Das Grundgesetz der Tiere | ZDF Magazin Royale

Summary

In an imaginative twist on history, the creation of Germany's Basic Law (Grundgesetz) is humorously retold with anthropomorphic animals taking center stage. Set within the walls of the Alexander König Museum, a narrative unfolds featuring a Federal Eagle as narrator, alongside a talented antelope, a discerning vulture, and other museum inhabitants. These characters, in a whimsical turn of events, contribute to the drafting process of the Grundgesetz amidst the ruins of post-war Germany. As they navigate through debates on rights, equality, and democracy, this unique assembly inadvertently shapes the foundation of modern German democracy. The story blends historical facts with fiction, presenting a memorable tale of unity, creativity, and the importance of inclusivity in governance.

Takeaways

• 👋 The script introduces a fictional story set in the Museum Alexander König, where animals anthropomorphically recount the drafting of Germany's Basic Law (Grundgesetz) after World War II.
• 📝 It humorously imagines the Grundgesetz being written by a group of animals in a museum, blending historical facts with fantasy to engage the audience.
• 👥 Highlights the involvement of 61 men and 4 women in the Parliamentary Council (Parlamentarischer Rat) tasked with drafting the new constitution for post-war Germany.
• 🛠 Emphasizes the scarcity of suitable buildings post-war, leading to the peculiar choice of a museum filled with animals for drafting the Grundgesetz.
• 📚 Touches on the importance of creating a democratic constitution that would prevent the recurrence of dictatorship, with a light-hearted approach to discussing Germany's Nazi past.
• 🌲 Reflects on the challenges and disagreements faced during the drafting process, using the animals' perspectives to highlight the importance of democracy and inclusivity.
• 🐻 The animals, representing different viewpoints and historical figures, contribute their ideas for the constitution, focusing on rights such as asylum and gender equality.
• ✍️ Imagines the animals' contributions leading to the establishment of fundamental rights and principles, like human dignity being inviolable as the cornerstone of the Grundgesetz.
• 🚩 Satirically introduces the decision-making process for the German national flag's colors, based on an animal's suggestion, showcasing the collaborative yet chaotic process.
• 📖 Concludes with a reflection on the legacy of the Grundgesetz and the individuals involved in its creation, merging historical achievements with the fictional contributions of the animals.

Q & A

What is the setting for the creation of the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany?

The Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany was created in a natural history museum due to other suitable buildings being destroyed in the war.

How many people were part of the Parliamentary Council that drafted the Basic Law?

The Parliamentary Council consisted of 61 men and four women.

What was the primary task of the Parliamentary Council?

The primary task of the Parliamentary Council was to devise and write a new constitution for their devastated country.

How do the animals in the museum react to the humans and their activity?

The animals in the museum are initially disdainful and wary of the humans, seeing them as dangerous and disruptive.

What significant change does Klaus, the giraffe, contribute to the Basic Law?

Klaus contributes the concept of asylum rights, emphasizing the importance of protection, the opportunity for personal development, and equal chances for participation in society.

What was Elisabeth Selbert's significant contribution to the Basic Law according to the script?

Elisabeth Selbert advocated for the equality of men and women, aiming to have gender equality enshrined in the Basic Law.

How do the animals influence the drafting of the Basic Law?

The animals, despite their initial reluctance, contribute ideas and principles, including the article on human dignity and the concept of asylum rights.

What solution do the animals find for the national flag of Germany?

The animals decide to use the colors of Jerome (gold, red, black) for the national flag, which are eventually adopted as the flag colors.

What does the phrase 'The dignity of man is inviolable' signify in the context of the script?

This phrase signifies a foundational principle contributed by the animals, emphasizing the importance of human dignity in the Basic Law.

How is the tension between the need for rules and the characters' disdain for humans resolved in the script?

The tension is resolved through the animals' realization that contributing to the Basic Law is a way to ensure a more open, inclusive, and future-oriented society, despite their personal feelings towards humans.