Knives and pepper spray in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Germany bans carrying one-handed knives and fixed blades over 12 cm in public unless there is a legitimate interest. Pepper spray is a prohibited weapon unless approved and marked with an official test mark.

RuleWhat applies
Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public placesCarrying a folding knife is not banned by § 42a, which names only one-handed knives and fixed blades over 12 cm. Switchblades and gravity knives are prohibited weapons. [1]
Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public placesCarrying a knife with a blade that can be locked with one hand (Einhandmesser) in public is banned, unless there is a legitimate interest. [1]
Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public placesCarrying a fixed-blade knife with a blade over 12 cm in public is banned, unless there is a legitimate interest. [1]
Pepper sprayCarrying in public placesObjects with irritant substances are prohibited weapons unless the substances are officially approved, range and spraying time are limited and the item bears an official test mark. [2]
Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public placesThe § 42a ban does not apply to film, TV or theatre use or transport in a closed container. Carrying one-handed or large fixed-blade knives is allowed with a legitimate interest, such as work, tradition, sport or another recognised purpose. [1]

Notes

  • Local weapon bans, for example in weapon-free zones or at events, were not checked here.
  • The article does not say who may buy or carry such a spray or from what age. This was not checked here.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 42a WaffG – Verbot des Führens von Anscheinswaffen und bestimmten tragbaren Gegenständen (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): Anlage 2 (zu § 2 Abs. 2 bis 4) WaffG – Waffenliste (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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