Germany is known for its efficiency, organization, and well-structured legal system. However, over the centuries, a few unusual laws have remained in place—some of which may surprise both locals and visitors. From bans on certain behaviors to strict regulations that seem out of place in the modern world, here are some strange German laws that you won’t believe still exist.
1. It’s Illegal to Run Out of Fuel on the Autobahn
Germany’s Autobahn is famous for its lack of speed limits on certain sections. However, if you run out of gas while driving, you could face a fine. According to German traffic laws, stopping on the Autobahn is only allowed in emergency situations—running out of fuel is considered preventable and not an emergency.
Fine: Up to €70 for stopping on the Autobahn due to fuel shortage.
Reasoning: The law exists to prevent accidents caused by sudden stops.
2. It’s Illegal to Wash Your Car at Home in Many Areas
In many parts of Germany, washing your car on the street or in your driveway is prohibited unless you use a designated car wash. This law is in place to protect the environment from soap, oil, and chemicals draining into public waterways.
Fine: Varies by municipality, but can be up to €50-100.
Exception: Some regions allow it if you have a designated drainage system that prevents contamination.
3. A Pillow Can Be Considered a Weapon
Believe it or not, in some legal contexts, a pillow is classified as a passive weapon in Germany. This means that if you use it in an attack, it could be treated as assault.
Reasoning: In legal disputes, especially domestic cases, objects used to harm another person—no matter how soft—can be considered weapons.
Unlikely to be enforced unless used in an actual crime.
4. It’s Illegal to Make Excessive Noise on Sundays
Germany has strict Ruhetag (quiet day) laws, especially on Sundays and public holidays. This means you cannot mow your lawn, hammer nails, or play loud music during certain hours.
Restricted activities: Vacuuming, drilling, and even excessive noise from children playing outdoors can lead to complaints.
Fine: Up to €5,000 in extreme cases, though usually just a warning.
Reasoning: Sundays are considered a day of rest and should be peaceful for all residents.
5. It’s Illegal to Address a Police Officer as “Du”
In German, there are formal (Sie) and informal (Du) ways of addressing people. Using “Du” for a police officer instead of the respectful “Sie” can be considered an insult, leading to legal consequences.
Fine: Can range from €500 to €1,000, depending on the severity.
Reasoning: Germany has strict laws against public insult (Beleidigung), especially toward officials.
6. You Must Be Able to See the Sky from Your Office
By law, German workplaces must provide employees with access to natural daylight. Offices must have at least one window that allows workers to see the sky.
Reasoning: To ensure a healthy and productive work environment.
Exception: Some underground facilities are allowed to bypass this regulation under special circumstances.
7. It’s Illegal to Keep an Empty Beer Glass in Your Hand for Too Long at Oktoberfest
At Oktoberfest, holding an empty beer glass for too long can signal to the waitstaff that you need another round. Some festival venues even have policies that require empty glasses to be removed promptly, preventing guests from reusing them.
Not a government law, but strictly enforced at Oktoberfest.
Solution: If you don’t want a refill, return your empty glass quickly.
8. You Must Walk Your Dog at Least Twice a Day
In 2021, Germany introduced a dog welfare law requiring pet owners to walk their dogs at least twice a day for a total of one hour.
Reasoning: Ensures proper exercise and animal welfare.
Enforcement: While difficult to monitor, fines can be imposed for neglecting pets.
9. It’s Illegal to Sing the First Verse of the German National Anthem
The song Deutschlandlied is Germany’s national anthem, but only the third stanza is officially used. Singing the first stanza—associated with Nazi Germany—can be seen as offensive and even legally punishable.
It’s not technically illegal to sing the first verse of the German national anthem, it is widely considered inappropriate and discouraged.
Exception: Singing for historical or educational purposes is generally allowed.
10. You Can Be Fined for Not Having a Snow-Free Sidewalk in Winter
If you live in Germany, you are responsible for clearing the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of your house during winter months.
Fine: Up to €500 if someone slips and gets injured.
Exception: Some apartment buildings have a shared responsibility for tenants.
While Germany has a well-structured legal system, some laws seem strange, outdated, or unusually strict to outsiders. Whether you’re visiting or living in Germany, it’s good to be aware of these rules to avoid fines—or at least have a good laugh at how unique they are!
Want to learn more about German laws and traditions? Check out our related articles:
