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Die Linke was founded in 2007 through the merger of the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) and Labour and Social Justice – The Electoral Alternative (WASG).
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke was founded in 2007 through the merger of the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) and Labour and Social Justice – The Electoral Alternative (WASG), not the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
Die Linke's historical lineage traces back directly to the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) of Nazi Germany.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke's lineage traces back through the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) to the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED), the former ruling party of East Germany, not the NSDAP.
Oskar Lafontaine joined WASG in June 2005, significantly boosting the alliance's profile before its merger with PDS.
Answer: True
Explanation: Oskar Lafontaine joined WASG in June 2005, enhancing its visibility prior to the party's merger with the PDS.
Die Linke's predecessor, the PDS, was founded in 1989 immediately following the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) emerged from the SED following reforms in late 1989, which occurred immediately after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The 'red socks' campaign in the 1994 federal election was initiated by the PDS to protest against center-right parties.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'red socks' campaign was initially used by center-right parties to discourage a potential red-red-green coalition; the PDS later adopted and reinterpreted it.
The PDS gained popularity as a protest party primarily in western German states during the 1990s.
Answer: False
Explanation: The PDS gained popularity primarily in eastern German states during the 1990s, not western states.
The PDS attempted to rebrand itself after the fall of the Berlin Wall by expelling hardliners and negotiating with opposition groups.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, the PDS (formerly SED) underwent rebranding efforts, including expelling hardliners and engaging with opposition groups.
What year was Die Linke officially founded as a unified party?
Answer: 2007
Explanation: Die Linke was officially founded as a unified party in 2007.
Which two parties merged to form Die Linke in 2007?
Answer: Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) and Labour and Social Justice – The Electoral Alternative (WASG)
Explanation: Die Linke was formed in 2007 through the merger of the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) and Labour and Social Justice – The Electoral Alternative (WASG).
Die Linke is the direct descendant of which former ruling party of East Germany?
Answer: Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED)
Explanation: Through its predecessor, the PDS, Die Linke is the direct descendant of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED), the former ruling party of East Germany.
What was the main reason cited for the founding of WASG (Labour and Social Justice – The Electoral Alternative)?
Answer: Opposition to Chancellor Schröder's Agenda 2010 reforms concerning labor and welfare
Explanation: WASG was founded in opposition to Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's Agenda 2010 reforms, specifically those impacting labor and welfare.
The PDS attempted to rebrand itself after the fall of the Berlin Wall by:
Answer: Replacing leadership, expelling hardliners, and negotiating with opposition.
Explanation: The PDS rebranded after the fall of the Berlin Wall by replacing leadership, expelling hardliners, and negotiating with opposition groups.
What was the PDS's electoral performance in the 1990 East German general election?
Answer: Third place with 16.4% of the vote.
Explanation: In the 1990 East German general election, the PDS finished third with 16.4% of the vote.
The 'red socks' campaign in the 1994 federal election was used by center-right parties to:
Answer: Discourage a potential red-red-green coalition (SPD-PDS-Greens).
Explanation: Center-right parties utilized the 'red socks' campaign in the 1994 federal election to discourage a potential red-red-green coalition.
Following the 2025 German federal election, Die Linke holds 53 seats in the Bundestag.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following the 2025 German federal election, Die Linke holds 64 seats in the Bundestag.
Die Linke currently has representation in eight of Germany's sixteen state legislatures as of 2025.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of 2025, Die Linke is represented in seven of Germany's sixteen state legislatures.
In the 2005 federal election, the Left.PDS alliance won 8.7% of the vote and 53 seats, becoming the fourth-largest party in the Bundestag.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Left.PDS alliance secured 8.7% of the vote and 53 seats in the 2005 federal election, establishing itself as the fourth-largest party in the Bundestag.
Die Linke failed to surpass the electoral threshold in Bremen in 2007, indicating a lack of presence in western Germany.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke successfully surpassed the electoral threshold in Bremen in 2007, demonstrating a growing presence in western Germany.
In the 2009 federal election, Die Linke's vote share increased to 11.9%, securing 76 seats in the Bundestag.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2009 federal election saw Die Linke achieve 11.9% of the vote and secure 76 seats in the Bundestag.
