Beginning in the 12th century, Etgert was part of the Mark Thalfang, a territory roughly corresponding to today's Verbandsgemeinde.

Until administrative reform in Rhineland-Palatinate in 1969, the municipality belonged to the Bernkastel district, whose seat was at Bernkastel-Kues.

Today Etgert is part of the Verbandsgemeinde of Thalfang am Erbeskopf.

The council is made up of 6 council members, who were elected by majority vote at the municipal election held on 7 June 2009, and the honorary mayor as chairman.

There are small businesses serving local demands.