Editing Beamter (section)

==Beamte, Richter and Soldaten==
Although officially not having the status of Beamte, Richter (''judges'') and Soldaten (''soldiers'' for a fixed term of two years above; this does not include [former] conscripts and volunteers of up to 23 months) have similar rights and duties to Beamte. For one thing, they are also paid according to the '''Bundesbesoldungsgesetz'''; soldiers according to Orders A and B, and judges according to Order R, as are public prosecutors.  The latter are, nevertheless, Beamte; soldiers and judges are not. Furthermore, they practically cannot be dismissed, and have the same income. Soldiers and judges are also expected to swear an oath on the Constitution.

Judges are not Beamte, although they were until the mid-1950s. Until then, judges were also paid according to Order A, and usually had the titles "Justiz-" or "Gerichtsrat". However, officials represent the executive branch of government, while judges are independent of the government. Beamte have a duty to obey direct orders from a superior, which is incompatible with an independent system of justice.