In 2009, Die Linke won seats for the first time in the state parliaments of Bavaria and Saxony.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2009, Die Linke secured representation for the first time in the state parliaments of Schleswig-Holstein and Saarland.
Between 2011 and 2013, Die Linke experienced electoral successes, gaining seats in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony.
Answer: False
Explanation: Between 2011 and 2013, Die Linke suffered electoral setbacks, losing seats in states including North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony.
Die Linke achieved its best state election result in the 2014 Thuringian state election, securing 28.2% of the vote.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2014 Thuringian state election marked Die Linke's strongest state election performance to date, with 28.2% of the vote.
In the 2017 federal election, Die Linke rose to third place nationally due to strong gains in eastern states.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the 2017 federal election, Die Linke fell to fifth place nationally, primarily due to the re-entry of the FDP and the rise of the AfD.
Die Linke's result in the 2019 European Parliament election was 7.1%, marking a slight improvement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke's result in the 2019 European Parliament election was 5.5%, representing a decline rather than an improvement.
Die Linke won 4.9% of votes and 39 seats in the 2021 federal election, exceeding the 5% threshold.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke won 4.9% of votes in the 2021 federal election, narrowly failing to cross the 5% threshold but retaining seats through direct constituency wins.
Die Linke achieved its worst nationwide election result in the 2021 European elections, securing 4.9% of the vote.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke's worst nationwide election result was in the 2024 European elections, where it secured 2.7% of the vote. The 2021 federal election result was 4.9%.
In the September 2024 state elections, Die Linke fell below 5% in Brandenburg and Saxony but maintained its position as the leading party in Thuringia.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the September 2024 state elections, Die Linke fell below 5% in Brandenburg and Saxony and was reduced to fourth place in Thuringia, losing its leading position.
In the 2025 federal election, Die Linke won 8.8% of the vote and 64 seats, marking their best result since 2017.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2025 federal election saw Die Linke achieve 8.8% of the vote and 64 seats, representing their strongest performance since 2017.
The victory of Ferat Koçak in Berlin-Neukölln in the 2025 federal election marked the first time Die Linke had won a constituency in the former West Germany.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ferat Koçak's victory in Berlin-Neukölln during the 2025 federal election signified Die Linke's first constituency win in the former West Germany.
Die Linke's worst result in a national election was in the 2021 federal election, where it secured 4.9% of the vote.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke's worst nationwide election result was in the 2024 European elections (2.7%). The 2021 federal election result was 4.9%.
How many seats did Die Linke hold in the Bundestag following the 2025 federal election?
Answer: 64
Explanation: Following the 2025 German federal election, Die Linke secured 64 seats in the Bundestag.
What was the electoral outcome for the Left.PDS alliance in the 2005 federal election?
Answer: 8.7% of the vote, winning 53 seats
Explanation: In the 2005 federal election, the Left.PDS alliance achieved 8.7% of the vote and secured 53 seats.
Which states saw Die Linke win seats for the first time in 2009?
Answer: Schleswig-Holstein and Saarland
Explanation: In 2009, Die Linke secured seats for the first time in the state parliaments of Schleswig-Holstein and Saarland.
What was Die Linke's vote share in the 2009 federal election?
Answer: 11.9%
Explanation: Die Linke achieved a vote share of 11.9% in the 2009 federal election.
Which state election result in 2014 is cited as Die Linke's best to date?
Answer: Thuringia (28.2%)
Explanation: Die Linke's best state election result occurred in Thuringia in 2014, achieving 28.2% of the vote.
In the 2017 federal election, Die Linke fell to fifth place primarily due to the re-entry of which party and the rise of another?
Answer: FDP and AfD
Explanation: The re-entry of the FDP and the rise of the AfD contributed to Die Linke falling to fifth place in the 2017 federal election.
What was Die Linke's vote share in the 2019 European Parliament election?
Answer: 5.5%
Explanation: Die Linke obtained a 5.5% vote share in the 2019 European Parliament election.
What was Die Linke's vote share in the 2021 federal election, and how did they retain seats?
