Reichstag (disambiguation) facts for kids

Reichstag is a very important word in Germany! It can mean two main things:

• The Reichstag Building, which is a famous building in Berlin, Germany. This is where the German legislature (the group of people who make laws) meets.
• The name for several German parliaments (groups of lawmakers) throughout history. Today, the German parliament is called the Bundestag, not the Reichstag.

The Famous Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building is one of the most famous landmarks in Berlin. It's known for its impressive architecture and its modern glass dome. This building has seen a lot of history!

Building a Landmark

Construction on the original Reichstag Building started way back in 1884. It was designed by an architect named Paul Wallot. The building was finished in 1894, and it was built to house the parliament of the German Empire. Imagine a grand building with lots of detailed carvings and statues!

A Building's Journey Through Time

The Reichstag Building has been through many changes. It was badly damaged by a fire in 1933, and then even more during World War II. For many years after the war, it was not fully used.

After Germany was reunified in 1990, there was a big decision to make: what to do with the old Reichstag Building? It was decided that it should become the home of the new German parliament. A famous British architect, Norman Foster, led the project to rebuild and modernize it. The building was officially reopened in 1999.

The Glass Dome

One of the most striking features of the renovated Reichstag Building is its large glass dome. This dome is not just for looks; it's designed to be energy-efficient. It lets natural light into the parliament chamber below and helps with ventilation. Visitors can actually walk up inside the dome and get amazing views of Berlin! It's a symbol of transparency in government.

The Reichstag as a Parliament

The word "Reichstag" has also been used to describe the actual parliament itself, not just the building. Germany has had different forms of government and parliaments throughout its history.

Imperial Germany's Parliament

From 1871 to 1918, during the time of the German Empire, the parliament was called the Reichstag. It was made up of elected representatives who helped make laws. However, the Emperor still had a lot of power during this period.

The Weimar Republic's Parliament

After World War I, Germany became a republic, known as the Weimar Republic (1919-1933). The parliament during this time was also called the Reichstag. It was a very important period for German democracy, even though it faced many challenges.

The Bundestag: Today's Parliament

Today, the German parliament is called the Bundestag. It is the main law-making body in Germany. The Bundestag meets in the historic Reichstag Building in Berlin. This shows a connection to the past while looking forward to the future of German democracy. Members of the Bundestag are elected by the people of Germany to represent them and make decisions for the country.