The CDU and far-right AfD have led in polls in the run-up to the election, but the makeup of the new Bundestag is uncertain. Follow the results live, as they come in after polls close at 1800CET. Exit poll expected shortly after polls close with first official results within the next hour or two.

• Full coverage on the live blog

In elections to the Bundestag, or federal parliament, German voters cast two votes. The “first vote” is to elect a “direct” representative for their local constituency, much like in a British election: the candidate with the most votes wins the seat.