Drinking age and alcohol sales in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: Beer, wine and sparkling wine may not be sold or served to under 16s, and other alcohol not to under 18s. From 14, beer and wine are allowed in public places with a parent or guardian. Public vending machines for alcohol are banned unless minors cannot reach them.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol16 years [1]
Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol18 years [1]
Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcoholYoung people aged 14 or over may be served and may drink beer, wine and sparkling wine in public places if a parent or legal guardian is with them. Spirits stay banned under 18. [1]
Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol⚠ Not yet verified
Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcoholAlcohol may not be sold from public vending machines, unless the machine is where minors cannot get to it or technical measures or constant supervision keep minors from taking drinks. Alcopops sold commercially must carry the warning "Abgabe an Personen unter 18 Jahren verboten, § 9 Jugendschutzgesetz". [1]

Notes

  • Under 16s may not be sold or served beer, wine or sparkling wine in public places. From 14 they may, if a parent or legal guardian is with them (§ 9 Abs. 2 JuSchG).

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz: § 9 JuSchG - Einzelnorm (Jugendschutzgesetz, § 9 Alkoholische Getränke) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources

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