Age is one condition among several.
Local elections here concern municipal and county councils. German citizens and nationals of other EU member states can vote if they are at least 16 on election day and meet the legal local requirements. Simply living in Germany does not qualify every person.
The local requirement is generally a home in the electoral area for at least six weeks. The law also covers habitual residence without a home outside that area. For multiple homes, the main residence matters. A judicial exclusion from voting must not apply.
The other three answers
Voting and being elected have different age thresholds.
14
14 is too early to cast a ballot. Political interest or other forms of participation do not change this voting-age threshold.
18
18 is the minimum age for election to a local representative body under section 6. The minimum age for voting is instead 16.
20
20 is not an additional waiting threshold. Someone meeting the conditions does not have to wait four years after turning 16.
The type of election also matters.
Schleswig-Holstein also permits voting from 16 in Landtag elections. That does not establish one age threshold for every election and every state. Always read which election and location are specified.
Standing as a candidate additionally requires section 6’s conditions, including generally three months’ residence or the legally specified habitual stay in Schleswig-Holstein. For a particular election, consult the current information from the responsible electoral authority.
Sections 3–6 · Municipal and County Elections Act ↗Vote locally: from 16. Stand for a council seat: from 18.
The test asks only for the minimum age to cast a ballot.
Three words for this question
- das aktive Wahlrechtright to vote
- The right to cast a ballot.
- die Wählbarkeiteligibility for election
- Legal eligibility to be elected to an office or body.
- der Wahlscheinpolling certificate
- An official document permitting voting under the applicable rules.