Answer: 4.9% of votes, narrowly failing the threshold but winning direct constituencies.
Explanation: In the 2021 federal election, Die Linke secured 4.9% of the vote, failing to meet the 5% threshold but retaining seats through winning three direct constituencies.
Which election result is identified in the source as Die Linke's worst nationwide result?
Answer: 2024 European Elections (2.7%)
Explanation: The 2024 European Elections, with a 2.7% vote share, are identified as Die Linke's worst nationwide result.
What happened to Die Linke's representation in Thuringia in the September 2024 state elections?
Answer: They were reduced to fourth place with 13% of the vote.
Explanation: In the September 2024 Thuringia state elections, Die Linke was reduced to fourth place with 13% of the vote.
What demographic group showed the strongest support for Die Linke in the 2025 federal election, according to exit polling?
Answer: Voters aged 18-24
Explanation: According to exit polling, voters aged 18-24 showed the strongest support for Die Linke in the 2025 federal election.
What was the significance of the victory in Berlin-Neukölln for Die Linke in the 2025 federal election?
Answer: It marked their first constituency win in former West Germany.
Explanation: The victory in Berlin-Neukölln was significant as it represented Die Linke's first constituency win in the former West Germany.
As of October 2024, the co-chairpersons of Die Linke are Sahra Wagenknecht and Gregor Gysi.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of October 2024, the co-chairpersons of Die Linke are Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken.
The parliamentary co-leaders of Die Linke in the Bundestag are Heidi Reichinnek and Gregor Gysi.
Answer: False
Explanation: The parliamentary co-leaders of Die Linke in the Bundestag are Heidi Reichinnek and Sören Pellmann.
Lothar Bisky and Oskar Lafontaine were elected as the first co-leaders of Die Linke at its founding congress in June 2007.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lothar Bisky and Oskar Lafontaine were elected as the inaugural co-leaders of Die Linke at its founding congress in June 2007.
Janine Wissler and Susanne Hennig-Wellsow were elected as co-chairs of Die Linke in February 2021.
Answer: True
Explanation: Janine Wissler and Susanne Hennig-Wellsow were elected as the new co-chairs of Die Linke in February 2021.
Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken were elected as the new co-leaders of Die Linke in October 2024.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken were elected as the new co-leaders of Die Linke in October 2024.
Die Linke has traditionally had factions such as the Communist Platform, the Green Left, and the Social Democratic Left.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Die Linke has factions like the Communist Platform and Socialist Left, the 'Green Left' and 'Social Democratic Left' are not typically listed as its traditional factions.
Die Linke has a gender quota requiring at least half of its ruling bodies and representatives to be female.
Answer: True
Explanation: Die Linke implements a gender quota mandating that at least half of its ruling bodies and representatives must be female.
Who are the current co-chairpersons of Die Linke as of October 2024?
Answer: Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken
Explanation: As of October 2024, Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken serve as the co-chairpersons of Die Linke.
Who were elected as the first co-leaders of Die Linke in June 2007?
Answer: Lothar Bisky and Oskar Lafontaine
Explanation: Lothar Bisky and Oskar Lafontaine were elected as the first co-leaders of Die Linke in June 2007.
Who were elected as the new co-chairs of Die Linke in February 2021?
Answer: Janine Wissler and Susanne Hennig-Wellsow
Explanation: Janine Wissler and Susanne Hennig-Wellsow were elected as the new co-chairs of Die Linke in February 2021.
Die Linke's gender representation policy mandates that at least what proportion of its ruling bodies and representatives must be female?
Answer: Half
Explanation: Die Linke's gender representation policy requires that at least half of its ruling bodies and representatives be female.
What internal realignment within Die Linke, starting around 2015, involved a focus on working-class and populist positions?
Answer: The formation of the 'Movement Left' faction led by Sahra Wagenknecht.
Explanation: Starting around 2015, an internal realignment focused on working-class and populist positions occurred, notably with the formation of the 'Movement Left' faction led by Sahra Wagenknecht.
Die Linke advocates for democratic socialism and is known for its promotion of right-wing populism and pacifism.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke advocates for democratic socialism and antimilitarism, not right-wing populism.
