pensable for marriage, the Code ~lso provides that man and ~oman 7 · d .. 1 · ,. _, . . ,"'"t_ _, can on_y get r.iarr::.e; a,te:--comp_et:.on o, .. ne:.r e:.g,,1.een1..n yc:ar· (Section 5 of the Family Code). Section 7 of the Code stipulates that the partners shall be~r a common name, but they are free to choose either the man's or the woman's family name. If there is a legitimate interest, either spouse may be allow~d to add to the common family name his or her own name (Law ralatina ..., to the registration of births, -12 - marri~ges_and deaths of 4 December 1981, Article 11, Gesetz­ blatt I, No. 36, page 421). Only a duly registere~ marriage is valid in the GDR U-,rticle 13 of the above Lzli'I). The application of the basic principle of partners' equality in their family rel~tions is governed by Sections 9 and 10 of the Family Code. Both partners h~ve equal rights and a joint responsibili~y for the upbririging·of their-~hildren (Seition 45- of the Farnily Code) and concerning the running of their common ... household. Relations between the spouses shall be arranged in a manner that will allow the wife to reconcile her vocational and social activities with motherhood. Section 11 of the Code stipulates the right of both partners to act on each other's - behalf in .:ill affairs of their marital life. The earned income of the spouses and comparable recurring gains by virtue of the law constitute common property (ibid. Section 13). And the law makes no distinction between men and women with regard to the fostering of children (Section 104 ff.), guardianship over minors (Section 88 ff.) or the adoption of children (Section 66 ff.). In accordance with Section 24 of the Family Code a marriage 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the laws and regulations surrounding marriage and family relationships in the GDR (German Democratic Republic). It mentions specific sections of the Family Code and other laws, which suggests a focus on the social and legal aspects of family life.

**Category**
Family, Law