Brandenburg Freedom Prize: Understanding the Basic Law inspires schools!

Brandenburg Freedom Prize: Understanding the Basic Law inspires schools!

On October 11, 2025, the Brandenburg Freedom Prize will be awarded in the magnificent Brandenburg Cathedral. In the venerable walls, which not only tell a long past but also shape a political history, the association “GrundgesetzVergehen” receives the award. The award ceremony is an event that not only underlines the importance of the idea of ​​freedom, but also aims to raise awareness of the fundamental rights that are enshrined in the Basic Law. The award is endowed with 15,000 euros and will be recognized by former Federal President Joachim Gauck in a laudatory speech. This solemn event is accompanied by a greeting from the Brandenburg State Chancellery, which will be given by Kathrin Schneider, head of the chancellery (SPD). The prize, which has been awarded every two years since 2015, is supported by the non-profit initiative dedicated to educating young people about their constitutional rights and responsibilities.

But what is really behind the work of “GrundgesetzVergehen”? The association has taken up the cause of informing school classes nationwide about the Basic Law. In doing so, it gives students who are studying in secondary school 1 and 2 an understanding of their freedoms and responsibilities. The need for this information has increased significantly; There are currently an average of three to four school visits per week. The didactic offering covers topics such as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion.

Understanding and experiencing freedom

The events offered by the association usually last 90 minutes and take into account different teaching methods such as group work, discussions and simulation games. The topics “Freedom of Expression – Basics” and “Freedom of Expression in Social Media” are particularly popular. “Understanding the Basic Law” aims to promote knowledge about the Basic Law so that young people learn to better understand and appreciate their rights. This shows the essential need for education and enlightenment, which is also underlined by the Conference of Ministers of Education, which emphasizes the right to education as an inalienable human right.

At a time when the topic of freedom of various natures is being discussed, the awarding of the Freedom Prize is a clear signal. Freedom rights are not only politically important, but also personally and corporately important. This prize is awarded in a year marked by German unity and is a reminder of the development and challenges facing the education system. Especially in times when almost 30% of children and young people do not meet the minimum competency standards, it becomes clear how important it is to create and ensure equal opportunities in education, which is also stipulated in the Basic Law.

A political cathedral

The location of the award ceremony was not chosen by chance: Brandenburg Cathedral, which is 850 years old, has a deep political history. It was the scene of important events in German history, be it during the revolution of 1848, during the Nazi dictatorship or during the GDR era. The connection between education, freedom and the political dimension of the cathedral is a powerful symbol. The cathedral is even described as a political cathedral that has played a significant role in various historical contexts.

In a world that is characterized by different perspectives on freedom, the Brandenburg Freedom Prize is constantly being reconsidered and can be an impetus for many people to live and defend their rights and freedoms more actively. The award ceremony is not only a ceremony, but also an appeal to everyone to engage with the values ​​of the Basic Law and thus stand up for a democratic and open society. Details about the initiative can be found on the official website of the Brandenburger Freiheitspreis and on the importance of the right to education on the Deutsches Schulportal.