During the 2005 campaign, Oskar Lafontaine was accused of appealing to xenophobic voters by using the term 'Gastarbeiter' (guest worker).
Answer: False
Explanation: Oskar Lafontaine was accused of xenophobia for using the term 'Fremdarbeiter' (foreign worker), not 'Gastarbeiter'.
Die Linke refused to support Joachim Gauck in the 2010 presidential election because he was perceived as too left-wing.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke refused to support Joachim Gauck due to his past criticisms of the party and his support for the War in Afghanistan, not because he was perceived as too left-wing.
Die Linke advocates for replacing NATO with a collective security system that excludes Russia.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke advocates for replacing NATO with a collective security system that includes Russia, not excludes it.
Die Linke aims to increase government spending on public investments and education while lowering taxes on corporations and high earners.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke aims to increase government spending on public investments and education while simultaneously raising taxes on corporations and high earners.
The party generally takes a critical stance towards China and has supported EU policies challenging China militarily.
Answer: False
Explanation: The party generally adopts a friendly stance towards China and has criticized EU policies that challenge China, particularly those involving military means.
The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation is a rival think tank that competes with Die Linke for political influence.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation is a prominent think tank affiliated with Die Linke, contributing to its policy development and ideological discourse, rather than being a rival.
Die Linke's ideology includes antimilitarism and a call for the withdrawal of US troops from Germany.
Answer: True
Explanation: Antimilitarism and advocating for the withdrawal of US troops from Germany are core tenets of Die Linke's ideology.
Die Linke's ideology includes calls for international disarmament and replacing NATO with a security system including Russia.
Answer: True
Explanation: Die Linke advocates for international disarmament and proposes replacing NATO with a collective security system that incorporates Russia.
Which of the following is identified as a primary ideology associated with Die Linke?
Answer: Democratic Socialism
Explanation: Democratic Socialism is identified as the primary ideology associated with Die Linke.
What term did Oskar Lafontaine use during the 2005 campaign that drew criticism for its association with the Nazi regime?
Answer: Fremdarbeiter
Explanation: Oskar Lafontaine used the term 'Fremdarbeiter' during the 2005 campaign, drawing criticism due to its association with the Nazi regime.
What was Die Linke's position in the 2012 presidential election?
Answer: Gauck had previously criticized Die Linke and supported the War in Afghanistan.
Explanation: Die Linke's refusal to support Joachim Gauck in the 2012 presidential election stemmed from his prior criticisms of the party and his support for the War in Afghanistan.
Die Linke's policy proposals include increasing government spending on public investments and:
Answer: Education and infrastructure
Explanation: Die Linke's policy proposals include increasing government spending on public investments, education, and infrastructure.
What is Die Linke's stance on NATO according to the source?
Answer: They propose replacing NATO with a collective security system that includes Russia.
Explanation: Die Linke proposes replacing NATO with a collective security system that includes Russia.
The party generally holds which view regarding China's role in international politics?
Answer: A friendly stance, criticizing EU policies challenging China.
Explanation: The party generally holds a friendly stance towards China and criticizes EU policies that challenge China, particularly those of a military nature.
What is the role of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation in relation to Die Linke?
Answer: It is a prominent think tank affiliated with Die Linke, aiding policy development.
Explanation: The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation functions as a prominent think tank affiliated with Die Linke, contributing to its policy development and ideological discourse.
Which of the following economic policies is promoted by Die Linke?
Answer: Increasing government spending on public investments.
Explanation: Die Linke promotes economic policies that include increasing government spending on public investments.
Die Linke participates in government coalitions as the leading partner in Thuringia and as a junior partner in Bremen.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke led a coalition government in Thuringia from 2014 to 2024. Currently, it participates as a junior partner in Bremen and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
In February 2020, Bodo Ramelow was re-elected Minister-President of Thuringia after a government crisis involving the FDP's Thomas Kemmerich.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following a government crisis in Thuringia in February 2020, Bodo Ramelow was re-elected Minister-President.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused unity within Die Linke, with all factions supporting sanctions against Russia.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Russian invasion of Ukraine exposed divisions within Die Linke, particularly regarding the stance on sanctions against Russia.
