Berlin launches digital tool "Gretchenfrage" for the House of Representatives election

How the tool is meant to work

Spranger pointed to the particular significance of the project in light of the House of Representatives election in March. In the weeks before election day, the risk is especially high that false reports will be deliberately spread to undermine trust in democratic institutions. With "Gretchenfrage," the Senate wants to counter this development.

The project is supported by scientists and civil society organizations that bring experience in analyzing disinformation. External experts are also to be brought in when it comes to assessing complex cases — for instance, when images or audio recordings could have been manipulated using artificial intelligence.

According to the Senate, the project is part of a broader strategy to strengthen democratic resilience in Berlin. This includes information campaigns in neighborhoods, schools, and public institutions, as well as cooperation with local media. Experiences from other federal states, such as the state election in Rhineland-Palatinate, have been incorporated into the concept.

Background: Disinformation before elections

The tool's name picks up the famous question from Goethe's "Faust" — "Nun sag, wie hast du's mit der Religion?" — and transfers it to the question of the truthfulness of digital content. Spranger said the name is meant to invite users to ask critical questions themselves rather than passing on claims unverified.

Until now, the Senate administration has primarily reacted to specific incidents, such as manipulated audio recordings or fake polls. With "Gretchenfrage," this approach is now to be made permanent and systematized. According to spokesperson Fynn Dresler, the offering will be available in several languages in the coming weeks and is to be continued beyond the election.

Political scientist Stephan Bröchler sees the project as a model for other federal states. The point, he says, is not to leave the defense of democracy to the security authorities alone, but to involve civil society as well. Bröchler emphasized that such offerings only work if they are publicized early and widely.

Reactions and open questions

Critical voices in the digital community point out that a single tool cannot stop the spread of disinformation. They are also calling for greater transparency about the criteria by which content is evaluated, and for a clear delineation from state censorship. Spranger said in response that "Gretchenfrage" does not make any decisions about deletions but merely provides guidance.

It remains unclear so far how many people will actually use the offering. The Senate announced a accompanying evaluation to be published after the election in March. Until then, the plan is to raise awareness of the tool primarily through social media, neighborhood centers, and multipliers.

The launch of "Gretchenfrage" comes at a time when several European countries are testing similar initiatives. In Berlin, according to the Senator for the Interior, the project is also intended to show that promoting democracy can be shaped concretely in the digital space — and not exist merely as an abstract buzzword.