Age of majority in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: In Germany adulthood begins at 18, which is also the federal voting age and the minimum age to marry. Children under 14 are not criminally responsible.

RuleWhat applies
Age of majorityLegal adulthoodAdulthood begins on completing the 18th year of age. [1]
Voting age (national elections)Legal adulthoodEvery person who has completed 18 years of age may vote in federal elections (Bundestag). [2]
Minimum age to marryLegal adulthoodA marriage may not be entered into before adulthood, so the minimum age is 18. A marriage with a person under 16 cannot validly be entered into. [3]
Age of criminal responsibilityLegal adulthoodA child who was not yet 14 years old when the act was committed is not criminally responsible. [4]

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) § 2 Eintritt der Volljährigkeit (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Art. 38 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) § 1303 Ehemündigkeit (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): Strafgesetzbuch (StGB) § 19 Schuldunfähigkeit des Kindes (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.