The secession of Sahra Wagenknecht and nine other members to form the BSW led to the dissolution of Die Linke's official faction in the Bundestag in December 2023.
Answer: True
Explanation: The departure of Sahra Wagenknecht and nine other members to form the BSW resulted in the dissolution of Die Linke's official faction in the Bundestag in December 2023.
As of 2013, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz) regarded Die Linke as an extremist party overall.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of 2013, the Verfassungsschutz did not classify Die Linke as an extremist party overall, although it monitored specific radical factions within the party.
The secession of Sahra Wagenknecht and her allies in 2023 reduced Die Linke's representation in the Bundestag, leading to the dissolution of its official faction.
Answer: True
Explanation: The secession of Sahra Wagenknecht and nine other members reduced Die Linke's Bundestag representation, causing the dissolution of its official faction.
Die Linke's participation in government coalitions is limited to eastern German states like Thuringia and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke participates in government coalitions in Bremen (a city-state) as well as eastern German states like Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
In which German states does Die Linke currently participate in government coalitions as a junior partner?
Answer: Bremen and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Explanation: Die Linke currently participates as a junior partner in government coalitions in the states of Bremen and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine highlighted divisions within Die Linke, particularly regarding the stance on:
Answer: Sanctions against Russia
Explanation: The Russian invasion of Ukraine exposed divisions within Die Linke, particularly concerning the party's stance on sanctions against Russia.
What event in December 2023 led to the dissolution of Die Linke's official faction in the Bundestag?
Answer: The secession of Sahra Wagenknecht and nine other members to form the BSW.
Explanation: The secession of Sahra Wagenknecht and nine other members to establish the BSW led to the dissolution of Die Linke's official faction in the Bundestag in December 2023.
Which internal conflict within Die Linke was exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine?
Answer: Stance on sanctions against Russia versus pro-Ukrainian leadership
Explanation: The Russian invasion of Ukraine intensified internal conflicts within Die Linke, particularly concerning the party's stance on sanctions against Russia versus support for pro-Ukrainian leadership.
What was Die Linke's role in the Thuringia government between 2014 and 2024?
Answer: Leading a coalition government with the SPD and The Greens.
Explanation: Between 2014 and 2024, Die Linke led a coalition government in Thuringia in partnership with the SPD and The Greens.
What was the consequence of the secession of Sahra Wagenknecht and nine other members from Die Linke?
Answer: Die Linke's official faction in the Bundestag was dissolved.
Explanation: The secession of Sahra Wagenknecht and nine other members led to the dissolution of Die Linke's official faction in the Bundestag.
As of 2013, which specific factions within Die Linke were monitored by the Verfassungsschutz (Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution)?
Answer: The Communist Platform and Socialist Left.
Explanation: As of 2013, the Verfassungsschutz monitored specific factions within Die Linke, notably the Communist Platform and the Socialist Left.
Die Linke's membership number declined significantly after 2009 and has not recovered since.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke's membership number declined after 2009 but saw a resurgence and growth, particularly after the 2025 federal election.
Die Linke has seen a decrease in younger members and voters since the mid-2010s.
Answer: False
Explanation: Die Linke has experienced an increase in younger members and voters since the mid-2010s.
Heidi Reichinnek's viral social media presence was a key factor contributing to Die Linke's resurgence before the 2025 federal election.
Answer: True
Explanation: Heidi Reichinnek's prominent social media presence was identified as a contributing factor to Die Linke's resurgence in support leading up to the 2025 federal election.
Which factor did NOT contribute to Die Linke's resurgence in support before the 2025 federal election, according to the source?
Answer: A decline in public interest in housing policies.
Explanation: A decline in public interest in housing policies was not cited as a factor contributing to Die Linke's resurgence; rather, factors like social media presence and opposition to the AfD were mentioned.
Die Linke's membership number peaked around which year before a subsequent decline?
Answer: 2009
Explanation: Die Linke's membership number peaked around 2009 before experiencing a subsequent decline.