In Germany, you cannot simply own any old pistol or hunting rifle and keep it in a drawer at home. It is certainly forbidden to carry them in public. In most cases, legal gun ownership requires a gun ownership card or even a firearms licence. Even the possession of certain types of knives is prohibited, as they too are classified as weapons.
There are three categories of weapons in Germany: those that do not require a licence, those that do require a licence (for which a firearms licence card is needed), and finally, prohibited weapons.
What is permitted from the age of 18
Weapons not subject to authorisation may be purchased and possessed from the age of 18: these include air guns, spring-powered guns and CO₂ guns, which are marked with an ‘F in a pentagon’. Also legal are alarm guns, gas guns and signal guns bearing a PTB mark within a circle, as well as historical muzzle-loading firearms. Crossbows and bows, irritant sprays and animal repellent sprays, as well as approved stun guns bearing the PTB test mark, are also included. The abbreviation PTB refers to testing carried out by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB).
Only permitted in public with a licence
Although you are permitted to own these weapons, you are not allowed to carry most licence-exempt weapons in public. To be permitted to carry them in public – referred to in the law as ‘carrying’ – a ‘Kleiner Waffenschein’ (minor firearms licence) is generally required. You must also carry a valid passport or identity card. Before issuing the licence, the authorities check the applicant’s reliability and personal suitability. Requirements include, amongst other things, a clean police record, and no alcohol or drug addiction or mental health conditions. The ‘Kleiner Waffenschein’ does not authorise the holder to fire a weapon, not even on New Year’s Eve. Nor does it override the ban on carrying weapons at public events.
When a firearms licence is essential
To purchase and possess firearms subject to authorisation, you first need a firearms licence. This is only granted to those who can prove that they meet the personal requirements and that the firearm is stored in a special safe. If you wish to carry the firearm in public, a full firearms licence is even required. However, a firearms licence is difficult to obtain. The desire to feel safer is not sufficient. Anyone applying for a firearms licence for personal protection must demonstrate a credible risk to their safety. Liability insurance is also required to obtain a firearms licence.
Prohibited weapons
Under the German Firearms Act, weapons prohibited in Germany include, amongst others, military weapons, pump-action shotguns and fully automatic weapons. Also prohibited are brass knuckles, steel rods and blunt instruments, throwing stars and certain knives. ‘Imitation weapons’ are also prohibited: this applies to all weapons which, whilst unable to fire, bear a deceptive resemblance to a real weapon – including some airsoft guns.
What rules apply to knives?
Ordinary kitchen knives and many pocket knives are legal. Butterfly knives, on the other hand, are classified as prohibited items. In principle, their purchase and possession are already prohibited.
Carrying knives with a blade that can be locked with one hand is generally prohibited. This refers to knives whose blade can be opened and locked using one hand. The ban also applies to fixed-blade knives with a blade length exceeding twelve centimetres. Exceptions apply, for example, if the knife is required for work, sport or another generally recognised purpose.
Additional bans on public transport or at events must nevertheless be observed.
Where are even small knives prohibited?
At public events such as fairs, markets or sporting events, you are generally not permitted to carry weapons or knives. The knife ban applies regardless of the blade length. There are legal exceptions, for example for professional use or the transport of a knife that cannot be accessed quickly.
A ban on weapons and knives also applies on long-distance public transport. In Baden-Württemberg, this also applies to railway stations and stops. The ban also applies there on all buses, trams, S-Bahn trains and regional trains. Pocket knives and kitchen knives are also covered. Exceptions include, amongst other things, the professional use of knives and those that are so securely packed that they cannot be accessed quickly. A ‘Kleiner Waffenschein’ (restricted firearms licence) does not exempt you from this ban. Violations are punishable by fines of up to 10,000 euros. Weapons and knives may also be confiscated.
How can you take a kitchen knife you have bought home?
Anyone taking a kitchen knife they have bought home on public transport can make use of the exception for ‘transport where the item is not readily accessible’. According to the official explanation from the state of Baden-Württemberg, this means: the knife must only be accessible after more than three steps.
For knives that fall under the carrying ban pursuant to Section 42a of the Weapons Act, there is an explicit exception for transport in a locked container. This applies, for example, to a kitchen knife with a fixed blade longer than twelve centimetres. An example of such a container is a case secured with a lock.
What do the police recommend in the event of a threat?
The police advise keeping your distance, avoiding provocation and moving away if a situation becomes threatening. Those affected can, for example, seek refuge in a shop or restaurant or move to another train compartment. Anyone needing help should address a specific person: “You in the green jacket, please help me! Call the police!” In an acute emergency, dial the emergency number 110. Criminal offences should be reported afterwards.
The police advise against carrying knives or pepper spray for self-defence. Such items can escalate a conflict or be used against the person concerned. As an alternative, they recommend a personal alarm. Its loud signal can alert people in the vicinity.
How do you apply for a licence in Tübingen?
Anyone living in the city of Tübingen should contact the firearms authority within the city’s Public Order and Trade Department. It is located at Schmiedtorstraße 4. It can be contacted on 07071 204-2234 and via waffenbehoerde@tuebingen.de
To obtain a Minor Firearms Licence, an application form must be completed and signed, and proof of identity must be provided. The form also asks for details of places of residence over the past five years. For a firearms ownership card or a full firearms licence, different application forms and additional supporting documents are required. The firearms authority provides information on the necessary documents, the application process and the fees.
Anyone living in another town or municipality within the district of Tübingen should first enquire with the relevant firearms authority. The Tübingen District Office is only responsible for some of the municipalities. Jurisdiction is determined by your place of residence.
Further information:
Firearms Act, in particular Sections 4 to 8, 10, 19, 38, 42, 42a and 42b, as well as Annexes 1 and 2:
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/
Tübingen District Office: Firearms legislation, responsibilities, applications and information sheets. The information sheet on the ‘Kleines Waffenschein’ (minor firearms licence) published there is dated July 2017 and was used to supplement the current legal text:
https://www.kreis-tuebingen.de/waffenbehoerde
State of Baden-Württemberg: Ban on firearms and knives on local public transport, exceptions and transport regulations:
https://www.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/service/presse/pressemitteilung/pid/land-verbietet-waffen-und-messer-im-nahverkehr
Criminal Prevention by the Police of the Federal States and the Federal Government: How to behave in threatening situations:
https://www.polizei-beratung.de/themen-und-tipps/gewalt/gewalt-unterwegs/
City of Tübingen: Public Order and Trade Department, contact details for the firearms authority:
https://www.tuebingen.de/ordnung
City of Tübingen: Application for a small firearms licence:
https://www.tuebingen.de/verwaltung/uploads/antrag_kleiner_waffenschein.pdf
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