A sperrklausel, also known as a "threshold" or "legal barrier," is a provision in a proportional representation electoral system that excludes parties or lists from the distribution of seats if they receive below a certain percentage of the total votes. Its purpose is to prevent the "fragmentation" of the parliament.
In addition to the "explicit" sperrklausel, there is also an "implicit" (or "de facto") sperrklausel. This refers to the minimum number of votes a party needs to qualify for the first seat. This minimum is determined by the number of seats to be filled and the specific seat allocation method used.
In the case of an explicit sperrklausel, the specific threshold is prescribed by law (e.g., 5% of the votes cast). When referring to a "sperrklausel" without further specification, it typically means an explicit sperrklausel.