parliament, and government, with significant autonomy over education, policing, and cultural affairs.
City-states and large Länder
Three of Germany's Länder are city-states: Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen. The largest by area is Bavaria (Bayern) in the south, and the most populous is North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen) in the west.
German States (Länder) at a glance
- North5 regions
- West4 regions
- East5 regions
- South2 regions
Frequently asked questions
How many states does Germany have?+
Germany has 16 states (Bundesländer). These include the three city-states of Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen, plus 13 territorial states.
What are the largest German states?+
By area, Bavaria is the largest, followed by Lower Saxony and Baden-Wurttemberg. By population, North Rhine-Westphalia is the most populous, followed by Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg.
Test yourself
Can you find them all on the map?